Extract of globe artichoke leaves.
Why it’s used: Traditionally used to support digestion and the liver.
Artichoke extract comes from the leaves of the globe artichoke, Cynara scolymus, a large thistle-like plant grown around the Mediterranean. Most people know it for its edible flower buds, but it is the bitter, silvery-green leaves that are used in herbal preparations.
Artichoke leaf has been used in European herbal tradition for centuries and is traditionally used to support digestion and the liver. The leaves contain compounds such as cynarin and chlorogenic acid, which give them their bitter taste. The European Medicines Agency recognises the traditional use of artichoke leaf for relief of digestive symptoms such as a feeling of fullness, bloating and wind. As a food supplement ingredient it has no authorised health claim.
On labels you will see artichoke leaf extract, Cynara scolymus leaf extract, or extracts standardised to cynarin or caffeoylquinic acids. Some products also list an extract ratio. It is often combined with other traditional digestive herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion or peppermint.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
A systematic review and meta-analysis pooled eight clinical trials. Artichoke significantly reduced AST and ALT versus placebo, with the clearest effect in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
In a six-week double-blind multicentre trial, 247 adults with functional dyspepsia took artichoke leaf extract (2 x 320 mg three times daily) or placebo. Overall symptom improvement and dyspepsia-related quality of life were significantly better with the extract.
A double-blind pilot trial randomised 100 adults with fatty liver disease to 600 mg artichoke leaf extract daily or placebo for two months. The extract group had lower ALT and AST, smaller liver size and improved blood lipids, with no side effects reported.
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It comes from the same plant, but from the leaves rather than the flower bud you eat. The leaves are much more bitter and contain more of compounds such as cynarin, which is why they are used in herbal preparations.
People with gallstones, bile duct blockage or other bile or liver conditions should avoid it, as should anyone allergic to daisy-family plants like ragweed or chrysanthemum. Avoid it in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and check with a pharmacist if you take medicines.
It is traditionally used to support digestion and the liver. The European Medicines Agency recognises its traditional use for relieving digestive symptoms such as fullness, bloating and wind. That recognition is based on long-standing use rather than clinical proof.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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