Artichoke Leaf Extract
Commonly used for
Liver HealthDigestive HealthHeart Health
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The cheapest product is usually low quality, but more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
What is it? / Overview
Artichoke's caffeoylquinic acids and luteolin are antioxidant and choleretic (increase bile flow) and inhibit hepatic cholesterol synthesis, improving lipid profile and reducing hepatic oxidative stress -- a meta-analysis in NAFLD found meaningful reductions in liver enzymes and lipids, the best human evidence among the liver-support botanicals in this batch.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Cynara scolymus (cardunculus) leaf extract standardized to caffeoylquinic acids (chlorogenic acid/cynarin) and luteolin
Typical dose studied: Commonly ~500-2,700 mg/day in the NAFLD/lipid trials
Timing: With meals -- choleretic, supports bile flow and digestion
Choleretic activity is the reason for the gallstone/bile-duct caution, same rationale as dandelion and guggul above.
How well does it work? / Evidence
~ Moderate evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: Cholelithiasis / Gallstones; Food Allergies
Already taking it? One of the better-supported liver/digestive botanicals in this batch -- reasonable to continue, with mild GI upset or gas as the main tolerability issue.
Research & references
Kamel AM, Farag MA (2022). Therapeutic Potential of Artichoke in the Treatment of Fatty Liver: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Medicinal Food. Ben Salem M et al. (2015). Pharmacological Studies of Artichoke Leaf Extract and Their Health Benefits. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.
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