What is artichoke extract?

Artichoke extract is a herbal supplement made from the leaves of Cynara scolymus. It contains compounds such as cynarin and luteolin that may support digestion and metabolic health.

What are the main benefits of artichoke extract?

It is commonly used to support digestive comfort, help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and support liver function. Effects can vary by product and individual.

How does artichoke extract support digestion?

It may promote bile flow, which helps with fat digestion, and can support overall digestive comfort. Some people use it for mild indigestion symptoms like bloating.

What is a typical dosage for artichoke extract?

Common supplemental amounts are about 960–1920 mg per day, depending on the extract and its concentration. Follow the product label and consider splitting doses with meals.

Who should be cautious with artichoke extract?

People with gallbladder or bile duct conditions, or those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, should use caution. If pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult a clinician before use.

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Artichoke
Extract

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Artichoke extract is a herbal supplement traditionally used for digestive, cholesterol, and liver health support.

Digestion & Gut Health Liver Health Cholesterol Management

dose range

960–1920 mg

2–3 divided doses with meals

Consumption

Take with meals to increase absorption and limit GI discomfort.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Best taken with first and second meals of the day to coincide with digestive stimulation.

Description

Artichoke extract is derived from the leaves of Cynara scolymus and contains active compounds like cynarin and luteolin. It is most commonly taken to support digestion, lower cholesterol, and promote liver health.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Moderate evidence supports artichoke extract for cholesterol management and digestive comfort; evidence for liver benefits is promising but less robust.

Supports digestive health and relieves mild indigestion

Moderate

Artichoke extract may reduce symptoms of functional dyspepsia, such as bloating and discomfort, through promoting bile production and gut motility.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals with indigestion · Adults with mild digestive complaints

S3 · Bundy R et al. Artichoke leaf extract for functional dyspepsia S5 · Examine.com: Artichoke

Helps lower total and LDL cholesterol

Moderate

Supplementation can modestly reduce total and LDL cholesterol, presumably by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and increasing bile excretion.

Particularly relevant for: Adults with borderline high cholesterol

S2 · Lamon-Fava S et al. Meta-analysis of artichoke extract and cholesterol S6 · Clinical Nutrition Research: Artichoke extract and metabolic syndrome S5 · Examine.com: Artichoke

Promotes liver health in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Limited

In small clinical trials, artichoke extract improved liver function markers in patients with NAFLD.

Particularly relevant for: People with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

S4 · Soleimani D et al. Artichoke for NAFLD: Clinical trial S7 · NIH LiverTox: Artichoke

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Artichoke extract is generally well tolerated but can cause allergic reactions and is not safe for all liver or gallbladder conditions.

warning notices

Allergic reactions possible, especially in individuals allergic to Asteraceae plants.
May worsen symptoms in people with bile duct obstruction or gallstones.
Typical side effects are mild GI discomfort.
Avoid use if allergic to Asteraceae (daisy family) plants such as ragweed, marigolds, or daisies.
Do not use if you have bile duct obstruction or gallstones unless supervised by a healthcare professional.
Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications affecting the liver.

Known interactions with medications

Cholestyramine
Cyclosporine

Contraindications / special precautions

Bile duct obstruction
Gallstones
Allergy to Asteraceae family

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Artichoke extract may interact with drugs and conditions affecting the liver or bile flow.

Artichoke extract may interfere with bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine.

drug · Cholestyramine

AvoidLimited

Why

Artichoke stimulates bile production, which may counteract the action of bile acid sequestrants.

recommendation

Avoid concurrent use without professional guidance.

S5 · Examine.com: Artichoke

Artichoke may reduce blood levels of cyclosporine via induction of liver enzymes.

drug · Cyclosporine

MonitorLimited

Why

Artichoke extract may induce liver enzymes, potentially lowering cyclosporine blood levels and effectiveness.

recommendation

Monitor cyclosporine blood levels if used together.

S1 · WebMD: Artichoke

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Stimulates bile production and flow

Cynarin and related compounds increase bile secretion, aiding fat digestion and gut motility.

S3 · Bundy R et al. Artichoke leaf extract for functional dyspepsia S5 · Examine.com: Artichoke

Inhibits cholesterol synthesis

Artichoke flavonoids (e.g., luteolin) inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, decreasing cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

S2 · Lamon-Fava S et al. Meta-analysis of artichoke extract and cholesterol S5 · Examine.com: Artichoke

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

7 sources

WebMD: Artichoke

Lamon-Fava S et al. Meta-analysis of artichoke extract and cholesterol

Meta-analysis on cholesterol effects.

Bundy R et al. Artichoke leaf extract for functional dyspepsia

RCT assessing digestive symptom relief.

Soleimani D et al. Artichoke for NAFLD: Clinical trial

Pilot RCT on liver markers in fatty liver.

Examine.com: Artichoke

Comprehensive overview of artichoke extract research.

Clinical Nutrition Research: Artichoke extract and metabolic syndrome

Study on metabolic and lipid effects.

NIH LiverTox: Artichoke

Safety and hepatotoxicity review.

Laatst bijgewerkt: 8 februari 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

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Botanicals & Natural Substances

164 items

ArtichokeExtract

Description

benefits

Supports digestive health and relieves mild indigestion

Helps lower total and LDL cholesterol

Promotes liver health in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Safety & Information

interactions

Artichoke extract may interfere with bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine.

Artichoke may reduce blood levels of cyclosporine via induction of liver enzymes.

mechanisms of action

Stimulates bile production and flow

Inhibits cholesterol synthesis

Sources & References

Botanicals & Natural Substances

Andere categorieën

Safety & Information

interactions

Artichoke extract may interfere with bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine.

Artichoke may reduce blood levels of cyclosporine via induction of liver enzymes.

mechanisms of action

Stimulates bile production and flow

Inhibits cholesterol synthesis

Sources & References

Artichoke
Extract