Artichoke
A leaf extract studied for digestion and cholesterol.
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What it is
Artichoke leaf extract contains compounds (like cynarin) that stimulate bile flow, which underlies its use for digestion and cholesterol.
How it works
Artichoke leaf extract contains compounds (like cynarin) that stimulate bile flow, which underlies its use for digestion and cholesterol. Better bile flow aids fat digestion and may help the body clear cholesterol.
What it's been studied for
Taken to support digestion, bloating, and healthy cholesterol.
What the evidence shows
Artichoke leaf extract has some supportive evidence for easing indigestion symptoms and modestly improving cholesterol, better than many traditional digestive herbs though still not definitive.
Who should consider it
It's used to support digestion, bloating, and healthy cholesterol, with somewhat better evidence than many traditional digestive herbs. People with gallstones or bile-duct obstruction should avoid it without guidance.
Amounts commonly studied
Studies commonly use standardized leaf extracts of a few hundred mg, once to a few times daily.
How to take it
Studies commonly use standardized leaf extracts of a few hundred mg, once to a few times daily. It's distinct from eating the artichoke vegetable.
Forms & absorption
Standardized leaf extracts (distinct from eating the vegetable).
Food sources
The artichoke vegetable provides fiber and nutrients, but the studied compounds come from concentrated leaf extracts.
Safety & interactions
Generally well tolerated; may cause gas. Because it stimulates bile, people with gallstones or bile-duct obstruction should avoid it without medical guidance.
Myths & what it won't do
Myth: eating artichokes gives the same effect. Reality: the studies use concentrated standardized leaf extracts, not the vegetable. Myth: it's fine for everyone. Reality: because it stimulates bile, people with gallstones or bile-duct blockage should avoid it without medical guidance.
Common questions
- Does artichoke help cholesterol?
- There's some evidence that artichoke leaf extract can modestly lower cholesterol and ease indigestion — better supported than many digestive herbs.
- Extract or the vegetable?
- The studies use concentrated leaf extracts; the edible vegetable is nutritious but not the same as the therapeutic extract.
- Who should avoid it?
- People with gallstones or a bile-duct blockage should avoid it without medical guidance, since it stimulates bile flow.
The amounts listed here are what published research has used — not a prescription or a recommended dose for you. Confirm anything you plan to take with your own healthcare provider, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.
Related goals
Research on Artichoke
Recommendations on this page are informed by published research. This is educational information, not medical advice.
- Wider B, Pittler MH, Thompson-Coon J, Ernst E. Artichoke leaf extract for treating hypercholesterolaemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(4):CD003335. View study →Note: Found some evidence that artichoke leaf extract can lower cholesterol, but cautioned that the trials were few and modest.