What Is Artichoke Extract?

Artichoke leaf extract, made from artichokes found in grocery stores, is thought by some to offer numerous health benefits, including lowering cholesterol in the blood. Others contend that it can promote weight loss, treat acid reflux, prevent hangovers, or even "cleanse" the liver. The evidence supporting these claims is generally weak.

Artichoke leaf extracts are taken by mouth and mainly sold in capsule or gelcap forms. There are also concentrated liquid forms you can take with a dropper. Artichoke leaf extract is sometimes even infused into face creams for its purported anti-aging effects.

This article explores the various health claims about artichoke leaf extract, with a special focus on its use in treating high cholesterol. It also explains how the over-the-counter supplement is taken as well as the possible risks.

Health Benefits

There are many health claims made about artichoke leaf extract, although the evidence remains lacking. With that said, there have been some promising results that require further investigation. Learn more about some of the findings published in medical research.

Anti-Aging

Artichoke leaf extract is sometimes infused into face creams claiming it has anti-aging effects.

A 2018 study published in the journal Molecule suggested that artichoke extract cream reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation in the skin. By doing so, it may help reduce sagging and roughness. The study authors reported the artichoke extract cream resulted in a 19.74% improvement in skin roughness and an 11.45% improvement in skin elasticity compared to the placebo cream.

Liver Disease

There are claims that artichoke extract "cleanses" the liver. Some studies suggest that it may reduce liver inflammation in adults with fatty liver disease, but there is no evidence that it can either reduce or reverse liver toxicity.

A 2016 study in the International Journal of Hepatology concluded that 2,700 milligrams (mg) of artichoke extract taken daily reduced liver enzymes in 30 adults with advanced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD) compared to 30 adults given a placebo (sham drug).

More research is needed to confirm the benefits to liver health, but artichoke extract won't prevent or reverse liver injury caused by excessive alcohol intake.

High Blood Pressure

Two separate reviews of seven and eight studies, respectively, concluded that artichoke supplementation showed a statistically significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension.

It isn't currently known how the supplement lowers blood pressure. It's also unclear whether eating artichokes would provide the same blood pressure-lowering benefit since the artichoke extract used in the studies is highly concentrated.

Kidney Disease

A 2016 study in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmacological Science reported that artichoke extract delivered by injection normalized kidney function in rats with drug-induced kidney disease. These same effects have yet to be demonstrated in humans.

Weight Loss

A 2018 study published in the journal Nutrients reported that artichoke leaf extract reversed the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, including waist circumference and high blood sugar, in obese rats fed a high-fat diet. The same has yet to be shown in humans.

There are also claims that artichoke leaf extract has anti-cancer properties and can reduce the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the studies were done in animals, not humans, or were conducted two decades ago and haven't been studied further.

To date, there is not enough evidence to support the use of artichoke leaf extract in treating any of the above health conditions.

Spotlight on Artichokes and High Cholesterol

It is not yet clear how effective artichokes are in lowering cholesterol. Studies thus far have been mixed.

With that said, some studies suggest that artichoke leaf extract works similarly to statin drugs commonly used to treat hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). Statins work by blocking an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that plays a role in cholesterol production.

This suggests that artichoke leaf extract may play a role in the management of mild hypercholesterolemia.

Artichokes also contain plant-based compounds called flavonoids that may help reduce the oxidation of LDL, a process that contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and heart disease.

Possible Side Effects

Artichokes are safe when eaten as food. Studies suggest that artichoke supplements may also be safe when taken for up to 23 months.

Side effects, if any, tend to be mild and may include:

• Gas or bloating
• Belching
• A metallic or "off" taste
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea

Artichoke supplements can cause a reaction in people who are allergic to marigolds, daisies, and other similar plants. The allergic reaction tends to be mild, causing mild upset stomach and loose stools.

It's important to remember that just because a product is "natural" doesn't necessarily mean that it is safe or beneficial.

Dosage and Preparation

There is no recommended dose for artichoke leaf extract in any form. The amounts used in research vary from 250 to 2,700 mg per day. As a general rule, never exceed the dosage listed on the product level.

A 2018 study in Current Drug Safety reported that an older adult being treated for diabetes and high blood pressure took 1.5 liters (roughly six cups) of artichoke infusion and was hospitalized with extreme anemia and liver poisoning.

What to Look For

You can find artichoke leaf extract online or in stores and pharmacies where other herbal extracts and nutritional supplements are sold.

Nutritional supplements are not heavily regulated in the United States, and the quality can vary from one brand to the next. To ensure purity, only buy supplements that have been voluntarily submitted for inspection by an independent certifying body like U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.

Certification does not mean that a supplement works or is inherently safe. It only means that it contains the ingredients listed on the product label in the correct amounts and that no impurities have been found.

Summary

Claims that artichoke leaf extract can help lower cholesterol remain unproven. The evidence supporting similar claims is also weak, including the use of artichoke leaf extract for weight loss, high blood pressure, liver disease, or kidney disease.

With that said, artichoke leaf extract is generally considered safe with few side effects, as long as it doesn't replace recommended medications or standard medical care. If you decide to use the supplement, let your healthcare provider know and never exceed the dose on the product label.