Quick Summary

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a medicinal plant traditionally used mainly for its antioxidant, hepatoprotective, lipid-lowering, and gastrointestinal benefits. Recent clinical studies and meta-analyses suggest it may modestly improve cardiometabolic markers including blood lipids, blood pressure, insulin levels, and liver enzymes. Evidence is evolving, and standardized formulations and well-controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

What Is It?

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, cultivated for its edible flower buds. It has a history of use in traditional medicine for various health purposes, particularly related to the liver and digestive system.

Traditional Uses

Traditionally, artichoke has been used for its antioxidant properties and to support liver health. It is also known for its potential to improve digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, and support gastrointestinal function.

Active Compounds

Artichoke contains several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, cynarin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and various antioxidants that are thought to contribute to its medicinal effects.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Cardiometabolic Health (Moderate evidence): Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) report modest but statistically significant reductions in BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, and liver enzymes ALT and ALP. Effects on body weight, hip circumference, HDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c were not significant (Jafari et al., 2025, PMID 41270328).
  • Hypercholesterolemia (Low to Moderate evidence): Small RCTs and some meta-analyses suggest artichoke leaf extract may modestly reduce total and LDL cholesterol, although evidence is limited by sample size and trial quality (Wider et al., 2013, 2009; Shahinfar et al., 2021, PMID 34569671).
  • Blood Pressure (Low to Moderate evidence): Meta-analyses report potential systolic and diastolic blood pressure reductions, especially in hypertensive individuals and with longer supplementation durations (>8-12 weeks), though findings vary (Amini et al., 2022, PMID 35949557; Moradi et al., 2021, PMID 33465383).
  • Liver Function / Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) (Low to Moderate evidence): Clinical trials and systematic reviews suggest artichoke supplementation may lower liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and improve liver steatosis markers. Animal studies indicate hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects, but human data remain limited (Amini et al., 2022, PMID 35949559; Doostkam et al., 2022, PMID 35186807).
  • Glycemic Control (Low evidence): Some clinical trials indicate possible reductions in fasting blood sugar and insulin resistance, though effects on HbA1c are inconsistent. More long-term research is needed (Jalili et al., 2020, PMID 32951745).
  • Male Infertility in Diabetic Models (Preclinical evidence): In diabetic rats, artichoke combined with Bifidobacterium longum showed antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and fertility improvement effects, suggesting potential but preliminary benefits (Ansari et al., 2024, PMID 39386078).

Side Effects

Artichoke supplementation appears generally well tolerated with few mild and transient adverse events reported. Rare side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea. No serious adverse events have been specifically linked to artichoke in the reviewed human studies.

Drug Interactions

There are no specific clinical data on drug interactions involving artichoke. Caution is advised when combining artichoke supplements with medications that affect liver metabolism or blood pressure until further evidence is available.

Who Should Avoid It

Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should avoid artichoke. People currently taking antihypertensive or cholesterol-lowering medications should consult healthcare providers before using artichoke supplements. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established; therefore, use is not recommended during these periods without medical supervision.

Evidence Limitations

  • Most clinical trials have small sample sizes, short durations, and variations in artichoke extract formulations and dosages.
  • Heterogeneity in study populations and outcomes limits generalizability.
  • Long-term safety and efficacy data are lacking.
  • Some evidence derives from animal studies, which may not fully translate to humans.
  • More well-designed, larger randomized controlled trials with standardized extracts are required.

References

  • Jafari A, Karimi MA, Mahmoudinezhad M, Razavi F, Mardani H, Musazadeh V. Artichoke and cardiometabolic health: A systematic and meta-analytic synthesis of current evidence. 2025. PMID: 41270328. DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2025.103328.
  • Amini MR, Sheikhhossein F, Talebyan A, Bazshahi E, Djafari F, Hekmatdoost A. Effects of Artichoke Supplementation on Liver Enzymes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. 2022. PMID: 35949559. DOI: 10.7762/cnr.2022.11.3.228.
  • Amini MR, Sheikhhossein F, Alvani M, Shoura SMS, Sohrabnavi A, Heidarian E, Hekmatdoost A. Anti-Hypertensive Effects of Artichoke Supplementation in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-response Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. 2022. PMID: 35949557. DOI: 10.7762/cnr.2022.11.3.214.
  • Shahinfar H, Bazshahi E, Amini MR, et al. Effects of Artichoke Leaf Extract Supplementation or Artichoke Juice Consumption on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. 2021. PMID: 34569671. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7247.
  • Jalili C, Moradi S, Babaei A, et al. Effects of Cynara scolymus L. on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. 2020. PMID: 32951745. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102496.
  • Moradi M, Sohrabi G, Golbidi M, et al. The effects of artichoke on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. 2021. PMID: 33465383. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102668.
  • Doostkam A, Fathalipour M, Anbardar MH, et al. Therapeutic Effects of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L.) and Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Rats. 2022. PMID: 35186807. DOI: 10.1155/2022/2868904.
  • Ansari Z, Maleki MH, Roohy F, et al. Protective effects of artichoke extract and Bifidobacterium longum on male infertility in diabetic rats. 2024. PMID: 39386078. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101834.
  • Wider B, Pittler MH, Thompson-Coon J, Ernst E. Artichoke leaf extract for treating hypercholesterolaemia. Cochrane Review. 2013. PMID: 23543518. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003335.pub3.
  • Fogacci F, Giovannini M, Di Micoli A, et al. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels. 2024. PMID: 38892519. DOI: 10.3390/nu16111587.
  • Riva A, Petrangolini G, Allegrini P, et al. Artichoke and Bergamot Phytosome Alliance: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial in Mild Hypercholesterolemia. 2021. PMID: 35010984. DOI: 10.3390/nu14010108.

Last Reviewed

June 2024

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.