Artichoke leaf
Cynara scolymus
Herbs & Roots. Western & European.
Also called Globe artichoke, Cynara
Spanish: Alcachofa
Avoid with bile duct problemsA leaf extract of the globe artichoke, studied for indigestion and cholesterol.
Did you know? After eating an artichoke, water can taste sweet, thanks to compounds such as cynarin in the leaves and bracts.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Digestion & gut health. One sizable placebo-controlled trial found the extract, about 1,920 mg a day, eased indigestion. Other trials were small.Early proof
- Cholesterol. Trials are small and mixed. Some show lower total or LDL cholesterol, while others show no change.Early proof
- Liver. Traditional for liver and bile flow. Human data are thin.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Herbalists in southern Europe used artichoke leaf for liver, bile flow, and digestion. Modern extracts are mostly studied for indigestion and cholesterol.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Cholagogue, Hepatic, Bitter. Energy: cooling.
How people take it
Indigestion trials used about 1,920 mg of leaf extract a day, split into three doses, for 6 weeks. One older large study used about 1.5 grams a day.
Capsule, tablet and tea.
Where to get it
Grows in Mediterranean regions and is farmed for food. Leaf extract is sold as capsules, tablets, and liquids. The vegetable itself is a different and gentler way to get it.
Be careful
Mostly well tolerated. Possible side effects include gas, bloating, and allergic reactions in people sensitive to daisies. Do not use it if you have a bile duct blockage or gallstones, because it may increase bile flow.
Avoid if: bile duct problems; gallstones; pregnancy.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Often combined in liver support products.
- Works well together
Both are bitter herbs used for digestion and liver support in European tradition.
- Works well together
Both are bitter leaves used in traditional digestion and bile remedies.
- Worth knowingStatins (Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)
Small trials on cholesterol used it alone. Its effect with statins is not established, so tell your doctor if you take one.
The honest take
Artichoke leaf has one decent trial for indigestion, plus small and mixed trials for cholesterol. Its liver claims rest mostly on tradition. It can be a reasonable choice for some people with mild indigestion, but it is not a proven way to lower cholesterol.