Artichoke Extract

Artichoke extract from the common vegetable stimulates bile secretion (choleretic effect). C-grade evidence for improving liver enzymes (in NAFLD) and blood flow. May have weak cholesterol-lowering effects. D-grade for HDL and blood glucose (no effect). Traditional digestive aid. Luteolin and cynarin are active compounds. Sometimes combined with phosphatidylcholine for enhanced effects.

Quick Answer

What it is

Artichoke extract from the common vegetable stimulates bile secretion (choleretic effect). C-grade evidence for improving liver enzymes (in NAFLD) and blood flow.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Blood Flow (High Cholesterol)
  • Grade C: Liver Enzymes (Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD))
  • Grade D: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (Dyslipidemia)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Artichoke Extract

Quick Facts: Artichoke Extract

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:4
  • Research Outcomes:17
  • Key Effect:High Cholesterol
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C3
D2
4 conditions · 17 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Blood Flow
Small Increase
1 study
smallImproves
D
Blood glucose
No effect
1 study
none
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Worsens
?
Total cholesterol
3 studies
Worsens
?
Triglycerides
Worsens
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
2 studies
Improves
?
Cell Adhesion Factors
1 study
Worsens
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
Worsens
C
Liver Enzymes
Moderate Improvement
1 study
moderateImproves
?
Triglycerides
Worsens
C
Liver Enzymes
Moderate Improvement
1 study
moderateImproves
?
Triglycerides
Worsens
D
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
No effect
13 studies
none
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Worsens
?
Total cholesterol
13 studies
Worsens
?
Triglycerides
Worsens
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
Worsens

Related Supplements

Resveratrol

4 shared conditions · 318 outcomes

Resveratrol is a bioactive molecule found in plant sources such as grapes, peanuts, blueberries, and, famously, red wine. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that benefit cardiovascular function, glycemic control, and lipid metabolism. Although it’s promoted for lifespan extension, there’s no evidence for this in humans and limited evidence in animals.

Curcumin

4 shared conditions · 502 outcomes

Curcumin is the primary bioactive substance in turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can alleviate symptoms of depression as well as improve pain and function in people with osteoarthritis.

Chromium

4 shared conditions · 300 outcomes

Chromium is a mineral that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust and is found in small amounts in a variety of foods. Chromium supplementation seems to enhance the effects of insulin in the body, leading to improvements in insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation in people with insulin resistance. Although chromium has historically been considered an essential nutrient for the human body, current evidence challenges this notion.

L-Carnitine

4 shared conditions · 558 outcomes

L-carnitine can relieve leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and treat some aspects of metabolic syndrome. Although it’s often also used for fat loss, its effectiveness for that is questionable.

Vitamin E

3 shared conditions · 274 outcomes

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and is found in several common foods. Supplementing with extra vitamin E does not have broad health benefits, except in people with vitamin E deficiency, and long-term high-dose supplementation may cause harm.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

3 shared conditions · 117 outcomes

Niacin is a form of vitamin B3. Supplementation with niacin (nicotinic acid) can improve cholesterol levels; however, niacin's inability to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and its association with adverse effects make its use controversial.

Spirulina

3 shared conditions · 304 outcomes

Spirulina, commonly known as “blue-green algae”, is a nontoxic cyanobacterium that is rich in various nutrients and bioactive pigments and polyphenols. Spirulina contains many antioxidant compounds and could have beneficial cardiometabolic effects.

Fish Oil

3 shared conditions · 448 outcomes

Fish oil is a mix of mostly EPA and DHA derived from fatty fish. It reduces triglycerides, but does not seem to affect the rate of cardiovascular events. It appears to reduce the symptoms of depression and improve some painful, inflammatory conditions.