# Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/artichoke
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Cynara scolymus, Globe artichoke, French artichoke, Green artichoke, Alcachofa, Carciofo, Artichaut

## Overview

Artichoke extract contains cynarin and chlorogenic acid that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and enhance bile acid synthesis, supporting cardiovascular and [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox). Clinical trials demonstrate significant reductions in cholesterol levels, [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), and liver enzymes in patients with metabolic conditions.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces cholesterol levels (8-week RCT showed improvements in TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and TC-to-HDL-C ratio)
• Supports liver health and reduces liver enzymes in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients (2-month trial)
• Lowers [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) in hypertensive individuals (8-week and 12-week trials)
• Relieves digestive complaints including fullness and bloating (endorsed by HMPC/ESCOP)
• Provides [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects (supported by clinical reviews)

## Mechanism of Action

Artichoke's primary bioactive compounds cynarin and chlorogenic acid inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. These compounds also enhance bile acid production and secretion, promoting cholesterol elimination while improving hepatic lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) through modulation of SREBP-1c and PPAR-α pathways.

## Clinical Summary

An 8-week randomized controlled trial demonstrated artichoke extract significantly improved total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and TC-to-HDL-C ratios. A 2-month trial in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients showed reduced liver enzymes and improved hepatic function. [Blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) studies spanning 8-12 weeks reported meaningful reductions in both systolic and diastolic pressure in hypertensive individuals, though larger trials are needed to confirm optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) per 100g edible portion (boiled hearts): Macronutrients: Calories ~53 kcal, Carbohydrates ~12g (of which inulin-type fructans 3–10g, a [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) fiber), Dietary fiber ~5.4g (predominantly insoluble cellulose and soluble inulin), Protein ~2.9g (containing essential amino acids including glutamine and aspartate), Fat ~0.2g. Micronutrients: Folate (B9) ~68 µg (17% DV), Vitamin C ~7.4 mg, Vitamin K ~14.8 µg, Vitamin B6 ~0.1 mg, Magnesium ~42 mg, Potassium ~354 mg, Phosphorus ~90 mg, Calcium ~21 mg, Iron ~1.3 mg, Zinc ~0.49 mg, Copper ~0.23 mg, Manganese ~0.26 mg. Bioactive Compounds: Cynarin (1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid) ~50–80 mg/100g fresh weight (primary [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and choleretic compound; heat-sensitive, partially degraded on cooking), Chlorogenic acid ~70–100 mg/100g ([antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant); bioavailability ~30–40% as absorbed in small intestine and colonic fermentation), Luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside ~3.5–10 mg/100g (flavones with [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity; bioavailability enhanced by gut microbiota deglycosylation), Apigenin ~1–3 mg/100g, Cynaroside (luteolin-7-glucoside) as predominant flavonoid glycoside, Sesquiterpene lactones (cynaropicrin) ~0.5–1% dry weight in leaves (primary bitter principle; concentrated in leaf extracts rather than edible hearts). Inulin content (3–10g/100g) is notable for prebiotic activity with low glycemic impact; bioavailability of polyphenols is highest from standardized leaf extracts (standardized to ≥2.5–5% caffeoylquinic acids) compared to cooked vegetable. Cynarin and chlorogenic acids are best preserved in raw or minimally processed forms. Leaf extract preparations (e.g., 320–1800 mg/day in clinical trials) deliver significantly higher concentrations of bioactives than dietary consumption alone.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied doses include artichoke leaf extract at two doses for 8 weeks (hypercholesterolemia), artichoke powder capsules twice daily for 8 weeks (hypertension), six tablets daily for 2 months (steatohepatitis), and concentrated juice for 12 weeks ([blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health)). Extracts are often standardized to cynarin or chlorogenic acid content. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Artichoke extract is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal upset reported in some users. Individuals with gallstones should avoid artichoke supplements as increased bile production may exacerbate symptoms. The extract may enhance the effects of cholesterol-lowering medications, requiring dosage adjustments. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established through clinical trials.

## Scientific Research

Clinical trials have demonstrated artichoke leaf extract's effectiveness for hypercholesterolemia (8-week RCT), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (2-month trial with six daily tablets), and hypertension (8-week powder capsule trial and 12-week juice trial). Meta-analyses support digestive benefits, and the HMPC and ESCOP recognize its use for dyspeptic complaints based on clinical evidence.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Used since the 4th century BC by Aristotle's pupils for liver conditions, artichoke was valued by Egyptians as a health food and by Greeks and Romans as an elite digestive aid. European use from the 16th-19th centuries focused on jaundice, hepatitis, and fat [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), while Dioscorides documented it in De Materia Medica in the 1st century AD.

## Synergistic Combinations

Milk thistle, dandelion, turmeric, alpha-lipoic acid, berberine

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much artichoke extract should I take for cholesterol?

Clinical studies used 1,280-1,800mg daily of standardized artichoke leaf extract containing 2.5-5% cynarin. Most trials showing cholesterol benefits used 1,280mg taken in divided doses with meals for 8-12 weeks.

### Can artichoke extract interact with blood pressure medications?

Artichoke extract may enhance the hypotensive effects of ACE inhibitors and diuretics, potentially causing excessive blood pressure reduction. Monitor blood pressure closely and consult your physician before combining with antihypertensive medications.

### What is cynarin and how does it work?

Cynarin is artichoke's primary bioactive compound that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, blocking cholesterol synthesis in the liver. It also stimulates bile acid production, promoting cholesterol elimination and supporting overall lipid metabolism.

### How long does artichoke extract take to lower cholesterol?

Clinical trials show measurable cholesterol improvements within 6-8 weeks of consistent use. Peak benefits typically occur after 8-12 weeks of supplementation with standardized artichoke leaf extract containing adequate cynarin levels.

### Is artichoke extract safe for people with liver disease?

Studies in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients showed liver enzyme improvements, suggesting potential benefits. However, individuals with severe liver disease or gallbladder disorders should consult healthcare providers before use due to artichoke's choleretic effects.

### Is artichoke extract safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Artichoke extract is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data in these populations. While traditional use in culinary amounts is generally considered safe, concentrated supplements lack robust clinical evidence for these sensitive periods. Consult with a healthcare provider before using artichoke supplements if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

### What is the difference between artichoke leaf extract and whole artichoke supplements?

Artichoke leaf extract is a concentrated form standardized to specific bioactive compounds like cynarin and chlorogenic acid, providing higher potency per dose compared to whole artichoke powder. Leaf extracts are more commonly used in clinical research and show measurable effects on cholesterol and liver health in 8-12 week trials. Whole artichoke supplements may provide broader phytonutrient profiles but typically contain lower concentrations of active compounds.

### Can I get the same benefits from eating fresh artichokes as from artichoke extract supplements?

Fresh artichokes contain beneficial compounds but in much lower concentrations than standardized extracts; achieving therapeutic doses through diet alone would require consuming very large quantities regularly. Clinical studies demonstrating effects on cholesterol, liver health, and blood pressure typically use concentrated leaf extracts (250-500 mg per dose) that would be impractical to obtain from whole vegetables. Incorporating artichokes into your diet provides nutritional benefits, but therapeutic effects generally require supplemental extract forms.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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