# Cynara scolymus (Globe Artichoke)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cynara-scolymus
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-23
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Cynara scolymus, Globe Artichoke, Artichoke, Green Artichoke, French Artichoke, Garden Artichoke, Alcachofa, Carciofo

## Overview

Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke) extract contains cynarin and chlorogenic acid that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and stimulate bile acid synthesis. Clinical studies demonstrate significant reductions in total cholesterol (up to 23 mg/dL) and improvements in [liver function](/ingredients/condition/detox) markers.

## Health Benefits

["\u2022 Supports Healthy Cholesterol Levels: A systematic review of clinical trials found that artichoke extracts significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides (PMID: 28609140). Evidence quality: Strong (Meta-analysis).", "\u2022 Promotes [Liver Health](/ingredients/condition/detox): In patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a randomized controlled trial showed artichoke leaf extract improved liver ultrasound parameters and reduced liver enzymes like ALT and AST (PMID: 29520889). A separate meta-analysis also confirmed its ability to lower ALT and AST levels. Evidence quality: Strong (Meta-analysis & RCT).", "\u2022 Fosters a Healthy [Gut Microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health): A double-blind RCT demonstrated that very-long-chain inulin from artichoke acts as a prebiotic, significantly increasing beneficial Bifidobacterium and reducing Bacteroides-Prevotella populations in healthy subjects (PMID: 20591206). Evidence quality: Moderate (Single RCT).", "\u2022 May Aid [Blood Pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) Management: In a randomized trial with hypertensive patients, supplementation with 500 mg of leaf extract twice daily for 8 weeks was shown to improve systolic blood pressure and BMI. Evidence quality: Preliminary (Single RCT, n unspecified).", "\u2022 Provides [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) & [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) Action: Mechanistic studies show artichoke extracts reduce inflammatory markers like IL-6 and COX-2, while increasing the body's own antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione and catalase. Evidence quality: Preliminary (In-vitro/Animal)."]

## Mechanism of Action

Artichoke extract's primary bioactive compounds cynarin and chlorogenic acid inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. These compounds also stimulate bile acid production and enhance hepatic [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) synthesis. Additionally, luteolin glycosides provide [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by scavenging free radicals and reducing lipid peroxidation in liver tissues.

## Clinical Summary

A 2017 meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials (702 participants) found artichoke extract significantly reduced total cholesterol by 17.6 mg/dL, [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by 14.9 mg/dL, and triglycerides by 8.5 mg/dL. Studies typically used 300-640mg daily doses for 6-12 weeks. Evidence for [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox) comes from smaller trials showing improved ALT and AST levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Most studies are short-term with moderate sample sizes, indicating good but not definitive evidence strength.

## Nutritional Profile

Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) per 100g edible portion (cooked, boiled): Calories: ~53 kcal. Macronutrients: Carbohydrates 10.5g (of which dietary fiber 5.4g, sugars 0.99g), Protein 2.9g, Fat 0.34g. Key Micronutrients: Folate (Vitamin B9) 68mcg (17% DV) - one of the richest vegetable sources, Vitamin C 7.4mg (8% DV), Vitamin K 17.8mcg (15% DV), Vitamin B6 0.116mg (7% DV). Minerals: Magnesium 60mg (14% DV), Phosphorus 90mg (9% DV), Potassium 370mg (8% DV), Iron 1.28mg (7% DV), Copper 0.231mg (26% DV), Manganese 0.256mg (11% DV), Calcium 44mg (4% DV). Bioactive Compounds: Cynarin (1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid) - primary bitter phenolic, concentrated in leaves at 0.5-1.0% dry weight, primary [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) agent; Chlorogenic acid 50-200mg/100g fresh weight - potent [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) with moderate-high bioavailability; Luteolin (flavonoid) 0.1-0.4mg/100g fresh weight - [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), moderate bioavailability enhanced by fat co-ingestion; Silymarin-related flavonoids present in trace amounts; Inulin ([prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) fructooligosaccharide) 3-10g/100g fresh weight - fermented by gut microbiota, not directly absorbed, contributing to prebiotic effect; Cynaroside (luteolin-7-glucoside) present in measurable quantities. Bioavailability Notes: Cynarin is heat-labile and partially degraded by cooking; raw or minimally processed artichoke or standardized leaf extracts (typically standardized to 2.5-5% cynarin or 15-20% chlorogenic acids) retain higher bioactive concentrations. Inulin content varies with harvest time and storage. Fat-soluble compounds (luteolin) have improved absorption when consumed with dietary fat. Iron bioavailability is moderate (non-heme) but enhanced by concurrent Vitamin C content.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosages for standardized leaf extracts range from 1000 mg per day (for hypertension) to 1800 mg per day (for metabolic syndrome) for up to 12 weeks. Extracts are often standardized to contain 5-10% cynarin or other phenolic acids. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Artichoke extract is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal side effects (flatulence, nausea) reported in 3-5% of users. It may enhance the effects of cholesterol-lowering medications and anticoagulants due to its bile acid-stimulating properties. Individuals with gallstones should avoid artichoke extract as it can trigger gallbladder contractions. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established through clinical trials.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical evidence is supported by multiple meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic review (PMID: 28609140) confirmed artichoke's lipid-lowering effects, while an RCT in NAFLD patients (PMID: 29520889) demonstrated significant improvements in liver enzymes. Additionally, a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (PMID: 20591206) established its prebiotic effects on the [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Globe Artichoke has a long history in Mediterranean traditional medicine, where it was used for centuries to support [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox), aid [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), and act as a cholagogue (promotes bile flow). Its use for hepatobiliary disorders is documented in ancient Greek and Roman systems.

## Synergistic Combinations

Milk Thistle, Berberine, Turmeric, Dandelion Root

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much artichoke extract should I take daily?

Clinical studies typically use 300-640mg of standardized artichoke leaf extract daily, divided into 2-3 doses before meals. Most commercial supplements provide 300-500mg per capsule standardized to 2.5-5% cynarin content.

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

Clinical trials show cholesterol reductions beginning at 6 weeks, with maximum benefits typically seen at 8-12 weeks of consistent use. Total cholesterol may decrease by 15-20% and LDL cholesterol by 10-15% in this timeframe.

### Can artichoke extract cause digestive problems?

Artichoke extract may cause mild digestive side effects including gas, bloating, and nausea in 3-5% of users. These effects are usually temporary and can be minimized by taking with food and starting with lower doses.

### Does artichoke extract interact with blood thinners?

Artichoke extract may enhance anticoagulant effects due to its influence on bile acid metabolism and potential vitamin K interactions. Consult your healthcare provider before combining with warfarin or other blood-thinning medications.

### Is artichoke extract safe for people with gallbladder issues?

People with gallstones or gallbladder disease should avoid artichoke extract as it stimulates bile production and gallbladder contractions, potentially triggering painful gallbladder attacks or complications requiring medical attention.

### What is the most bioavailable form of artichoke extract for liver health?

Artichoke leaf extract standardized to 13-18% chlorogenic acid and 2-3% inulin demonstrates the highest bioavailability in clinical studies, as these compounds are responsible for hepatoprotective effects in NAFLD. Aqueous extracts (teas or decoctions) have lower bioavailability than standardized dry extracts, which concentrate the active polyphenols. Look for products using EU-standardized extracts, which must meet specific potency benchmarks for therapeutic efficacy.

### Which populations benefit most from artichoke supplementation?

Adults with elevated cholesterol levels, metabolic syndrome, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease show the greatest clinical benefit from artichoke supplementation based on meta-analysis data. Individuals with suboptimal bile production or sluggish digestion may also benefit from its choleretic properties. Those with existing gallstones or bile duct obstruction should consult a healthcare provider before use, as artichoke stimulates bile release.

### How does artichoke extract compare to other herbal liver-support ingredients?

Unlike milk thistle (silymarin), which focuses on hepatocyte protection, artichoke's chlorogenic acid targets bile flow and lipid metabolism, making it superior for NAFLD management specifically. Artichoke also reduces cholesterol more effectively than dandelion root in comparative studies, though both support hepatic function through different mechanisms. Combining artichoke with milk thistle may provide synergistic benefits, but clinical evidence for combination protocols remains limited.

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