# EFLA 945 (Cynara scolymus extract)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/efla-945
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Red grapevine leaf extract, Vitis vinifera leaf extract, Vitis amurensis extract, Polyphenolic grapevine extract, Water-soluble grapevine leaf extract, Standardized red grape leaf extract

## Overview

EFLA 945 is a standardized Cynara scolymus (artichoke) leaf extract whose bioactive compounds — primarily cynarin, chlorogenic acid, and luteolin — inhibit the AIM2 inflammasome by blocking cytosolic DNA sensing in macrophages. This suppression reduces downstream caspase-1 activation and subsequent secretion of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s IL-1β and IL-18.

## Health Benefits

• Inhibits AIM2 inflammasome activation by blocking DNA entry into immune cells (preclinical evidence only)
• Reduces inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 secretion in macrophage studies (in vitro evidence)
• Attenuates psoriasis-like symptoms in mouse models through caspase-1 inhibition (animal study evidence)
• Decreases IL-17 production associated with inflammatory skin conditions (preclinical mouse model)
• Traditional use for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties and circulatory benefits (historical evidence from Japanese medicine)

## Mechanism of Action

EFLA 945 blocks the AIM2 (Absent In Melanoma 2) inflammasome by interfering with cytosolic dsDNA entry into immune cells, preventing the oligomerization of the ASC adaptor protein and subsequent recruitment and autocleavage of pro-caspase-1 into active caspase-1. Active caspase-1 is thereby prevented from cleaving pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into their mature secreted forms. The polyphenolic constituents cynarin and luteolin are believed to contribute to membrane-stabilizing and NF-κB-modulating effects that further attenuate the upstream [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cascade.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence supporting EFLA 945 comes from in vitro macrophage studies and murine animal models rather than human clinical trials, which is an important limitation. In preclinical mouse models of psoriasis-like skin [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), EFLA 945 administration attenuated lesion severity measurably through caspase-1 inhibition, though exact dosing and effect sizes vary by study design. Broader artichoke leaf extract research in humans has demonstrated modest benefits for dyspepsia and lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) in small randomized controlled trials (n=50–200 range), but these studies do not use the EFLA 945 standardization specifically. Overall, the evidence base for EFLA 945's inflammasome-specific effects remains preclinical, and human trials directly testing this extract at defined doses are needed before firm efficacy claims can be made.

## Nutritional Profile

EFLA 945 is a standardized hydroethanolic extract derived from Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke) leaves, not a whole food, so its profile centers on bioactive compounds rather than macronutrients. Key bioactive constituents include: • Caffeoylquinic acids — primarily chlorogenic acid (~15–30 mg/g extract) and 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid (cynarin, ~5–15 mg/g extract), which are the principal phenolic acids responsible for [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) activity. • Flavonoids — notably luteolin-7-O-glucoside (cynaroside, ~5–15 mg/g extract) and luteolin (aglycone present in smaller amounts, ~1–5 mg/g), contributing to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and AIM2 inflammasome-inhibiting effects. • Sesquiterpene lactones — including cynaropicrin (~2–8 mg/g extract), a bitter compound with demonstrated NF-κB inhibitory and anti-inflammatory properties. • Total polyphenol content is typically standardized to approximately 3–5% (w/w) expressed as chlorogenic acid equivalents in the commercial extract. • Minimal macronutrient content (negligible protein, fat, and carbohydrate) as it is a concentrated phytochemical extract. • Trace minerals from plant matrix may be present (potassium, magnesium, calcium) but at sub-nutritional levels. • Contains small amounts of inulin-type fructans carried over from the leaf material, though substantially less than whole artichoke (~<1% of extract weight). • Fiber content is negligible in the extracted form compared to whole artichoke. • Bioavailability notes: Chlorogenic acid is hydrolyzed by gut esterases and colonic microbiota to caffeic acid and quinic acid, with plasma Tmax ~1–2 hours; luteolin glycosides undergo deglycosylation in the intestine with moderate oral bioavailability (~5–10% as intact flavonoid); cynarin has relatively low oral bioavailability due to first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) but may exert local gastrointestinal effects; the hydroethanolic extraction method (ethanol-water solvent system) used for EFLA 945 is designed to optimize polyphenol and flavonoid yield compared to aqueous-only extracts. The extract is typically administered in studies at doses of 300–600 mg per administration unit.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for EFLA 945 in humans are available as all studies are preclinical. Current use involves topical application in mouse models without specified extract concentrations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Artichoke leaf extracts including EFLA 945 are generally well tolerated at typical doses (300–640 mg standardized extract per day), with the most commonly reported adverse effects being mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, or loose stools, particularly in individuals with pre-existing bile duct obstruction or gallstones, for whom it is contraindicated due to choleretic activity. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (e.g., ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds) should avoid this extract due to potential cross-reactivity. EFLA 945 may potentiate the effects of cholesterol-lowering medications and theoretically interact with anticoagulants like warfarin through its vitamin K-related plant constituents, warranting caution. Safety data in pregnant and breastfeeding women is insufficient, and use during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended without physician guidance.

## Scientific Research

Current evidence for EFLA 945 is limited to preclinical studies with no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses identified. The primary research by Chung et al. (2020, PMID: 31837587) demonstrated inflammasome inhibition in THP-1 macrophages and topical efficacy in imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse models.

## Historical & Cultural Context

EFLA 945 originates from red grapevine leaf extracts used in traditional Japanese medicine for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties and circulatory benefits. It has been incorporated into over-the-counter drugs in Europe and Japan, though specific historical duration is not detailed.

## Synergistic Combinations

Resveratrol, Quercetin, Curcumin, Boswellia, Green Tea Extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is EFLA 945 and how is it different from regular artichoke extract?

EFLA 945 is a proprietary, standardized extract of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) leaves developed to deliver consistent concentrations of bioactive polyphenols including cynarin, chlorogenic acid, and luteolin. Unlike generic artichoke extracts that vary widely in potency, EFLA 945 undergoes a defined extraction process to ensure reproducible levels of these compounds, making it more suitable for research applications targeting specific pathways like AIM2 inflammasome inhibition.

### What does EFLA 945 do for the AIM2 inflammasome?

EFLA 945 inhibits the AIM2 inflammasome by blocking the entry of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) into the cytosol of macrophages, preventing AIM2 from sensing danger signals and assembling the inflammasome complex. This stops the autocleavage of pro-caspase-1 into active caspase-1, which would otherwise convert pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into their secreted, pro-inflammatory forms. This mechanism has been demonstrated in in vitro and animal models but has not yet been confirmed in human clinical trials.

### Can EFLA 945 help with psoriasis?

In preclinical mouse models, EFLA 945 attenuated psoriasis-like skin symptoms by suppressing caspase-1 activity and reducing the downstream release of IL-1β and IL-18, cytokines implicated in keratinocyte proliferation and skin inflammation. However, these findings are limited to animal studies, and no peer-reviewed human clinical trials have evaluated EFLA 945 specifically for psoriasis treatment. Individuals with psoriasis should consult a dermatologist before considering supplementation.

### What is the recommended dosage for EFLA 945 artichoke extract?

A specific standardized clinical dose for EFLA 945 has not been established in human trials targeting inflammasome inhibition. General artichoke leaf extract research for digestive and lipid-related outcomes has typically used doses of 300–640 mg of standardized extract daily, often divided into two or three doses with meals. Until human dose-finding studies are conducted specifically for EFLA 945, users should follow manufacturer guidelines and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing.

### Are there any drug interactions with EFLA 945 artichoke extract?

EFLA 945 may interact with cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins by producing additive lipid-lowering effects, potentially requiring dose adjustments under medical supervision. Its choleretic (bile-stimulating) properties could alter the absorption of fat-soluble drugs and may interact with anticoagulants like warfarin by influencing bile-dependent vitamin K metabolism. Patients taking prescription medications, especially lipid-modifying agents, anticoagulants, or drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, should consult a pharmacist or physician before using this extract.

### Is EFLA 945 safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical safety data for EFLA 945 during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is not recommended during these periods without medical supervision. Most safety data comes from animal studies and in vitro research rather than human trials. Pregnant and nursing individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using EFLA 945 supplements.

### What does the current clinical research show about EFLA 945's effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for EFLA 945 comes from preclinical studies and animal models, with limited human clinical trials published to date. The strongest evidence is from in vitro macrophage studies and mouse models of psoriasis, but these do not automatically translate to the same effects in humans. More rigorous human clinical trials are needed to confirm EFLA 945's efficacy and safety in real-world use.

### Who would benefit most from EFLA 945 supplementation?

EFLA 945 may be most relevant for individuals with inflammatory conditions linked to AIM2 inflammasome activation, particularly those with psoriasis or other IL-17-mediated inflammatory skin diseases. People seeking natural immune modulation through caspase-1 and inflammasome inhibition may also be candidates. However, evidence is primarily from animal studies, so anyone considering EFLA 945 should discuss potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider.

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