Home Ingredients Artichoke Leaf (Cynara scolymus / Cynara cardunculus)
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Artichoke Leaf (Cynara scolymus / Cynara cardunculus)

Cynara scolymus
Evidence Level
Moderate
5 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Artichoke leaf extract contains caffeoylquinic acids such as cynarin and chlorogenic acid, plus the flavonoid luteolin and its glycoside cynaroside. Its best human evidence is a fall in total and LDL cholesterol across pooled randomized trials, and one multicenter placebo-controlled trial in people with functional dyspepsia (indigestion with fullness after meals) that found greater overall symptom relief than placebo. The EU herbal monograph accepts it as a traditional herbal medicine for indigestion with fullness, bloating and flatulence, based on long-standing use. Bile flow data come from one small study in which the extract was given by tube, bowel data are uncontrolled, and two small liver trials point in different directions. The monograph says not to use it with gallstones, bile duct obstruction, liver disease or an allergy to daisy-family plants.

Studied Dose Indigestion trial: 640 mg leaf extract three times daily (1,920 mg a day) for 6 weeks. Cholesterol trial: 1,280 mg a day for 12 weeks. Extract strengths differ, so match the studied extract rather than the milligrams.
Active Compound Cynarin (1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid), chlorogenic acid, luteolin, cynaroside

Benefits

Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Two meta-analyses of randomized trials with overlapping trial sets (9 and 14 studies) found falls in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, with no change in HDL; LDL fell by about 15 to 17 mg/dL on average. In one 12-week placebo trial in 75 adults with mildly to moderately raised cholesterol, 1,280 mg a day lowered total cholesterol by 4.2%, but LDL did not differ between groups.

Supported by Trial 1

Digestive Comfort and Indigestion

In one multicenter, double-blind trial in 247 people with functional dyspepsia (244 analyzed), 640 mg of leaf extract three times daily for 6 weeks eased overall indigestion symptoms more than placebo and improved dyspepsia-specific quality of life. An independent review of herbal remedies rated this one trial as low-certainty evidence. Results for single symptoms such as heartburn are not given in the abstract.

Supported by Trial 3

Bowel Pattern

In an open, uncontrolled postal study, 208 adults with indigestion who were identified after the fact as also having IBS took leaf extract for two months. IBS incidence fell 26.4%, bowel pattern shifted from alternating constipation and diarrhea toward normal, and dyspepsia symptom scores fell 41%. With no placebo group, these changes cannot be credited to artichoke.

Supported by Trial 2

Bile Flow

In a small randomized, placebo-controlled crossover pilot in 20 people, a single 1.92 g dose of a standardized extract given straight into the duodenum by tube raised bile secretion significantly more than placebo for up to about 2.5 hours. Because the extract was not swallowed, how well this carries over to oral capsules is unknown.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 1

Liver Health

The two small human trials point in different directions. In a 2-month placebo trial of 600 mg a day in 100 people with fatty liver (90 finished), ALT and AST fell and ultrasound liver size shrank. In a 6-week placebo pilot in 40 people with obesity awaiting bariatric surgery, liver fat and size fell, but liver enzymes, especially AST, rose. Most other liver data come from animals.

Supported by Trial 5, Trial 4

Mechanism of action

1

Bile Secretion (Choleretic Effect)

An artichoke extract whose main listed ingredient was cynarin increased bile secretion in a small human study in which it was given into the duodenum. More bile can aid fat digestion, but whether this explains the symptom effects seen in the indigestion trial has not been tested.

2

Cholesterol Synthesis (HMG-CoA Reductase)

In cultured rat liver cells, artichoke leaf extracts cut cholesterol production by indirectly dampening HMG-CoA reductase activity; they did not inhibit the enzyme directly. Luteolin and its glycoside cynaroside were mainly responsible, while cynarin had no significant effect. These are lab findings only.

3

Antioxidant Activity (Polyphenols)

Water-soluble artichoke leaf extracts protected cultured rat liver cells against oxidative damage at concentrations well below toxic levels; chlorogenic acid and cynarin explained only part of the effect. Whether this matters at supplement doses in people is not established.

Clinical trials

1
Artichoke Leaf Extract and Total Cholesterol
PubMed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a standardized leaf extract, 1,280 mg/day for 12 weeks (Bundy et al. 2008, Phytomedicine).

75 otherwise healthy adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol 6.0 to 8.0 mmol/L).

Total cholesterol fell 4.2% on extract and rose 1.9% on placebo (between-group P=0.025). LDL, HDL and triglycerides did not differ between groups, so the effect was modest and limited to total cholesterol.

2
Bowel Symptoms in Adults With Indigestion (open-label subset)
PubMed

Post hoc subset analysis of an open, uncontrolled, dose-ranging postal study; 2-month intervention (Bundy et al. 2004, J Altern Complement Med).

208 adults with dyspepsia who were identified after the fact as having IBS.

IBS incidence fell 26.4% and Nepean Dyspepsia Index symptom scores fell 41%, with a 20% gain in quality of life. With no placebo group or randomization, these before and after changes cannot be credited to artichoke.

3
Artichoke Leaf Extract and Indigestion After Meals
PubMed

Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a commercial leaf extract, 2 x 320 mg three times daily (1,920 mg/day) for 6 weeks (Holtmann et al. 2003, Aliment Pharmacol Ther).

247 people with functional dyspepsia enrolled; 244 analyzed (129 extract, 115 placebo).

Overall improvement in indigestion symptoms over 6 weeks was greater on extract than placebo (sum score 8.3 vs 6.7, P<0.01), as was Nepean Dyspepsia Index quality of life (-41.1 vs -24.8, P<0.01). Results for single symptoms are not reported in the abstract.

4
Artichoke Leaf Extract and Liver Markers
PubMed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot of 600 mg/day for 2 months (Panahi et al. 2018, Phytother Res).

100 people with ultrasound-diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver; 90 completed (49 extract, 41 placebo).

ALT and AST fell more than on placebo (both P<0.001), AST/ALT ratio and APRI scores improved, and liver size shrank on ultrasound. No side effects were reported.

5
Artichoke Leaf Extract Before Bariatric Surgery
PubMed

Randomized, placebo-controlled pilot, 6 weeks (Holländer et al. 2026, J Clin Lipidol).

40 bariatric surgery candidates with obesity and fatty liver (MASLD).

Liver fat (FibroScan CAP) and liver lobe size fell versus placebo, with changes seen by 3 weeks. Liver enzymes, particularly AST, rose in the extract group, which the authors note differs from earlier studies.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

In a 6-week pilot in people with obesity awaiting bariatric surgery, liver enzymes (especially AST) rose on extract; no side effects were reported in a 2-month trial in people with fatty liver.
The EU herbal monograph lists slight diarrhea with abdominal spasm, upper-stomach complaints such as nausea, and heartburn; frequency not known.
Allergic reactions may occur (EU monograph); do not use with a known allergy to artichoke or other plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae, also called Compositae).
The EU herbal monograph says not to use it with bile duct obstruction, cholangitis, liver disease, gallstones or any other biliary disorder that requires medical supervision.
Safety in pregnancy, breastfeeding and children under 12 has not been established, and the EU herbal monograph does not recommend use in these groups. See a doctor if digestive symptoms last longer than 2 weeks of use.

Important Drug interactions

The EU herbal monograph states that no interactions with medicines have been reported.
Cholesterol-lowering medicines: no interaction has been reported, but artichoke extract lowered total cholesterol in trials, so tell your clinician you take it when lipid results are reviewed.

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Frequently asked questions about Artichoke Leaf (Cynara scolymus / Cynara cardunculus)

What is Artichoke Leaf used for?

Artichoke leaf extract is mainly taken for digestive comfort after meals and for healthy cholesterol levels. Pooled randomized trials show falls in total and LDL cholesterol, and one placebo-controlled trial found greater overall relief of indigestion symptoms over 6 weeks. The EU herbal monograph accepts it as a traditional herbal medicine for indigestion with fullness, bloating and flatulence.

How long did artichoke leaf take to show effects in studies?

The indigestion trial rated symptoms weekly over 6 weeks, and the cholesterol trial measured a 4.2% fall in total cholesterol after 12 weeks. In a small study where a single dose was given by tube into the gut, bile secretion rose within 30 minutes (it also rose on placebo at first) and was still higher than on placebo at 2 to 2.5 hours. The EU herbal monograph advises seeing a doctor if symptoms last longer than 2 weeks of use.

What is the recommended dosage of Artichoke Leaf?

There is no official US dose. The indigestion trial used 640 mg of leaf extract three times daily (1,920 mg a day) for 6 weeks, and one cholesterol trial used 1,280 mg a day for 12 weeks. The EU herbal monograph gives a different range for each preparation, for example 400 to 1,320 mg a day of a water-based dry extract of dried leaves. Extract strengths vary, so follow the label of a product that matches a studied extract.

Is Artichoke Leaf safe, and does it have side effects?

The EU herbal monograph lists slight diarrhea with abdominal spasm, nausea, heartburn and allergic reactions, with frequency not known. It says not to use artichoke leaf with an allergy to daisy-family plants, bile duct obstruction, cholangitis, gallstones, liver disease or other biliary disorders, and does not recommend it in pregnancy, breastfeeding or under age 12. In one small trial in people with obesity, liver enzymes rose.

Which indigestion symptoms has artichoke leaf been tested for?

The 6-week placebo trial's main outcome was the weekly overall change in indigestion symptoms. It also scored each symptom and quality of life on the Nepean Dyspepsia Index, but its abstract reports only the overall symptom and quality of life results, so its effect on single symptoms such as burning or sour stomach cannot be judged from it. The EU traditional use covers fullness, bloating and flatulence, and the monograph lists heartburn among possible side effects.

What is Artichoke Leaf?

Artichoke leaf extract contains caffeoylquinic acids such as cynarin and chlorogenic acid, plus the flavonoid luteolin and its glycoside cynaroside. Its best human evidence is a fall in total and LDL cholesterol across pooled randomized trials, and one multicenter placebo-controlled trial in people with functional dysp…

Does Artichoke Leaf interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: The EU herbal monograph states that no interactions with medicines have been reported. Cholesterol-lowering medicines: no interaction has been reported, but artichoke extract lowered total cholesterol in trials, so tell your clinician you take it when lipid results are reviewed. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Artichoke Leaf?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Artichoke Leaf as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 5 study summaries and 12 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(12 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Bundy R, Walker AF, Middleton RW, Wallis C, Simpson HC. Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults: a randomized, double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2008;15(9):668-75. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.03.001.PubMedUsed to support: Backs the cholesterol benefit. In 75 adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol 6.0 to 8.0 mmol/L), 1,280 mg/day of a standardized leaf extract for 12 weeks lowered total cholesterol by 4.2% while placebo rose 1.9% (between-group p=0.025). LDL, HDL and triglycerides did not differ between groups, and general well-being improved similarly in both groups.
  2. Sahebkar A, Pirro M, Banach M, Mikhailidis DP, Atkin SL, Cicero AFG. Lipid-lowering activity of artichoke extracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2018;58(15):2549-2556. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1332572.PubMedUsed to support: Meta-analysis of 9 randomized trials (702 subjects): artichoke extract lowered total cholesterol (-17.6 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (-14.9 mg/dL) and triglycerides (-9.2 mg/dL) versus control, with no significant change in HDL. The LDL fall was larger in people with higher baseline LDL.
  3. Shahinfar H, Bazshahi E, Amini MR, Payandeh N, Pourreza S, Noruzi Z, Shab-Bidar S. Effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation or artichoke juice consumption on lipid profile: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res. 2021;35(12):6607-6623. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7247.PubMedUsed to support: Dose-response meta-analysis that describes itself as an update of a previous meta-analysis and cites the 2018 meta-analysis, so the trial sets overlap. Pooling 15 effect sizes from 14 randomized trials, artichoke lowered total cholesterol (-17.01 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (-17.48 mg/dL) and triglycerides, with no significant change in HDL. Analyzed separately, two artichoke juice effect sizes lowered total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides but also lowered HDL (-4.21 mg/dL).
  4. Holtmann G, Adam B, Haag S, Collet W, Grünewald E, Windeck T. Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia: a six-week placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2003;18(11-12):1099-105. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01767.x.PubMedUsed to support: Basis of the indigestion benefit. In 247 people with functional dyspepsia (244 analyzed), a commercial leaf extract at 640 mg three times daily for 6 weeks improved overall dyspeptic symptoms (8.3 vs 6.7, P<0.01) and Nepean Dyspepsia Index quality of life (-41.1 vs -24.8, P<0.01) versus placebo. Single-symptom results are not given in the abstract.
  5. Bundy R, Walker AF, Middleton RW, Marakis G, Booth JC. Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improves quality of life in otherwise healthy volunteers suffering from concomitant dyspepsia: a subset analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2004;10(4):667-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.2004.10.667.PubMedUsed to support: Basis of the bowel pattern benefit. Post hoc subset of an open, postal, dose-ranging study: 208 adults with indigestion were identified after the fact as also having IBS; after two months, IBS incidence fell 26.4%, usual bowel pattern shifted from alternating constipation and diarrhea toward normal, the Nepean Dyspepsia Index symptom score fell 41% and quality of life rose 20%. There was no placebo group and no randomization, so the before and after changes cannot be attributed to artichoke.
  6. Báez G, Vargas C, Arancibia M, Papuzinski C, Franco JV. Non-Chinese herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;6(6):CD013323. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013323.pub2.PubMedUsed to support: Independent appraisal of the indigestion evidence: across 41 trials of herbal medicines, artichoke may improve dyspepsia symptoms versus placebo (SMD -0.34, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.09) based on one study of 244 participants, rated low certainty. A ginger plus artichoke combination was also rated low certainty (1 study, 126 participants).
  7. Kirchhoff R, Beckers C, Kirchhoff GM, Trinczek-Gärtner H, Petrowicz O, Reimann HJ. Increase in choleresis by means of artichoke extract. Phytomedicine. 1994;1(2):107-15. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(11)80027-9.PubMedUsed to support: Basis of the bile flow benefit. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover pilot (n=20): a single 1.92 g dose of a standardized extract (main listed ingredient cynarin) was given into the duodenum in 50 ml of water, not swallowed. Bile secretion rose 127.3%, 151.5% and 94.3% over baseline at 30, 60 and 120 minutes; the abstract reports differences from placebo at p<0.01, and p<0.05 at 120 and 150 minutes. Placebo also raised bile secretion, peaking at 139.5% at 30 minutes. No side effects or lab changes were seen.
  8. Gebhardt R. Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in primary cultured rat hepatocytes by artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) extracts. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1998;286(3):1122-8..PubMedUsed to support: Lab study behind the cholesterol synthesis mechanism: extracts inhibited cholesterol biosynthesis in rat liver cells through indirect modulation of HMG-CoA reductase (no direct enzyme inhibition); luteolin and cynaroside were mainly responsible, and cynarin was without significant influence.
  9. Gebhardt R. Antioxidative and protective properties of extracts from leaves of the artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) against hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress in cultured rat hepatocytes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1997;144(2):279-86. doi: 10.1006/taap.1997.8130.PubMedUsed to support: Lab study behind the antioxidant mechanism: water-soluble leaf extracts prevented hydroperoxide-induced oxidative damage and cell death in cultured rat liver cells; chlorogenic acid and cynarin accounted for only part of the effect.
  10. Panahi Y, Kianpour P, Mohtashami R, Atkin SL, Butler AE, Jafari R, Badeli R, Sahebkar A. Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2018;32(7):1382-1387. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6073.PubMedUsed to support: Supports the liver benefit: in 100 people with ultrasound-diagnosed fatty liver (90 completed), 600 mg/day for 2 months lowered ALT and AST, improved AST/ALT ratio and APRI scores and reduced liver size versus placebo, with no side effects reported. Total, LDL, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides also fell (p=.01). Small pilot.
  11. Holländer S, Marth E, Scherber PR, Spiliotis A, Al-Ali A, Gäbelein G, Glanemann M. Artichoke leaf extract reduces steatosis and decreases liver size in prebariatric patients: A randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial-The "SteatoChoke-Study". J Clin Lipidol. 2026;20(1):167-178. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2025.10.063.PubMedUsed to support: Balances the liver benefit: in 40 bariatric surgery candidates with obesity and fatty liver, 6 weeks of extract reduced liver fat (CAP) and liver lobe size versus placebo, with changes seen by 3 weeks, but transaminases, particularly AST, rose. Total and LDL cholesterol improved in women, and fat mass percentage fell. The dose is not given in the abstract.
  12. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). European Union herbal monograph on Cynara cardunculus L. (syn. Cynara scolymus L.), folium. EMA/HMPC/194014/2017. European Medicines Agency. 2018;Final, adopted by the HMPC 27 March 2018..SourceUsed to support: Not PubMed-indexed; EU regulatory monograph (traditional use, based on long-standing use). Accepts artichoke leaf for symptomatic relief of digestive complaints such as indigestion with fullness, bloating and flatulence in adolescents, adults and the elderly. Lists several oral preparations with their own doses; for example, a water-based dry extract of dried leaves at 200 to 640 mg per dose, 400 to 1,320 mg a day. Contraindicated with Asteraceae allergy, bile duct obstruction, cholangitis, liver disease, gallstones and other biliary disorders needing medical supervision. Lists slight diarrhea with abdominal spasm, nausea and heartburn as undesirable effects, plus allergic reactions. No interactions reported. Not recommended in pregnancy, lactation or under 12. See a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks.