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© Martin Wall
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Botanical name: Cynara scolymus
Parts used and where grown
This large thistle-like plant is native to the regions of southern Europe, North Africa,
and the Canary Islands. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally. However, the roots and
the immature flower heads may also contain beneficial compounds.1
Artichoke has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
The artichoke is one of the world’s oldest medicinal plants. The ancient Egyptians
placed great value on the plant—it is clearly seen in drawings involving fertility and
sacrifice. Moreover, this plant was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a digestive aid.
In 16th century Europe, the artichoke was favored as a food by royalty.2
Active constituents
Artichoke leaves contain a wide number of active constituents, including cynarin, 1,3
dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, and scolymoside.3 The choleretic
(bile stimulating) action of the plant has been well documented in a controlled trial
involving a small sample of healthy volunteers.4 After the administration of 1.92
grams of standardized artichoke extract directly into the duodenum, liver bile flow increased
significantly. This choleretic effect has led to the popular use of artichoke extract in
Europe for the treatment of mild indigestion—particularly following a meal high in fat.
In an uncontrolled clinical trial with 553 people suffering from non-specific digestive
disorders (including indigestion), 320–640 mg of a standardized artichoke extract taken
three times per day was found to reduce nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and flatulence in over 70% of the study
participants.5
The standardized extract has also been used to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides. In one preliminary trial6
and one controlled trial,7 use of a standardized artichoke extract was found to
lower cholesterol and triglycerides significantly when taken in amounts ranging from 900 to
1,920 mg per day. One preliminary trial failed to find any effect.8
While scientists are not certain how artichoke leaves lower cholesterol, test tube studies
have suggested that the action may be due to an inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and/or the
increased elimination of cholesterol because of the plant’s choleretic
action.9 In test tube studies, the flavonoids
from the artichoke (e.g., luteolin) have been shown to prevent LDL-cholesterol
oxidation—an effect that may reduce risk of
atherosclerosis.10
How much is usually taken?
The suggested adult amount of the standardized leaf extract is 300–640 mg three times
daily for a minimum of six weeks.11 Alternatively, if a standardized extract is not
available, the amount of the crude, dried leaves is 1–4 grams, three times a
day.12
Are there any side effects or interactions?
At the recommended amount and according to the German Commission E Monograph,13
there are no known side effects or drug interactions. The use of artichoke is not recommended
for those who are allergic to artichokes and other members of the Compositae (e.g., daisy)
family. In addition, those who have any obstruction of the bile duct (e.g., as a result of gallstones) should not employ this plant therapeutically.
The plant’s safety during pregnancy and
breastfeeding has not been established.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with artichoke.
References
1. Brand N. Cynara scolymus L.—The artichoke.
Zeitschrift Phytother 1990;11:169–75.
2. Brand N. Cynara scolymus L.—The artichoke.
Zeitschrift Phytother 1990;11:169–75.
3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients
Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996,
42–3.
4. Kirchoff R, Beckers CH, Kirchoff GM, et al. Increase of choleresis by
means of artichoke extract. Phytomedicine 1994;1:107–15.
5. Fintelmann V. Antidyspeptic and lipid-lowering effect of artichoke
leaf extract. Zeitschrift fur Allgemeinmed 1996;72(Suppl 2):3–19.
6. Fintelmann V. Antidyspeptic and lipid-lowering effect of artichoke
leaf extract. Zeitschrift fur Allgemeinmed 1996;72(Suppl 2):3–19.
7. Englisch W, Beckers C, Unkauf M, et al. Efficacy of artichoke dry
extract in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia. Arzneimittelforschung
2000;50:260–5.
8. Heckers H, Dittmar K, Schmahl FW, Huth K. Inefficiency of cynarin as
therapeutic regimen in familial type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis
1977;26:249–53.
9. Gebhardt R. New experimental results in the action of artichoke leaf
extract. Zeitschrift fur Allgemeinmed 1996;72:20–3.
10. Brown JE, Rice-Evans CA. Luteolin rich artichoke extract protects low
density lipoprotein from oxidation in vitro. Free Radical Research
1998;29:247–55.
11. Fintelmann V. Antidyspeptic and lipid-lowering effect of artichoke
leaf extract. Zeitschrift fur Allgemeinmed 1996;72:1–19.
12. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide
for Health-Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 36.
13. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American
Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 84–5.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
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For an herb, supported by traditional use but
minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal
health benefit.
