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Equivalent Artichoke Powder

Also known as: Cynara scolymus, artichoke, globe artichoke, artichoke powder, artichoke leaf extract

Overview

Artichoke (*Cynara scolymus*) is a thistle-like plant native to the Mediterranean, with both the edible flower bud and leaves used for culinary and medicinal purposes. As a supplement, it is available in various forms, including artichoke leaf extract and powder. It is primarily used to improve lipid profiles, support liver health, and potentially reduce blood pressure. Artichoke is rich in bioactive compounds such as cynarin, chlorogenic acid, luteolin, and flavonoids, contributing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that artichoke supplementation can lead to modest but statistically significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides. It is generally well-tolerated, making it a potential adjunct to lifestyle modifications for cardiovascular and hepatic health. While several RCTs and meta-analyses support its benefits, more long-term studies are needed to fully understand its effects.

Benefits

Artichoke supplementation has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to cardiovascular and liver health. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate that artichoke can significantly reduce total cholesterol (TC) by approximately 17 mg/dL and LDL-C by about 17.5 mg/dL in adults with hyperlipidemia. Triglyceride levels may also be reduced. Some studies also suggest a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients after 12 weeks of supplementation. Additionally, systematic reviews suggest that artichoke may reduce liver enzymes (AST and ALT), indicating potential hepatoprotective effects. These benefits are most evident in adults with mild to moderate hyperlipidemia or hypertension, with improvements typically observed after 8–12 weeks of consistent supplementation. While the effect sizes are modest, they can be clinically meaningful in at-risk populations when combined with other lifestyle interventions.

How it works

Artichoke exerts its beneficial effects through several biological pathways. Primarily, it inhibits cholesterol synthesis via HMG-CoA reductase inhibition, similar to statin medications, and increases bile acid excretion, both of which contribute to improved lipid profiles. The polyphenols and flavonoids present in artichoke act as antioxidants, scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, which is a key factor in cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, artichoke exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. These mechanisms primarily affect the cardiovascular and hepatic systems. Bioactive compounds like cynarin and chlorogenic acid are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, though their bioavailability can vary depending on the specific formulation and individual factors.

Side effects

Artichoke supplementation is generally well-tolerated, but some side effects have been reported. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and flatulence. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, include allergic reactions, although these are rare. Severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are extremely rare (less than 1%). Artichoke may interact with lipid-lowering drugs, potentially leading to an additive effect; therefore, concurrent use should be monitored. It is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to artichoke or related plants, such as ragweed and marigolds. Due to limited data, caution is advised when used during pregnancy, lactation, or in children. Individuals should discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if they experience any adverse effects.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of artichoke is not definitively established, but most studies utilize dosages ranging from 500 to 1800 mg/day of artichoke leaf extract or equivalent powder. An optimal dosage range is typically between 500 and 1800 mg/day, divided into two doses. There is no established upper safety limit, but doses up to 1800 mg/day have been used safely in clinical trials. It is generally recommended to take artichoke supplements with meals to enhance absorption and reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects. When using powder forms, standardization to equivalent polyphenol content is important. Food intake may improve the bioavailability of artichoke's bioactive compounds. Artichoke supplementation is best used as part of a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health.

FAQs

Is artichoke supplementation safe?

Artichoke supplementation is generally safe for most adults. Monitor for gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating or gas. Discontinue use if you experience any allergic reactions.

When is the best time to take artichoke supplements?

Take artichoke supplements with meals to minimize potential side effects and enhance absorption of the active compounds. Consistency in timing can also help maintain steady levels in your system.

How long does it take to see results from artichoke supplementation?

Most studies report improvements in lipid profiles and blood pressure after 8–12 weeks of consistent supplementation. Individual results may vary, and it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Can I take artichoke supplements with my prescription medications?

Consult with your healthcare provider before combining artichoke supplements with any prescription medications, especially lipid-lowering or antihypertensive drugs, to avoid potential interactions.

Is artichoke a substitute for cholesterol-lowering medication?

No, artichoke is not a substitute for prescribed lipid-lowering or antihypertensive medications. It should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health, including diet and exercise.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33465383/ – The systematic review and meta-analysis by Shahinfar et al. (2021) analyzed 15 effect sizes from 14 RCTs involving adults with hyperlipidemia. The study found significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides with artichoke supplementation, but no significant effect on HDL-C, suggesting a beneficial impact on lipid profiles.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2017.1332572 – Sahebkar et al.'s (2017) systematic review and meta-analysis, encompassing 9 RCTs with adults experiencing hyperlipidemia, demonstrated that artichoke supplementation led to a significant reduction in both total cholesterol and LDL-C levels. However, the authors noted the need for more long-term data to fully ascertain the sustained effects of artichoke on lipid metabolism.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34569671/ – Rondanelli et al.'s (2021) systematic review and meta-analysis focused on hypertensive adults and found that artichoke supplementation over 12 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The authors acknowledged the limited number of studies available and called for further research to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.
https://www.gastroenterologyadvisor.com/news/artichoke-supplementation-may-help-reduce-ast-and-alt/ – This news report summarizes findings suggesting that artichoke supplementation may help reduce AST and ALT levels, which are liver enzymes. This indicates a potential benefit for liver health, though the specific study details and quality assessment are not provided in this summary.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.7247 – This citation refers to a study published in Phytotherapy Research. The study likely investigates the effects of artichoke extract on various health parameters, potentially including lipid profiles, liver function, and blood pressure, based on the other research sources provided. Further details would require accessing the full text of the article.