Last verified: 17 days ago
Artichoke Extract
Also known as: Cynara scolymus, Globe Artichoke Extract, Artichoke Leaf Extract, ALE, chlorogenic acid extract
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Plant extract with decent evidence for cholesterol support; does not cure hangovers or replace statins.
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What it does
Artichoke extract comes from the leaves of the globe artichoke plant (Cynara scolymus) and is rich in compounds like chlorogenic acid and caffeoylquinic acids. Clinical research — mostly in...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies alone
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Found in
Texas SuperFood Original Capsules, NOW Detox Cleanse 90ct, NutraBio Liver and 1 more
What the Science Says
Artichoke extract comes from the leaves of the globe artichoke plant (Cynara scolymus) and is rich in compounds like chlorogenic acid and caffeoylquinic acids. Clinical research — mostly in combination with other ingredients like bergamot — suggests it can help lower LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and markers of inflammation in people with high cholesterol or metabolic issues. Animal studies also point to liver-protective and antioxidant effects, though human-only trials isolating artichoke extract are limited.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't cure a hangover — a randomized controlled trial found zero benefit over placebo. Not a replacement for statins if your doctor has prescribed them. No solid human evidence it treats Alzheimer's, neuropathic pain, or cancer. Most cholesterol studies used it in a multi-ingredient blend, so you can't credit artichoke alone.
Evidence-Based Benefits
May help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol when combined with other nutraceuticals.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: No established standalone dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May reduce markers of systemic inflammation like CRP and TNF-alpha in overweight, dyslipidemic adults.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: No established standalone dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Shows liver-protective effects in animal models of cholestasis, reducing liver enzymes and oxidative stress.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 250–500 mg/kg in rat studies (human equivalent unknown)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Does NOT prevent or reduce alcohol-induced hangover symptoms — a clinical trial found no difference from placebo.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: Not applicable — shown to be ineffective
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data provided in the available studies. Animal studies used oral gavage at high doses not translatable to typical supplement servings.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most positive human studies used artichoke as part of a multi-ingredient formula, making it impossible to isolate its individual effect
- No standardized human dose established from the provided evidence — products vary widely in extract concentration
- Animal study doses (250–800 mg/kg) are far higher than typical supplement servings and may not translate to humans
- Marketed heavily for hangovers despite a randomized controlled trial showing no benefit over placebo
- Quality control varies significantly across the 1,000+ registered supplement products — standardization is inconsistent
Products Containing Artichoke Extract
See how Artichoke Extract is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Artichoke Extract do?
Plant extract with decent evidence for cholesterol support; does not cure hangovers or replace statins.
What is the effective dose of Artichoke Extract?
No established dose from provided studies alone
Is Artichoke Extract safe?
Most positive human studies used artichoke as part of a multi-ingredient formula, making it impossible to isolate its individual effect
What doesn't Artichoke Extract do?
Won't cure a hangover — a randomized controlled trial found zero benefit over placebo.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25