Artichoke Standardized Extract
Also known as: Artichoke, Globe Artichoke, Standardized Artichoke Extract, Cynara scolymus L.
Overview
Artichoke (*Cynara scolymus L.*) is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean, valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its potential health benefits. The leaves and flowers of the artichoke are processed into supplements aimed at improving conditions related to cardiovascular and liver health. This herbal supplement is rich in bioactive compounds like cynarin, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, contributing to its therapeutic effects. Artichoke is known to be a part of the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes the consumption of whole plants, and the extract is often standardized to contain specific concentrations of its active ingredients. Research on artichoke is moderately advanced, supported by systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that back up its various health claims.
Benefits
Artichoke supplements offer several evidence-backed benefits: 1. **Anti-hyperlipidemic Effect**: Consistent reductions in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) have been observed, with meta-analyses reporting significant mean reductions (e.g., -17.6 mg/dL TC, -14.9 mg/dL LDL-C, -9.2 mg/dL TG). 2. **Anti-hypertensive Effect**: While evidence is mixed overall, significant blood pressure reductions have been noted in hypertensive patients. 3. **Liver Health**: Artichoke supplementation has shown to lower liver enzymes like aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), particularly beneficial for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Additional findings suggest an anti-hyperglycemic effect, specifically lowering insulin levels, underlining artichoke's potential in metabolic health, especially for hypercholesterolemic and hypertensive patients.
How it works
Artichoke extracts exert their effects through various biological pathways. Key mechanisms include: inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and absorption, enhancement of bile acid excretion, and exertion of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These interactions significantly influence cholesterol metabolism and liver function, improving lipid profiles and enzymatic levels linked to metabolic health. Bioactive compounds such as cynarin and flavonoids interact with metabolic pathways, enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
Side effects
Generally, artichoke supplements are considered safe; however, potential side effects should be noted. Common side effects (>5%) may include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as gas or digestive upset. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) are rarely reported, and no rare side effects (<1%) have been documented in scientific literature. While substantial drug interactions are not confirmed, caution is advised when combining artichoke supplements with medications affecting lipid levels or blood pressure. Individuals with known allergies to artichokes or those with serious liver or kidney issues should consult a healthcare provider prior to use. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also seek professional advice due to limited safety data.
Dosage
Clinical studies have indicated effective dosage ranges for artichoke extract, typically between 600 mg and 1200 mg per day. While a minimum effective dose is not well established, some benefits have been noted with daily doses starting from 100 mg. Doses as high as 2700 mg have been investigated without significant adverse effects, implying a high tolerance. Timing of intake does not appear to critically impact absorption; however, consistency is recommended. It is also advised to take artichoke supplements with meals to potentially increase bioavailability. The form of supplementation often used is standardized leaf extracts to ensure consistent dosing.
FAQs
Are artichoke supplements safe?
Artichoke supplements are generally deemed safe, but consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for those with underlying health conditions or taking medications.
How should I take artichoke supplements?
It is best to consume artichoke supplements consistently each day, ideally with meals to enhance absorption.
When can I expect to see results?
Users may observe improvements in their lipid profiles and liver function after several weeks of consistent supplementation.
Can artichoke replace my current medication?
Artichoke supplements should be considered complementary to medical treatment, not replacements, and should always be used under healthcare guidance.
Research Sources
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09731296231217557?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.9 – This meta-analysis includes 20 trials on the cardiometabolic effects of artichoke supplementation, showing significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, primarily among hypercholesterolemic individuals.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33465383/ – This systematic review suggested that while artichoke does not have an overall effect on blood pressure, significant reductions were noted in patients with hypertension.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28609140/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that artichoke can significantly reduce liver enzymes, particularly in patients with NAFLD, thus supporting its liver health claims.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34569671/ – This research emphasizes the overall beneficial impact of artichoke on lipid profiles and highlights the clinically meaningful reductions observed in serum cholesterol and liver enzyme levels.
- https://www.gastroenterologyadvisor.com/news/artichoke-supplementation-may-help-reduce-ast-and-alt/ – This article discusses findings on the effects of artichoke supplementation in lowering liver enzymes, particularly AST and ALT, and supports its efficacy in improving liver health.
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