Artichoke: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

Hypercholesterolemia
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Meta-analyses and double-blind clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of artichoke extract to increase HDL levels (the good cholesterol) and inhibit the oxidation of LDL (low-density cholesterol). Studies focused on healthy patients or those suffering from hyperlipidemia, non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis, or metabolic syndrome, and all show that daily intake of artichoke leaf extracts for 4 to 24 weeks reduces total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). It seems that artichoke only has pronounced effects in people with high cholesterol levels. The doses used range from 200 mg (in combination with other actives like bergamot) to 500 mg or more, divided into 2 to 3 doses per day.

Posologie

Oral route: leaf

200 - 1920 mg

8 - weeks

liquid extract, dry extract

Synergies

Digestive disorders
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Artichoke leaf extract seems to reduce digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and abdominal pain in patients with functional and hepatic origin dyspepsia. A randomized, double-blind study with a placebo followed 244 patients with functional dyspepsia. For 6 weeks, 129 consumed 1920 mg of artichoke leaf extract per day, divided into three doses, and 111 were treated with a placebo. Improvement in dyspeptic symptoms, such as flatulence and bloating, was significantly higher with artichoke leaf than with the placebo. Combining with ginger may enhance these results, according to other research.

Posologie

Oral route: leaf

320 - 2100 mg

liquid extract, dry extract

Synergies

Flatulence
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Artichoke leaf extract seems to significantly reduce digestive symptoms such as flatulence and abdominal pain in patients with functional dyspepsia associated with biliary disease. Some clinical research evaluated artichoke extract in combination with ginger extract. The results show that daily intake of artichoke and ginger extracts improves symptoms considerably. Artichoke is rich in inulin (a set of dietary fibers), cynarin, and flavonoids. It can facilitate digestion and intestinal transit by promoting the development of bifidobacteria in the colon.

Posologie

Oral route: leaf

320 - 1920 mg

liquid extract, dry extract

Synergies

Hepatic steatosis
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A randomized clinical study showed that the use of artichoke leaf extracts with metformin and vitamin E can have beneficial effects on improving complications in patients with hepatic steatosis. The artichoke leaf extract used was standardized to provide 20 mg of chlorogenic acid. Another small clinical trial in patients with non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis shows that taking a standardized artichoke leaf extract containing 2% cynarin improves disease severity, reduces liver size, and increases hepatic vein flow compared to placebo.

Posologie

Oral route: leaf

600 - 800 mg

liquid extract, dry extract

Synergies

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Clinical studies have shown that taking a specific artichoke leaf extract reduces abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, flatulence, and constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome after 6 weeks of treatment, compared to baseline. In other clinical research, another artichoke leaf extract reduced the incidence of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms compared to baseline in patients suffering from concomitant dyspepsia. Patients taking this extract also experienced an improved quality of life after 2 months of treatment. However, the validity of these results is limited by the lack of a control group.

Posologie

Oral route: leaf

320 - 640 mg

liquid extract, dry extract

Biliary Disorders
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Artichoke extracts have a stimulating effect on hepatobiliary functions. They promote the elimination of bile, giving them an anti-lithiasic (anti-gallstone) effect. Artichoke is therefore recommended in cases of functional biliary and hepatic insufficiency; biliary insufficiency on bile stones (without obstruction) and in prevention of biliary lithiasis. One should be cautious not to consume it in case of obstruction or inflammation of the bile ducts (see contraindications).

Posologie

Oral route: leaf

400 - 2100 mg

liquid extract, dry extract

Metabolic Syndrome
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A clinical study demonstrated that an aqueous extract of artichoke, chophytol® (a medication), normalizes lipid levels and biochemical indicators in patients with metabolic syndrome. Another small study conducted on patients with metabolic syndrome highlighted the action of artichoke leaf extracts on triglyceride levels but did not significantly affect other metabolic syndrome indicators such as blood glucose or blood pressure.

Posologie

Oral route: leaf

1800 mg

liquid extract, dry extract

Detoxification
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Artichoke leaf extracts are traditionally used for liver detoxification when taking multiple medications. Animal study results have shown that artichoke extracts have antioxidant activity, which results in the reduction of peroxides and free radicals in cells.

Posologie

Oral route: leaf

320 - 640 mg

liquid extract, dry extract