Top 7 Health Benefits of Artichokes and Artichoke Extract

Artichoke Improve Liver Health

Artichoke extract may protect liver from damage and promote the growth of new tissue (Trusted Source).

It also increases the production of bile, which helps remove harmful toxins from liver (Trusted Source).

In one study, artichoke extract given to rats resulted in less liver damage, higher antioxidant levels, and better liver function after an induced drug overdose, compared to rats not given artichoke extract (Trusted Source).

Studies in humans also show positive effects on liver health.

For example, one trial in 90 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease revealed that consuming 600 mg of artichoke extract daily for two months led to improved liver function (Trusted Source).

In another study in obese adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, taking artichoke extract daily for two months resulted in reduced liver inflammation and less fat deposition than not consuming artichoke extract (Trusted Source).

Scientists think that certain antioxidants found in artichokes — cynarin and silymarin — are partly responsible for these benefits (Trusted Source).

Artichokes Improve Digestive Health

Artichokes are a great source of fiber, which can help keep your digestive system healthy by promoting friendly gut bacteria, reducing your risk of certain bowel cancers, and alleviating constipation and diarrhea (Trusted Source).

Artichokes contain inulin, a type of fiber which acts as a prebiotic.

In one study, 12 adults experienced an improvement in gut bacteria when they consumed an artichoke extract containing inulin each day for three weeks (Trusted Source).

Artichoke extract may also provide relief from symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating, nausea, and heartburn (Trusted Source).

A study in 247 people with indigestion determined that consuming artichoke leaf extract daily for six weeks reduced symptoms, such as flatulence and uncomfortable feelings of fullness, compared to not taking artichoke leaf extract (Trusted Source).

Cynarin, a naturally occurring compound in artichokes, may cause these positive effects by stimulating bile production, accelerating gut movement, and improving the digestion of certain fats (Trusted Source).

Artichoke May Ease Symptoms 
of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects your digestive system and can cause stomach pain, cramping, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, and flatulence.

In one study in people with IBS, consuming artichoke leaf extract daily for six weeks helped ease symptoms. What’s more, 96% of participants rated the extract equally as effective as — if not better than — other IBS treatments, such as antidiarrheals and laxatives (Trusted Source).

Another study in 208 people with IBS discovered that 1-2 capsules of artichoke leaf extract, consumed daily for two months, reduced symptoms by 26% and improved quality of life by 20% (Trusted Source).

Artichoke extract may relieve symptoms in several ways. Certain compounds in artichokes have antispasmodic properties. This means that they can help stop muscle spasms common in IBS, balance gut bacteria, and reduce inflammation (Trusted Source).

While artichoke extract seems promising for treating IBS symptoms, larger human studies are needed.

Artichoke Lower ‘Bad’ LDL Cholesterol
and Increase ‘Good’ HDL Cholesterol

Artichoke extract may reduce total and “bad” LDL cholesterol while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol.

Artichoke leaf extract may have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.

A large review in over 700 people found that supplementing with artichoke leaf extract daily for 5–13 weeks led to a reduction in total and “bad” LDL cholesterol (Trusted Source).

One study in 143 adults with high cholesterol showed that artichoke leaf extract taken daily for six weeks resulted in an 18.5% and 22.9% decrease in total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, respectively (Trusted Source).

What’s more, regularly consuming artichoke extract may boost “good” HDL cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol (Trusted Source).

Additionally, an animal study reported a 30% reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol and a 22% reduction in triglycerides after regular consumption of artichoke extract (Trusted Source).

Artichoke extract affects cholesterol in two primary ways:

- First, artichokes contain luteolin, an antioxidant which prevents cholesterol formation (Trusted Source).

- Second, artichoke leaf extract encourages your body to process cholesterol more efficiently, leading to lower overall levels (Trusted Source).

Artichoke Help Regulate Blood Pressure

Artichoke extract may help lower blood pressure in people with already elevated levels.

One study in 98 men with high blood pressure found that consuming artichoke extract daily for 12 weeks reduced diastolic and systolic blood pressure by an average of 2.76 and 2.85 mmHg, respectively (Trusted Source).

Test-tube and animal studies indicate that artichoke extract promotes the enzyme eNOS, which plays a role in widening blood vessels (Trusted Source).

In addition, artichokes are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure (Trusted Source).

Artichokes Help Lower Blood Sugar

Artichokes and artichoke leaf extract may help lower blood sugar levels (Trusted Source).

One study in 39 overweight adults found that consuming kidney bean and artichoke extract daily for two months lowered fasting blood sugar levels compared to not supplementing (Trusted Source).

Another small study indicated that consuming boiled artichoke at a meal reduced blood sugar and insulin levels 30 minutes after eating. Notably, this effect was only seen in healthy adults who did not have metabolic syndrome (Trusted Source). How artichoke extract reduces blood sugar isn’t fully understood.

That said, artichoke extract has been shown to slow down the activity of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into glucose, potentially impacting blood sugar (Trusted Source). Keep in mind that more research is needed.

May Have Anticancer Effects

Animal and test-tube studies note that artichoke extract impaired cancer growth (Trusted Source).

Certain antioxidants - including rutin, quercetin, silymarin, and gallic acid - in artichokes are thought responsible for these anticancer effects (Trusted Source).

For example, silymarin was found to help prevent and treat skin cancer in animal and test-tube studies (Trusted Source).

Compiled and penned by Crocus Media