Artichoke Extract - NutraPedia

Back to Table of Contents

Artichoke Extract Information

1) Conditions Studied

Artichoke extract has been studied for the following conditions:

Dyspepsia (indigestion)
High cholesterol levels
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Regarding the treatment of these conditions, the efficacy of artichoke extract is as follows:

It may help relieve symptoms of indigestion and improve digestive health.
Studies suggest a potential in reducing cholesterol levels, but further research is needed.
There is limited evidence for its effectiveness in managing IBS symptoms.
Some studies indicate a possible benefit for liver health, particularly in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

3) Health Benefits

Artichoke extract is associated with several health benefits:

Potential to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increase HDL ("good") cholesterol.
May aid in digestion and reduce symptoms of indigestion.
Contains antioxidants which may protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Could have a protective effect on the liver.

4) Downsides

While artichoke extract is generally considered safe, it does have some potential downsides:

May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family.
Can lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Those with bile duct obstruction should avoid it as it can stimulate bile flow.
May interact with certain medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs and diuretics.

5) Genetic Variations

Regarding genetic variations, there is some evidence that:

Individuals with certain genetic profiles may metabolize artichoke extract differently, affecting its efficacy.
Specific genetic liver conditions could influence how well artichoke extract is tolerated or its potential liver-protective effects.
More research is needed to conclusively determine the relationship between genetic variations and the effects of artichoke extract.

Artichoke Leaf Extract Research Highlights

Effects on Bile Production

Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) has been shown to significantly increase bile flow and the concentration of total bile acids in rats, comparable to the choleretic activity of dehydrocholic acid (DHCA), without affecting cholesterol and phospholipid levels in bile.

Hyperuricemia and Gout Treatment Potential

Despite in vitro inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO) by ALE, oral administration in rats did not reduce uric acid levels, although intraperitoneal injection of luteolin lowered uric acid, suggesting that metabolic processes in the gut may impact effectiveness.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Artichoke leaf extract and its organic subfraction increased the activity and expression of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) in human endothelial cells, leading to higher nitric oxide production and improved vasodilation, with flavonoids like luteolin being the active compounds.

Antidiabetic Properties

Several plants, including artichokes, are used traditionally in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to treat diabetes, with some species like Bauhinia forficata and Syzygium cumini showing promising antidiabetic activity in scientific studies.

Nutraceutical Potential

Artichokes, particularly the "Violet de Provence" variety, contain high levels of polyphenols such as caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids, suggesting their potential for broader pharmaceutical use due to their health-promoting properties.

Prebiotic Effects

A very-long-chain inulin extracted from globe artichoke significantly promoted the growth of beneficial gut bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in healthy adults, with a substantial prebiotic effect and minimal gastrointestinal issues.

Mineral Content

The mineral profile of globe artichokes is influenced by genotype, plant part, location, and season, with some genotypes showing high levels of both macro- and micro-minerals, highlighting the plant's nutritional benefits.

Cholesterol Management

Artichoke leaf extract has been demonstrated to effectively reduce plasma cholesterol levels in various animal models and human trials, potentially enhancing the excretion of fecal bile acids and neutral sterols, and improving endothelial function in individuals with high cholesterol.

Antioxidant Properties

Artichoke extract protects against oxidative stress and DNA damage in human cells and has been shown to slow down LDL oxidation, which is important for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Chemopreventive Treatment for Breast Cancer

Polyphenolic extracts from artichokes decreased the viability and growth of breast cancer cells and induced apoptosis, suggesting potential as a chemopreventive treatment.

References:

Upload Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) raw DNA data today and take a deep dive into your genome!

Or if you only have standard microarray data currently, upload raw DNA data to get started with your free DNA raw data analysis today!