Artichoke (Cynara scolymus): Evidence, Dosage & Uses

Large Perennial Herb · Mediterranean Crop

Botanical Overview

Artichoke is a large perennial herb with a rosette of strongly veined, pinnately divided leaves that are not spiny, which distinguishes it from the cardoon. Sturdy, branched stems carry flower heads 10 to 15 cm across. The edible parts are the fleshy receptacle and the bracts around it.

HabitLarge perennial herb

LeavesRosette, not spiny

Flower Heads10–15 cm across

Edible PartReceptacle & bracts

Taxonomic Classification

Taxonomy & Identification

Latin Name: Cynara scolymus L. (synonyms Cynara cardunculus subsp. scolymus; C. cardunculus L. subsp. flavescens Wiklund)
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: Artichoke, Globe Artichoke, Artichaut
Parts Used: Leaves of the first-year rosette
Regulatory Status: French Pharmacopoeia, list A (leaf); EMA-evaluated herbal substance ²

Ethnobotany & Traditional Use

History & Tradition

The artichoke is an improved cardoon and is unknown in the wild. The wild species, Cynara cardunculus, comes from East Africa (Ethiopia), and was introduced to the Mediterranean basin and selected for cultivation.

The leaves, rather than the edible head, are the medicinal part, prepared as a tisane, a fresh-leaf extract or a dry extract.

Modern research has centered on cynarin and luteolin glycosides, on a Cochrane review of the leaf extract for hypercholesterolemia, and on trials in dyspepsia and fatty liver disease. ¹⁵²⁴²⁶

⚠ Bitter Taste

The bitterness of the leaf limits its use as an infusion, which is why standardized extracts are common.

Timeline

Wild Cardoon

East Africa

The wild ancestor, Cynara cardunculus, originates in Ethiopia.

Selection in the Mediterranean

Cultivation

The cardoon is introduced and bred into the cultivated artichoke.

Clinical Studies

2002 – 2018

Dyspepsia, cholesterol and fatty liver trials. ²⁵

EMA Reference Doses

2011

The EMA sets reference doses for the leaf and its extracts. ²

The Key Compounds

Cynarin & Cynaropicrin — Deep Dive

The caffeoylquinic acids, sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids behind artichoke's activity.

🧪

Cynarin (1,5-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid)

A caffeic ester that increases bile flow and protects hepatocytes from carbon tetrachloride; with luteolin and cynaroside it inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis. ⁷¹⁴

🧬

Cynaropicrin & Guaianolides

The bitter sesquiterpene lactones of the leaf, responsible in part for its taste.

🌼

Luteolin Glycosides

Luteoloside, scolymoside, cynaroside and luteolin-7-gentiobioside are the main flavonoids. ⁴

🍋

Organic Acid-Alcohols

Malic acid (0.8%) with succinic, lactic, fumaric and citric acids, acting synergistically with the phenolic acids on diuretic and hepatic effects. ³

Pharmaceutical Preparations

Parts Used & Available Forms

The leaf of the first-year rosette is used, in a wide range of preparations.

Leaf

The first-year rosette leaves, listed in the French Pharmacopoeia (list A).

Leaf

Herbal Tea

Infusion of the dried leaf; the bitterness limits its use.

Infusion

Mother Tincture

Teinture-mère of the leaf.

Liquid Extract

Fluid Extract & Tincture

Extrait fluide and officinal tincture of the leaf.

Liquid Extract

Dry Extract

Dry extracts, including those of fresh leaves.

Dry Extract

EPS & SIPF

Standardized fresh-plant extracts (EPS and SIPF).

Standardized Extract

Clinical Dosimetry

Dosages

Artichoke leaf is taken as a tea, a powder or a concentrated extract, and the amount depends on the preparation.

Form	Dose	Frequency	Context	Notes
Herbal Tea (Infusion)	1.5 g of leaf	4 times per day	General use	Standard tea strength; the bitter taste limits use.
Powder	600–1,500 mg	Per day	General use	Daily total of dried leaf powder.
Dry Extract (DER 2.5–7.5:1)	600–1,320 mg	Per day	General use	Standardized ratio of 2.5–7.5 parts leaf to 1 part extract.
Fresh-Leaf Dry Extract (DER 15–35:1)	900–2,400 mg	Per day	General use	Concentrated ratio of 15–35 parts fresh leaf to 1 part extract. ²
Infusion of Fresh Leaves	50 g of fresh leaves per liter, infused 15 minutes	1 liter per day, in discontinuous courses	Liver and bile disorders	The bitterness limits this use.
Total Extract	1–3 g	Per day, by mouth	Liver and bile disorders	Oral use.

Phytochemistry

Composition

Phenolic acids, sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoid glycosides make up the active profile of the leaf.

Leaf — Primary Constituents

Phenolic AcidsCaffeic esters: chlorogenic acid (5-caffeoylquinic), isochlorogenic acid and cynarin (1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid)

Major

Acid-AlcoholsMalic acid (0.8%), succinic, lactic, fumaric and citric acids ³

Present

Sesquiterpene LactonesGuaianolides, including cynaropicrin and its derivatives

Present

CoumarinsScopoletin

Present

ChemotypesSeveral chemotypes exist ⁵

Present

Flavonoids & Glycosides

Luteolin GlycosidesLuteoloside, scolymoside, luteolin-4'-glucoside, cynaroside and luteolin-7-gentiobioside ⁴

Major

Apigenin GlycosidesApigenin heterosides (apigenol) and cosmoside

Present

FlavonolsQuercetin and rutin

Present

FlavanonesHesperetin and hesperidoside

Present

Other GlycosidesEsculetin-6-O-β-glucoside and maritimein

Present

Plant Properties — Pharmacodynamics

Twelve pharmacodynamic properties define artichoke, centered on bile flow, liver protection and lipids.

12 Properties Choleretic Hepatoprotective Clinical Trials

🧴

Choleretic & Cholagogue

Increases bile secretion and bile flow, and is amphocholeretic, helping to regulate bile output. ⁶

🛡️

Hepatoprotective

Protected the liver against carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol, and favors liver regeneration; cynarin increases biliary flow. ⁷⁸⁹

✨

Antioxidant

Strongly antioxidant; inhibits malondialdehyde formation induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in hepatocytes. ¹⁰

🎯

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Synergy with milk thistle and borututu syrups was studied, and polyphenol extracts promoted apoptosis in liver cancer cells. ¹¹¹²

📉

Cholesterol-Lowering

Cynarin, luteolin and cynaroside lower cholesterol; reviewed in a Cochrane review. ¹³¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶

🫀

Lipid Peroxidation & Atherosclerosis

Prevents lipid peroxidation and lipoprotein dyshomeostasis in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. ¹⁷

🍬

Glucose & Appetite

Lowered postprandial hyperglycemia and food intake in rats. ¹⁸¹⁹

⚡

Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain

Part of its effects may depend on action on the mitochondrial respiratory chain of liver cells. ²⁰

🧪

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition

Inhibits xanthine oxidase, with a potential in hyperuricemia and gout. ²¹

🩸

Endothelial Protection

Reduced reactive oxygen species in human endothelial cells and protected against oxidative stress from inflammatory mediators and oxidized LDL. ²²²³

🦠

Antibacterial

Active against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. ¹

💧

Diuretic & Triglyceride-Lowering

Promotes urine output and lowers circulating triglycerides.

Clinical Applications

Clinical Indications

Artichoke is used mainly for digestive, hepatic and lipid-related conditions, with trials in dyspepsia and fatty liver.

🫃

Dyspepsia & Hepatobiliary Disorders

Primary Indication

Dyspepsia: an open study found that artichoke leaf extract reduced mild dyspepsia. ²⁴
Digestive Disorders: various traditional indications; not advised in obstruction of the bile ducts.
Liver & Bile Disorders: a traditional choleretic and cholagogue. ⁶

🫀

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Clinical Indication

Steatosis & Steatohepatitis: favorable effects on ultrasound findings and on liver enzymes (AST, ALT), total bilirubin and APRI score. ²⁵²⁶
Pilot Trial: a double-blind randomized controlled trial of artichoke leaf extract in NAFLD. ²⁶

📉

Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Prevention

Clinical Indication

Hypercholesterolemia: reviewed in a Cochrane review and in a systematic review of herbs for serum cholesterol. ¹³¹⁵
Cardiovascular Prevention: through lipid- and glucose-lowering action. ²⁷
Depuration: a traditional indication.

🦶

Gout & Hyperuricemia

Traditional Indication

Hyperuricemia & Gout: a traditional indication, with a rationale in xanthine oxidase inhibition by the extract. ²¹

Pharmacodynamics

Mode of Action

Artichoke's effects come from caffeic acid esters and flavonoids acting on bile flow, hepatocyte metabolism and oxidative stress.

🧴

Bile Flow & Hepatocyte Protection

Cynarin increases bile flow and protects hepatocytes from carbon tetrachloride. ⁷

🍋

Phenolic & Organic Acid Synergy

The phenolic acids and the acid-alcohols act synergistically on the diuretic and hepatic effects. ³

📉

Cholesterol Biosynthesis Inhibition

Artichoke extracts inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis in cultured rat hepatocytes, through cynarin, luteolin and cynaroside. ¹⁴¹³

⚡

Mitochondria & Xanthine Oxidase

The extract acts on the mitochondrial respiratory chain of liver cells and inhibits xanthine oxidase. ²⁰²¹

✨

Endothelial Redox Action

The extract lowers reactive oxygen species and protects endothelial cells from oxidized LDL and inflammatory mediators. ²²²³

Clinical Safety

Safety & Interactions

Artichoke leaf is generally well tolerated; the key contraindication is bile duct obstruction.

⚠️

Adverse Effects & Precautions

Digestive Effects: rare diarrhea, bloating and stomach pain.
Taste: perception of flavors may change.
Fresh Juice: can sensitize the skin and carries an allergy risk.

🚫

Contraindications & Interactions

Bile Duct Obstruction: artichoke is not advised.
Drug Interactions: no interactions with medicines are known.
Regulatory Status: French Pharmacopoeia, list A (leaf); EMA-evaluated herbal substance. ²

Clinical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using artichoke, particularly if you have gallstones or a blocked bile duct, liver disease, or are allergic to Asteraceae plants.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is artichoke leaf used for?

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf is used for dyspepsia and other digestive complaints, for liver and bile disorders, to lower cholesterol, for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and traditionally for gout and hyperuricemia. The leaves of the first-year rosette are the part used.

Does artichoke lower cholesterol?

Artichoke leaf extract has been reviewed for cholesterol lowering, including in a Cochrane review, and cynarin, luteolin and cynaroside inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis in rat hepatocytes. The extract also prevented lipid peroxidation in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet.

Is artichoke good for the liver?

Artichoke extract protected the liver against carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol in animal studies. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, trials reported improved ultrasound findings and liver enzymes, including a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Does artichoke help with indigestion?

An open study found that artichoke leaf extract reduced mild dyspepsia. The leaf is also a traditional choleretic and cholagogue, increasing bile flow.

What is the usual artichoke dosage?

Typical amounts are 1.5 g of leaf as an infusion four times daily, 600 to 1,500 mg of powder a day, 600 to 1,320 mg of dry extract a day, or 900 to 2,400 mg of fresh-leaf dry extract a day. For liver and bile disorders, a total extract of 1 to 3 g a day is used.

Who should not take artichoke?

Artichoke is not advised in obstruction of the bile ducts. Rare effects include diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain and a change in taste perception, and the fresh juice can sensitize the skin and cause allergy.

Can artichoke lower blood sugar?

Artichoke extract lowered blood glucose and food intake in rats, in one study combined with bean extract. These are animal findings, and the dose and effects in humans are not established.

Does artichoke help with gout?

Artichoke extract inhibits xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that makes uric acid, which suggests a potential in hyperuricemia and gout. The evidence comes from laboratory work.

What is cynarin?

Cynarin (1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid) is a phenolic acid of artichoke. It increases bile flow and protected liver cells from carbon tetrachloride, and it is one of the compounds that inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis.

Sources

Bibliography

↑1. Falleh H, Ksouri R, Chaieb K, et al. Phenolic composition of Cynara cardunculus L. organs, and their biological activities. C R Biol. 2008;331(5):372–379.
PubMed: PMID 18472083 →

↑2. European Medicines Agency (EMA/HMPC). Community herbal monograph on Cynara scolymus L., folium. EMA/HMPC/150218/2009. 13 September 2011.
Full Text (PDF) →

↑3. Bogaert JP, Mortier F, Jouany JM, Pelt JM, Delaveau P. Organic acids, principally acid-alcohols, in Cynara scolymus L. (Compositae). Ann Pharm Fr. 1972;30(6):401–408.
PubMed: PMID 5082443 →

↑4. Hinou J, Harvala C, Philianos S. Polyphenolic substances of Cynara scolymus L. leaves. Ann Pharm Fr. 1989;47(2):95–98.
PubMed: PMID 2610472 →

↑5. Wagenbreth D, Eich J. Pharmaceutically relevant phenolic constituents in artichoke leaves are useful for chemical classification of accessions. Acta Hortic. 2005;681:469–474.
Full Text →

↑6. Spiridonov NA. Mechanisms of action of herbal cholagogues. Med Aromat Plants. 2012;1:107.
DOI: 10.4172/2167-0412.1000107 →

↑7. Mehmetçik G, Ozdemirler G, Koçak-Toker N, Cevikbaş U, Uysal M. Effect of pretreatment with artichoke extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and oxidative stress. Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2008;60(6):475–480.
PubMed: PMID 18583118 →

↑8. Donya SM, Ibrahim NH. Antimutagenic potential of Cynara scolymus, Cupressus sempervirens and Eugenia jambolana against paracetamol-induced liver cytotoxicity. J Am Sci. 2012;8(1):61–67.
Full Text (PDF) →

↑9. Colak E, Ustuner MC, Tekin N, et al. The hepatocurative effects of Cynara scolymus L. leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and hepatic injury in rats. SpringerPlus. 2016;5:216.
PubMed: PMID 27026910 →

↑10. Gebhardt R. Antioxidative and protective properties of extracts from leaves of the artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) against hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress in cultured rat hepatocytes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1997;144(2):279–286.
PubMed: PMID 9194411 →

↑11. Pereira C, Calhelha RC, Barros L, Queiroz MJRP, Ferreira ICFR. Synergisms in antioxidant and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activities of artichoke, milk thistle and borututu syrups. Ind Crops Prod. 2014;52:709–713.

↑12. Miccadei S, Di Venere D, Cardinali A, et al. Antioxidative and apoptotic properties of polyphenolic extracts from edible part of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) on cultured rat hepatocytes and on human hepatoma cells. Nutr Cancer. 2008;60(2):276–283.
PubMed: PMID 18444161 →

↑13. Thompson Coon JS, Ernst E. Herbs for serum cholesterol reduction: a systematic view. J Fam Pract. 2003;52(6):468–478.
PubMed: PMID 12791229 →

↑14. Gebhardt R. Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in primary cultured rat hepatocytes by artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) extracts. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1998;286(3):1122–1128.
PubMed: PMID 9732368 →

↑15. Wider B, Pittler MH, Thompson-Coon J, Ernst E. Artichoke leaf extract for treating hypercholesterolaemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(4):CD003335.
PubMed: PMID 19821306 →

↑16. Küçükgergin C, Aydın AF, Ozdemirler-Erata G, et al. Effect of artichoke leaf extract on hepatic and cardiac oxidative stress in rats fed on high cholesterol diet. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2009.
PubMed: PMID 19652921 →

↑17. Küskü-Kiraz Z, Mehmetçik G, Dogru-Abbasoglu S, Uysal M. Artichoke leaf extract reduces oxidative stress and lipoprotein dyshomeostasis in rats fed on high cholesterol diet. Phytother Res. 2010;24(4):565–570.
PubMed: PMID 19777605 →

↑18. Fantini N, Colombo G, Giori A, et al. Evidence of glycemia-lowering effect by a Cynara scolymus L. extract in normal and obese rats. Phytother Res. 2011;25(3):463–466.
PubMed: PMID 20737658 →

↑19. Loi B, Fantini N, Colombo G, et al. Reducing effect of a combination of Phaseolus vulgaris and Cynara scolymus extracts on food intake and glycemia in rats. Phytother Res. 2013;27(2):258–263.
PubMed: PMID 22565861 →

↑20. Juzyszyn Z, Czerny B, Myśliwiec Z, Pawlik A, Droździk M. The effect of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) extract on respiratory chain system activity in rat liver mitochondria. Phytother Res. 2010;24(Suppl 2):S123–S128.
PubMed: PMID 20091747 →

↑21. Sarawek S. Xanthine oxidase inhibition and antioxidant activity of an artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus L.) and its compounds. Doctoral thesis (Pharmacy). 2007.
Full Text (PDF) →

↑22. Juzyszyn Z, Czerny B, Pawlik A, Droździk M. The effect of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) extract on ROS generation in HUVEC cells. Phytother Res. 2008;22(9):1159–1161.
PubMed: PMID 18780283 →

↑23. Zapolska-Downar D, Zapolski-Downar A, Naruszewicz M, et al. Protective properties of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) against oxidative stress induced in cultured endothelial cells and monocytes. Life Sci. 2002;71(24):2897–2908.
PubMed: PMID 12377270 →

↑24. Marakis G, Walker AF, Middleton RW, et al. Artichoke leaf extract reduces mild dyspepsia in an open study. Phytomedicine. 2002;9(8):694–699.
PubMed: PMID 12587688 →

↑25. Rangboo V, Noroozi M, Zavoshy R, Rezadoost SA, Mohammadpoorasl A. The effect of artichoke leaf extract on alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Int J Hepatol. 2016;2016:4030476.
PubMed: PMID 27293900 →

↑26. Panahi Y, Kianpour P, Mohtashami R, et al. Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2018;32(7):1382–1387.
PubMed: PMID 29520889 →

↑27. Rondanelli M, Monteferrario F, Perna S, Faliva MA, Opizzi A. Health-promoting properties of artichoke in preventing cardiovascular disease by its lipidic and glycemic-reducing action. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2013;80(1):17–26.
PubMed: PMID 23923586 →

Additional Sources

European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Assessment report on Cynara scolymus L., folium. EMA/HMPC/150209/2009. 13 September 2011.