ARTICHOKE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a plant native to the Mediterranean area. The leaf, stem, and root are used to make extracts, which are used as medicine.

Artichoke is also commonly consumed as a food. It contains chemicals that can reduce nausea and vomiting, spasms, and gas. These chemicals have also been shown to lower cholesterol and protect the liver.

People commonly use artichoke for indigestion and high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood. It is also used for high blood pressure, hepatitis C, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Don't confuse artichoke with Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus).

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Indigestion (dyspepsia). Taking artichoke extract by mouth can reduce symptoms of indigestion, including nausea, vomiting, gas, and stomach pain. It seems to take 2 to 8 weeks of treatment to see these benefits.
  • High levels of cholesterol and other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Taking artichoke extract by mouth can slightly reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. It seems to take 6 to 12 weeks of treatment to see these benefits.

There is interest in using artichoke for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Artichoke is commonly consumed in food. It is possibly safe when taken as a medicine for up to 12 weeks. Artichoke can cause side effects such as gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Artichoke might also cause allergic reactions.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Artichoke is commonly consumed in food. It is possibly safe when taken as a medicine for up to 12 weeks. Artichoke can cause side effects such as gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Artichoke might also cause allergic reactions. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if artichoke is safe to use as a medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Bile duct obstruction: Artichoke might worsen this condition. If you have this condition, don't use artichoke before talking with your healthcare provider.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Artichoke may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking artichoke.

Gallstones: Artichoke might make gallstones worse by increasing bile flow.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates) interacts with ARTICHOKE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Artichoke might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with ARTICHOKE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Artichoke might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with ARTICHOKE

    Artichoke might lower blood sugar levels. Taking artichoke along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with ARTICHOKE

    Artichoke might lower blood pressure. Taking artichoke along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Dosing

Artichoke leaf extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 320-640 mg by mouth three times daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

ARTICHOKE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What are the negative side effects of artichokes? ›

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Artichoke is commonly consumed in food. It is possibly safe when taken as a medicine for up to 12 weeks. Artichoke can cause side effects such as gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Artichoke might also cause allergic reactions.

Does artichoke interact with any medications? ›

Some potential risks and side effects include: Drug interactions: Any chemical can interact with medications, and artichoke extract is no exception. Therefore, people taking medications, including both prescriptions and supplements, should discuss taking artichoke extract with a doctor.

Who should not take artichoke supplements? ›

Supplement Safety

Due to the lack of safety research, artichoke leaf extract should not be used in children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with chronic medical conditions. Speak with your healthcare provider so that you can be monitored for side effects.

Does artichoke extract repair liver? ›

Artichoke leaf extract may protect your liver from damage and promote the growth of new tissue ( 14 , 15 ). It also increases the production of bile, which helps remove harmful toxins from your liver ( 8 ).

When should you not eat an artichoke? ›

Having an effect that stimulates the gallbladder, its consumption is not recommended for people with biliary obstruction. Due to their diuretic effect and their ability to reduce hypertension, they are not recommended if medications are being taken to lower blood pressure.

What organ is artichoke good for? ›

Liver Health

A few small studies have shown that artichoke can improve liver function for people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Are artichokes ok for kidneys? ›

A kidney-friendly portion for a low-potassium diet is 1/2 boiled artichoke globe or 1/2 cup artichoke hearts. When making a meal or snack with artichokes, include a low potassium side like rice or pasta. Look for frozen or canned artichokes without salt or oils added.

Is artichoke good for colon? ›

Researchers found a 26% decrease in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms and a 40% decrease in upset stomach symptoms. Participants also reported a 20% improvement in their quality of life. “Meals that include artichokes may help improve your gut health naturally,” Czerwony says.

Are artichokes inflammatory? ›

Anti Inflammatory

Artichokes have long been used as a digestive aid to reduce inflammation and therefore symptoms of IBS, including bloating, abdominal pain, and cramps, as well as reducing both diarrhea and constipation through normalization of GI mobility.

Does artichoke raise blood pressure? ›

Pooled analysis of eight randomized controlled trials revealed that artichoke supplementation did not have an effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP), (WMD: -0.77 mmHg, 95 % CI: −2.76 to 1.22) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: −0.11 mmHg, 95 % CI: −1.72 to 1.50) when compared to the placebo group.

Is artichoke bad for thyroid? ›

With so many powerful healing and health-promoting properties, artichokes are one of the BEST thyroid-healthy foods around. I recently featured them in an episode of the Thyroid-healthy Bites Podcast: Top 5 Detoxifying Foods for Thyroid Thrivers.

Can you take milk, thistle, and artichoke together? ›

Milk thistle is a well-known and well-researched herbal remedy and is used in many different cultures. The combination of milk thistle and artichoke helps to protect the liver, reduces digestive problems, improves fat digestion and supports the body's normal liver functioning.

Which is better for liver milk thistle or artichoke? ›

For people who still want to try a liver supplement, Hawke recommends choosing a pure milk thistle product. In his opinion, artichoke leaf, dandelion and other supplemental bells and whistles don't add any proven benefits and might actually block any benefits of silymarin.

Is too much artichoke bad for you? ›

Artichoke is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in amounts used in foods. Artichoke is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine. It has been used safely in research for up to 23 months. In some people, artichoke can cause some side effects such as intestinal gas and allergic reactions.

What happens if you eat too much artichoke? ›

Very occasionally, an artichoke can trigger oral allergy syndrome in someone highly sensitive to ragweed. Also, artichokes are so high in fiber, they can cause gas and bloating if you suddenly consume large quantities when your digestive system isn't used to processing a lot of fiber.

Are artichokes bad for high blood pressure? ›

Artichokes contain many nutrients and may offer potential health benefits, including liver health support, blood pressure regulation, and improved fiber and vitamin intake. Very few risks are associated withIeating artichokes, with the exception of potential allergic reactions or FODMAP sensitivity for people with IBS.

Are artichokes bad for inflammation? ›

Anti Inflammatory

Artichokes have long been used as a digestive aid to reduce inflammation and therefore symptoms of IBS, including bloating, abdominal pain, and cramps, as well as reducing both diarrhea and constipation through normalization of GI mobility.

Is artichoke good for the kidneys? ›

In a creamy dip, on top of mouthwatering chicken, or mixed into a delicious pasta dish, artichokes are a versatile and tasty kidney-friendly vegetable. Many vegetables are naturally low in calories and fat, and a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Artichokes are high in fiber, vitamin C and magnesium.

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