Artichoke
In short
Summary of findings for quick reference
Artichoke belongs to Mediterranean food and plant culture. Ancient authors described edible thistles, but their names and uses cannot be traced without gaps to today’s artichoke and its leaves. More recent European use of artichoke leaf for digestive complaints is well documented.
Clinical trials provide signals rather than comprehensive evidence: Holtmann et al. (2003) found an improvement in functional dyspepsia compared with placebo, and Bundy et al. (2008) observed a small reduction in total cholesterol. These findings establish neither treatment of liver disease nor protection from heart attack or stroke.
The EMA monograph covers traditional use for fullness and bloating. Follow the product leaflet for tea and extracts. Artichoke leaf medicines are unsuitable in gallstones, liver or biliary disease and Asteraceae allergy. Use in pregnancy, breastfeeding and children under twelve is not recommended because of insufficient data.
Clinical evidence ↔ Historical significanceWe display two separate evidence categories: clinical evidence from modern trials and historical significance from documented healing tradition. Both are valuable, but they answer different questions.Read more
In every encyclopedia entry we evaluate two distinct categories of evidence. Clinical evidence as used in trials meets a narrower but scientifically essential bar. At the same time, the hundreds of thousands of plant species worldwide have only partially been captured and tested in modern studies.
Alongside the trial picture our researchers compile a comprehensive overview of where and since when a plant has been used across different traditions of natural medicine. When a plant has been used as a medicinal plant in many cultures across many generations, that historical significance deserves to be visible too.
Our position: a truly informative overview emerges only when both categories sit side by side. We communicate transparently what counts as what.
Overview
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus, also Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a Mediterranean perennial of the Asteraceae family that can reach two metres. Its unopened flower heads are eaten as a vegetable, while the large foliage leaves are used medicinally. They contain caffeoylquinic acids such as chlorogenic acid and bitter sesquiterpene lactones. The leaves are traditionally used for digestive complaints as tea or extracts.
The EMA Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products recognises artichoke leaf as a traditional medicine for digestive complaints such as fullness and bloating, based on longstanding use. A 2003 trial by Holtmann et al. suggested relief of functional dyspepsia. Bundy et al. (2008) also found a small reduction in total cholesterol, but no significant differences in LDL, HDL or triglycerides. This does not establish a reliable treatment for elevated blood lipids.
History
Edible thistles have a long Mediterranean history. Pliny described cultivation of “carduus” near Carthage and Córdoba. Ancient plant names cannot always be identified unambiguously with today’s globe artichoke, nor do they establish uninterrupted medicinal use of its leaves. Culinary history and the history of leaf preparations therefore need to be distinguished.
In Austria, artichoke is familiar both as food and as a pharmacy product. Unopened flower heads are harvested for cooking, whereas leaves are used in herbal medicines. An Austrian example is Cynarix, which contains dry artichoke leaf extract and is traditionally used to relieve digestive complaints.
Mechanism
One possible explanation for the digestive use is stimulation of bile secretion, suggested by laboratory work and a small study of artichoke extract. Several phenolic constituents may contribute. How much this mechanism explains symptom relief after ordinary oral use remains uncertain.
Cholesterol metabolism is also being investigated. Cell and animal experiments suggest possible effects of artichoke extracts on cholesterol synthesis and bile acid metabolism. These mechanisms do not establish reliable clinical benefit. Observed changes in blood lipids also depend on the extract and study population.
Holtmann et al. (2003) studied artichoke leaf extract for functional dyspepsia over six weeks and found greater symptom improvement than with placebo. Bundy et al. (2008) found a small reduction in total cholesterol after twelve weeks, with no significant between-group differences in LDL, HDL or triglycerides. The frequently cited Wider et al. Cochrane review (2013) included three trials and found limited evidence. It was withdrawn in 2016 for editorial priority reasons and is not a current Cochrane assessment.
Traditional use for digestive complaints remains the practical focus. The EMA monograph has no indication for lowering cholesterol or treating liver disease. In 2025 the HMPC reviewed newer data and found no reason to revise the monograph. Symptom improvement and changes in blood markers are also different outcomes; neither alone demonstrates prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Evidence
| Outcome | Class | Grade | Effect | Studies | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional dyspepsiaThe EMA monograph covers traditional use for digestive complaints. In the six-week Holtmann et al. trial (2003), an artichoke leaf extract improved symptoms more than placebo in people with functional dyspepsia. This does not establish efficacy for irritable bowel syndrome.Adults with functional dyspepsia | TraditionalTraditional use. Long-standing folk practice or EMA HMPC traditional-use monograph. | CEvidence quality grade C. Mixed or limited evidence. Small trials, signals, or traditional use under an EMA HMPC traditional-use monograph. This is an evidence rating, not a product endorsement. | Modest Improvement | [1] | |
| Mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia (total cholesterol)Bundy et al. (2008) found a small reduction in total cholesterol in adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia, with no significant between-group differences in LDL, HDL or triglycerides. The older Wider et al. Cochrane review (2013) found limited evidence and was withdrawn in 2016 for editorial priority reasons. These findings do not establish cardiovascular risk reduction.Adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia | TraditionalTraditional use. Long-standing folk practice or EMA HMPC traditional-use monograph. | CEvidence quality grade C. Mixed or limited evidence. Small trials, signals, or traditional use under an EMA HMPC traditional-use monograph. This is an evidence rating, not a product endorsement. | Mixed Effect | [2] | |
| Traditional supportive use for liver and gallbladder functionEuropean herbal medicine also associates artichoke leaf with liver and biliary function. The EMA monograph, however, covers only relief of digestive complaints. It does not establish a treatment for liver disease, which is among the monograph’s contraindications.Traditional use for digestive complaints | TraditionalTraditional use. Long-standing folk practice or EMA HMPC traditional-use monograph. | DEvidence quality grade D. Preliminary signal. A single small trial, pilot result, or laboratory or animal model. Clinical relevance unclear. This is an evidence rating, not a product endorsement. | Traditional use | ||
| Possible stimulation of bile secretionLaboratory work and a small human study suggest increased bile secretion with artichoke extract. In the human study the extract was administered directly into the duodenum, limiting extrapolation to tea or swallowed capsules.In-vitro, animal, and small human studies | EmergingEmerging research. Early small trials suggest an effect but await replication. | DEvidence quality grade D. Preliminary signal. A single small trial, pilot result, or laboratory or animal model. Clinical relevance unclear. This is an evidence rating, not a product endorsement. | Laboratory Signals | [3] |
Usage
Forms and preparation
For cooking, the unopened flower heads are boiled or steamed; the fleshy receptacle and lower fleshy portions of the bracts are eaten. Medicinal tea instead consists of dried foliage leaves. Pour boiling water over the measured amount and follow the steeping time on the pack. The infusion tastes distinctly bitter. Leaf extracts are available in tablets and capsules, among other forms. The specific extract and product dose matter; “contains cynarin” is insufficient for comparison. Timing can also vary. The Austrian Cynarix leaflet specifies taking it with meals. Always follow the instructions for your own product.
Dosage
For adolescents aged twelve and over and adults, the EMA gives two medicinal tea regimens: 1.5 grams of comminuted leaves in 150 millilitres of boiling water four times daily, or 3 grams in 150 millilitres once or twice daily, for a total of 3 to 6 grams daily. Extract doses depend on the starting material and manufacturing method. Follow the product leaflet rather than converting tea and extract amounts yourself. Consult a doctor if symptoms have not improved after two weeks or worsen. Artichoke leaf medicines are unsuitable in gallstones, liver or biliary disease and Asteraceae allergy. Do not start a prolonged course on your own or attempt gradual self-testing despite a contraindication.
Safety
Look-alikes
Similar plants and look-alikes
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Milk thistle is also an Asteraceae plant. Its leaves have conspicuous white markings, whereas artichoke generally has grey-green leaves without this marbling and larger, fleshy flower heads. Their medicinal parts also differ: artichoke leaves and the silymarin-containing fruits of milk thistle are not interchangeable.
Read the entry: Milk ThistleFAQs
Should I eat artichoke as food or take it as a tea?
That depends on the intended use. The unopened flower heads are cooked or steamed as food, while foliage leaves are used for medicinal tea and extracts. The medicinal information in this entry concerns leaf preparations and cannot be transferred to a serving of the vegetable. Artichoke leaf medicines are not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety data are insufficient.
What about the combination with milk thistle?
Both plants belong to the Asteraceae family, but their medicinal parts and constituents differ: artichoke leaves contain caffeoylquinic acids, whereas milk thistle fruits contain silymarin. Combining them does not by itself establish additional benefit. The EMA artichoke leaf monograph does not assess combinations with milk thistle, so the information and evidence for the specific product matter.
What about gallstones?
Do not take artichoke leaf medicines if you have gallstones. The EMA also lists bile duct obstruction, cholangitis, liver disease and other biliary disorders requiring medical supervision as contraindications. Have symptoms and treatment options assessed medically; stimulation of bile secretion is not a reason for self-treatment in these situations.
What exactly is Hepar SL?
Hepar-SL is a name for medicines containing artichoke leaf extract and also appears in older research. Cynarix is a product offered in Austria. Such products can differ in extract, strength and dosing. Follow the current leaflet for your own medicine; a generic milligram amount of “artichoke extract” is not a reliable comparison.
3 sources.
- Holtmann G, Adam B, Haag S, Collet W, Grünewald E, Windeck T. Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia: a six-week placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial. 2003. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01767.x
- Bundy R, Walker AF, Middleton RW, Wallis C, Simpson HCR. Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults: a randomized, double blind placebo controlled trial. 2008. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2008.03.001
- Kirchhoff R, Beckers C, Kirchhoff GM, Trinczek-Gärtner H, Petrowicz O, Reimann HJ. Increase in choleresis by means of artichoke extract. 1994. doi:10.1016/S0944-7113(11)80027-9
Legal notice: The depiction of historical significance and traditional use is context within our encyclopedia and not a health claim for any product, not a treatment promise, and not a substitute for medical advice. What may be stated on product labels, product pages, or in advertising is governed by the applicable legal requirements.