The Health Benefits of Adding Artichoke Extract to Your Diet

Artichokes have long been celebrated as a heart-healthy food, but a more concentrated version artichoke leaf extract is now gaining traction as a dietary supplement. From liver support to blood pressure benefits, this herbal extract is marketed as a natural fix for a variety of health issues. But does the science actually back the claims?

Here’s what happens to your body when you add artichoke extract to your diet and what you need to know before trying it.

1. It Might Support Liver Function

Some believe artichoke extract can “cleanse” or detoxify the liver, though that claim oversimplifies the organ's complex role in the body. What research does show is that it may help reduce liver inflammation, particularly in people with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

• A 2016 study found that 2,700 mg of artichoke extract daily reduced liver enzymes markers of liver stress in people with MASLD.

• However, there’s no evidence it can repair liver damage caused by alcohol or long-term disease.

2. Blood Pressure May Improve

Two meta-analyses concluded that artichoke supplementation lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension. While the exact mechanism isn’t clear, researchers suspect antioxidant activity and improved endothelial function may play a role.

That said, the doses used in these studies are highly concentrated likely more than what you’d get from eating whole artichokes.

3. It May Have Some Effect on Cholesterol

There’s early evidence that artichoke extract may slightly improve cholesterol levels:

• In one 2013 study, 250 mg of extract daily decreased LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and increased HDL ("good" cholesterol) in overweight adults.

• Artichokes contain compounds that might inhibit cholesterol production, similar to how statins work, though the effect is milder.

More robust human trials are needed before it can be recommended as a substitute for cholesterol-lowering medication.

4. Possible Support for Weight and Metabolic Health

Animal studies suggest artichoke extract could aid in reducing waist circumference, blood sugar, and other signs of metabolic syndrome. One 2018 study on obese rats showed these improvements after supplementing with the extract.

While promising, these effects haven't been convincingly replicated in humans. Until then, it's best to focus on proven methods like dietary changes, regular movement, and medical supervision for metabolic health.

5. Kidney Function Effects Are Unclear

Some rat studies found that artichoke extract improved kidney markers after drug-induced injury, but these findings haven’t translated to human trials. For now, its use for kidney support remains speculative.

6. It May Offer Skin Benefits Topically

Artichoke extract is also showing up in skin care. A 2018 study reported improved skin texture and elasticity when a cream containing the extract was applied regularly. This suggests antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, at least on the surface.

Are There Side Effects?

For most healthy adults, artichoke extract appears to be safe, with side effects being mild and rare:

• Bloating or gas

• Upset stomach

• Metallic taste

• Diarrhea

However, people with allergies to daisies, marigolds, or other Asteraceae plants should avoid it. Artichoke extract can also interact with medications or worsen conditions like bile duct obstruction.

Tips for Safe Use

If you’re considering adding this supplement to your wellness routine:

• Follow the dosing on the label research doses vary from 250 to 2,700 mg per day.

• Avoid if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing chronic illness without medical guidance.

• Choose brands with third-party testing (like USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab) for purity and potency.

While rare, overuse can be dangerous. One report described a case where excessive consumption (six cups of artichoke infusion daily) led to liver toxicity and severe anemia.

Should You Try Artichoke Extract?

It depends on your goals. If you're looking for a small, possibly beneficial addition to your liver or heart health regimen, artichoke extract may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider. But it’s not a cure-all and it definitely shouldn't replace prescribed medications or other proven lifestyle strategies.

Whole artichokes, rich in fiber and antioxidants, remain a delicious, nutrient-dense food. When in doubt, start there.

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