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Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a plant native to the Mediterranean area.
Artichoke Leaf Extract is taken by mouth and mainly sold in capsule or gelcap forms.
CAS Number: 84929-23-1
EC Number: 284-479-5
Botanical Name: Cynara scolymus
SYNONYMS:
Cynara scolymus Leaf Extract, Artichoke Extract, Globe Artichoke Extract, Artichoke Leaf Powder, Cynara Extract, Artichoke Leaf Juice, Artichoke Leaf Concentrate, Cynara scolymus Extract
Artichoke Leaf Extract, made from artichokes found in grocery stores, is thought by some to offer numerous health benefits, including lowering cholesterol in the blood.
Others contend that Artichoke Leaf Extract can promote weight loss, treat acid reflux, prevent hangovers, or even "cleanse" the liver.
The evidence supporting these claims is generally weak.
Artichoke Leaf Extract is taken by mouth and mainly sold in capsule or gelcap forms.
There are also concentrated liquid forms you can take with a dropper.
Artichoke Leaf Extract is sometimes even infused into face creams for its purported anti-aging effects.
The various health claims about Artichoke Leaf Extract, with a special focus on its use in treating high cholesterol.
Artichoke Leaf Extract also explains how the over-the-counter supplement is taken as well as the possible risks.
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.
USES and APPLICATIONS of ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT:
Artichoke is a plant, Cynara scolymus, native to the Mediterranean region.
Artichoke is commonly consumed as a vegetable and Artichoke Leaf Extract made from the leaf, stem and root is used for medicinal purposes to treat indigestion, lower cholesterol and to protect the liver.
Artichoke Leaf Extract is available over the counter (OTC) as an herbal supplement in the U.S.
The beneficial effects of Artichoke Leaf Extract may be from the compounds it contains, including cynarin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and flavonoids.
These compounds have antioxidant properties and neutralize free radicals (reactive oxygen species) that can damage tissue.
In addition, Artichoke Leaf Extract may improve secretion and flow of bile fluid, improving digestion, reduce synthesis of cholesterol and protect the liver from fat accumulation.
Studies have shown evidence of a significant reduction in blood levels of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and blood sugar in people who received Artichoke Leaf Extract for two months.
Artichoke Leaf Extract possibly reduces blood fats and may improve liver function and digestion, however, there is inadequate scientific evidence for most of its other purported benefits.
Suggested uses of Artichoke Leaf Extract include: Indigestion (dyspepsia), Appetite loss, Liver and gallbladder problems, High blood fat levels (hyperlipidemia), High blood pressure, Hepatitis C, and Irritable bowel syndrome.
Artichoke Leaf Extract is also commonly consumed as a food.
Artichoke Leaf Extract 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 Leaf Extract for indigestion and high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood.
Artichoke Leaf Extract 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.
Artichoke Leaf Extract (Cynara scolymus) was one of the few herbal remedies which the clinical and experimental trials have complemented each other.
Both experimental and clinical effects have been verified through extensive biomedical herbal remedy research.
Specifically, antioxidant, choleretic, hepatoprotective, bile-enhancing and lipid-lowering effects have been demonstrated, which corresponded with its historical use.
Ongoing research seems to indicate that Artichoke Leaf Extract indeed have medicinal qualities.
Most significant appears to be its beneficial effect on the liver.
Although research is not yet conclusive, scientists were optimistic that its long-standing use in humans for digestive and bowel problems was indeed justified.
It may also play a role in lowering cholesterol and thus help to prevent heart disease.
Boiled wild artichoke reduced postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses in normal subjects but has no effect on metabolic syndrome patients.
TOP 8 HEALTH BENEFITS OF ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT:
Artichokes are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
They may also improve several aspects of health, including heart health and digestion.
Although often considered a vegetable, artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) are a type of thistle.
This plant originated in the Mediterranean and has been used for centuries for its potential medicinal properties.
Its alleged health benefits include lower blood sugar levels and improved digestion, heart health, and liver health.
Artichoke Leaf Extract, which contains high concentrations of compounds found in the plant, is also increasingly popular as a supplement.
Here are the top 8 health benefits of artichokes and Artichoke Leaf Extract.
1. Loaded with nutrients
Artichokes are packed with powerful nutrients.
Each cup, or 170 grams (g), of cooked artichoke contains:
Calories: 90
Carbs: 20 g
Fiber: 10 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 0.6 g
Folate: 34% of the Daily Value (DV)
Copper: 21% of the DV
Magnesium: 15% of the DV
Vitamin C: 12% of the DV
Niacin: 10% of the DV
Riboflavin: 10% of the DV
Potassium: 9% of the DV
Phosphorus: 9% of the DV
Vitamin B6: 7% of the DV
Artichokes are low in fat while rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Particularly high in folate and vitamin C, they also supply important minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
These delicious thistles come with only 90 calories per cooked cup (170 g) and around 5 g of protein, which is above average for a plant-based food.
To top it off, artichokes are also rich in a variety of antioxidants.
summary
Artichokes are low in fat, high in fiber, and loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, folate, phosphorus, and magnesium.
They are also rich in antioxidants.
2. May improve cholesterol levels
Artichoke Leaf Extract may have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.
A large review in over 700 people found that supplementing with Artichoke Leaf Extract daily for 5–13 weeks led to a reduction in total and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Another review of 14 studies concluded that supplementing with artichoke could significantly reduce levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol.
Additionally, a 2012 animal study reported a 30% reduction in LDL cholesterol and a 22% reduction in triglycerides after regular consumption of Artichoke Leaf Extract.
According to some older research, Artichoke Leaf Extract may affect cholesterol in several ways.
First, artichokes contain luteolin, an antioxidant which prevents cholesterol formation.
Second, Artichoke Leaf Extract encourages your body to process cholesterol more efficiently, leading to lower overall levels.
summary
Artichoke Leaf Extract may reduce triglycerides and total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, which could support heart health.
3. May help regulate blood pressure
Artichoke Leaf Extract may aid people with high blood pressure.
In fact, several reviews have found that Artichoke Leaf Extract supplementation could significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure levels.
How Artichoke Leaf Extract reduces blood pressure is not fully understood.
However, some older test-tube and animal studies indicate that Artichoke Leaf Extract promotes the enzyme eNOS, which plays a role in widening blood vessels.
In addition, artichokes are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
That said, it is unclear whether consuming whole artichokes provides the same benefits, as the Artichoke Leaf Extract used in these studies is highly concentrated.
summary
Artichoke Leaf Extract may help lower blood pressure in people with already elevated levels.
4. May improve liver health
Artichoke Leaf Extract may protect your liver from damage and promote the growth of new tissue.
Artichoke Leaf Extract also increases the production of bile, which helps remove harmful toxins from your liver.
Studies in humans also show positive effects on liver health.
For example, one trial in 90 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease revealed that consuming 600 milligrams (mg) of Artichoke Leaf Extract daily for 2 months led to improved liver function.
Other reviews have found that Artichoke Leaf Extract supplementation could reduce levels of liver enzymes.
Elevated liver enzymes often indicate inflammation or damage to the liver.
Still, more research is needed to confirm the role of Artichoke Leaf Extract in treating liver disease.
summary
Regular consumption of Artichoke Leaf Extract may help reduce inflammation and protect your liver from damage.
However, more research is needed.
5. May improve digestive health
Artichokes are a great source of fiber, which can help keep your digestive system healthy by promoting friendly gut bacteria, reducing your risk of certain bowel cancers, and alleviating constipation and diarrhea.
Artichoke Leaf Extract contains inulin, a type of fiber which acts as a prebiotic.
In one 2010 study, consuming 10 g of inulin derived from globe artichokes led to improvements in the composition of the gut microbiome after 3 weeks.
According to some older studies, Artichoke Leaf Extract may also provide relief from symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating, nausea, and heartburn.
One small study found that taking a supplement that contained ginger and Artichoke Leaf Extract before meals improved the movement of food through the digestive tract, which could potentially help ease indigestion.
However, because the supplement also contained ginger, it’s unclear how much of these results can be attributed to Artichoke Leaf Extract alone.
summary
Artichoke Leaf Extract may maintain digestive health by boosting friendly gut bacteria and alleviating symptoms of indigestion.
6. May ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects your digestive system and can cause stomach pain, cramping, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, and flatulence.
In one older study in people with IBS, consuming Artichoke Leaf Extract daily for 6 weeks helped ease symptoms.
What’s more, 96% of participants rated Artichoke Leaf Extract equally as effective as — if not better than — other IBS treatments, such as antidiarrheals and laxatives.
Another 2004 study in 208 people with IBS discovered that 1-2 capsules of Artichoke Leaf Extract, consumed daily for 2 months, reduced symptoms by 26% and improved quality of life by 20%.
Artichoke Leaf Extract may relieve symptoms in several ways.
One older animal study found that certain compounds in artichokes may have antispasmodic properties, meaning that they could help stop muscle spasms common in IBS.
Another 2010 study showed that the prebiotics found in Artichoke Leaf Extract could support gut health by improving the composition of the gut microbiome.
While Artichoke Leaf Extract seems promising for treating IBS symptoms, more recent, high quality human studies are needed.
summary
Artichoke Leaf Extract may help treat IBS symptoms by reducing muscle spasms and improving the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
However, more research is necessary.
7. May help lower blood sugar
Artichokes and Artichoke Leaf Extract may help lower blood sugar levels.
In another small study, Artichoke Leaf Extract supplementation enhanced blood sugar control and improved several other aspects of metabolic health — such as cholesterol levels and waist circumference — after 8 weeks.
What’s more, a review of nine studies concluded that Artichoke Leaf Extract and artichoke products could significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels in humans.
However, keep in mind that more research is still needed on the effects of Artichoke Leaf Extract consumption on blood sugar control.
summary
Some evidence suggests that artichokes and Artichoke Leaf Extract may lower blood sugar levels.
However, more research is needed.
8. May have anticancer effects
Test-tube studies note that Artichoke Leaf Extract impaired cancer growth.
Certain antioxidants — including rutin, quercetin, silymarin, and gallic acid — in artichokes are thought to be responsible for these anticancer effects.
However, despite these promising results, no human studies exist.
More research is needed.
summary
Test-tube and animal studies suggest that Artichoke Leaf Extract may fight the growth of cancer cells.
However, no human studies exist, so more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn
HEALTH BENEFITS OF ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT:
There are many health claims made about Artichoke Leaf Extract, although the evidence remains lacking.
With that said, there have been some promising results that require further investigation.
Learn more about some of the findings published in medical research.
*Anti-Aging
Artichoke Leaf Extract is sometimes infused into face creams claiming it has anti-aging effects.
A 2018 study published in the journal Molecule suggested that Artichoke Leaf Extract reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation in the skin.
By doing so, Artichoke Leaf Extract may help reduce sagging and roughness.
The study authors reported the Artichoke Leaf Extract resulted in a 19.74% improvement in skin roughness and an 11.45% improvement in skin elasticity compared to the placebo cream.
*Liver Disease
There are claims that Artichoke Leaf Extract "cleanses" the liver.
Some studies suggest that Artichoke Leaf Extract may reduce liver inflammation in adults with fatty liver disease, but there is no evidence that it can either reduce or reverse liver toxicity.
A 2016 study in the International Journal of Hepatology concluded that 2,700 milligrams (mg) of Artichoke Leaf Extract taken daily reduced liver enzymes in 30 adults with advanced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD) compared to 30 adults given a placebo (sham drug).
More research is needed to confirm the benefits to liver health, but Artichoke Leaf Extract won't prevent or reverse liver injury caused by excessive alcohol intake.
*High Blood Pressure
Two separate reviews of seven and eight studies, respectively, concluded that Artichoke Leaf Extract showed a statistically significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Artichoke Leaf Extract isn't currently known how the supplement lowers blood pressure.
It's also unclear whether eating artichokes would provide the same blood pressure-lowering benefit since the Artichoke Leaf Extract used in the studies is highly concentrated.
HOW TO ADD ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT TO YOUR DIET:
Preparing and cooking Artichoke Leaf Extract is not as intimidating as it seems.
Artichoke Leaf Extract can be steamed, boiled, grilled, roasted, or sautéed.
You can also prepare Artichoke Leaf Extract stuffed or breaded, adding spices and other seasonings for an extra burst of flavor.
Steaming is the most popular cooking method and usually takes 20–40 minutes, depending on the size.
Alternatively, you can bake Artichoke Leaf Extract for 40 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
Keep in mind that both the leaves and the heart can be eaten.
Once cooked, the outer leaves can be pulled off and dipped in sauce, such as aioli or herb butter.
Simply remove the edible flesh from the leaves by pulling them through your teeth.
Once the leaves are removed, carefully spoon out the fuzzy substance called the choke until you reach the heart.
You can then scoop out the heart to eat alone or atop pizza or salad.
The edible parts of the Artichoke Leaf Extract include the outer leaves and heart.
Once cooked, artichokes can be eaten hot or cold and served with different dipping sauces.
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT:
Product Name: Artichoke Leaf Extract
CAS Number: 84929-23-1
EC Number: 284-479-5
Botanical Name: Cynara scolymus
Appearance: Dark green to brown powder or liquid
Odor: Characteristic herbal odor
Solubility: Soluble in water and ethanol
Molecular Weight: Not applicable
Density: Not applicable
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Melting Point: Not applicable
Molecular Formula: Not applicable
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Available from the supplier
Flash Point: Not applicable
FIRST AID MEASURES of ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
HANDLING and STORAGE of ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature) .
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
