Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Artichoke Extract

Artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) are a delicious plant that also happens to offer some considerable health benefits. Artichokes are a type of thistle that typically comes from the Mediterranean areas and has been used for hundreds of years as part of traditional herbal medicine. Some of the purported health benefits of consuming artichokes and their derivatives, such as artichoke extract, may include better blood sugar control as well as a healthier digestive system, heart, and liver. 

What Is Artichoke Extract?

Artichoke extract is an herbal supplement that’s made from the leaf, stem, and/or root of the artichoke plant. It is thought to contain high concentrations of numerous potentially beneficial compounds: chlorogenic acid, cynarin, caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin, silymarin, gallic acid, and flavonoids. All of these compounds can offer antioxidant properties, which means that they may negate the effects of damaging free radicals throughout the body that can otherwise contribute to potentially severe chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, among many others.

Since artichoke extracts may contain much higher concentrations of these antioxidant and health-promoting compounds than the artichoke plants from which they are derived, taking artichoke extract as a supplement may make it significantly easier to experience these plants’ potential health benefits than simply eating whole artichokes.

Benefits of Artichoke Extract

Potential health benefits of ingesting artichoke are numerous. In addition to the impressive nutritional content of artichokes, benefits of artichoke extract may include improving the health of the liver and digestive system as well as more general anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, further research is required to better understand the full extent of these benefits.

Liver Health Benefits

Artichoke leaf extract in particular may have hepatoprotective properties, which means that it can protect the liver against damage. It may also encourage new liver tissue growth by helping the liver cells regenerate, and it may also increase bile production to support the liver’s detoxifying functions.

In a high-quality (i.e., double-blind, randomized controlled) study of 90 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, taking 600 mg of artichoke leaf extract every day for two months was found to benefit liver function. Supplementing with artichoke may also help to lower the elevation of liver enzymes, which is often associated with liver damage. 

Artichoke Extract for Your Well-Being

Artichoke extract is a promising supplement for those looking to support their liver health, digestive system, and overall well-being, thanks to its rich concentration of antioxidants and health-promoting compounds. While research continues to uncover its full potential, incorporating artichoke extract into your wellness routine may be a convenient way to experience the benefits of this ancient plant. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement to ensure it’s right for your individual health needs.