Why Artichoke Extract and Why the Liver?

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract has been used in traditional medicine for many years to support digestion and liver function. Modern scientific research has also shown that this plant, through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and choleretic effects, holds potential for protecting liver health.

The liver is a central organ in metabolic processes, responsible for detoxifying toxins, metabolizing fats, and synthesizing proteins. Supporting liver health is therefore critically important for everyone, including children.

In recent years, controlled studies on blood sugar regulation, fatty liver, and hepatic enzyme levels have shown that artichoke extract can have beneficial effects on liver function. This article will examine the mechanisms by which artichoke extract supports the liver, supported by scientific evidence, and will address usage guidelines, dosage, and safety considerations.

1. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: Cellular Protection

Artichoke extract contains phenolic compounds (such as caffeic acid and luteolin) with strong antioxidant properties. By activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, it increases cellular defense enzymes, thereby reducing oxidative stress–induced liver damage.

In experimental animal models, treatment with artichoke extract in mice exposed to toxic agents such as CCl₄ significantly reduced liver enzyme levels (ALT and AST) and increased endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT]). This indicates both a protective and restorative effect at the cellular level.

Animal studies have also observed reductions in damage markers such as protein nitration and lipid peroxidation, demonstrating that artichoke extract protects against inflammation and free radical–induced cellular injury.

2. Clinical Studies: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in 2018, adults diagnosed with NAFLD were given 600 mg of artichoke leaf extract daily for 8 weeks. In the treatment group, AST and ALT levels decreased significantly, portal vein diameter and liver size were reduced on ultrasound, and improvements were noted in lipid profiles (triglycerides, LDL, total cholesterol). APRI (AST/platelet ratio) scores improved, and total bilirubin levels decreased.

Similarly, a 2021 clinical study used artichoke leaf extract supplements (ALES) alongside metformin or vitamin E in NAFLD patients; in all groups, significant reductions in liver enzyme levels and decreases in fat accumulation were reported. These results suggest that artichoke extract may serve as a complementary therapy for improving liver fat and enzyme balance.

3. Safety and Dosage: Who Is It Suitable For?

Clinical studies have used daily doses of artichoke extract ranging from 250 mg to 2,700 mg; the most common regimen is 600 mg/day for 8–12 weeks. Across these studies, no serious adverse effects have been reported; mild gastrointestinal side effects have been noted only rarely.

However, there is currently insufficient clinical data on the use of artichoke extract in children. Therefore, pediatric use should always be discussed with a qualified pediatric specialist. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with chronic illnesses should also use caution, follow label instructions, and choose certified products.

4. Application Recommendations: How and to Whom Might It Be Beneficial?

For adults with NAFLD or elevated liver enzymes, daily use of 600 mg of artichoke leaf extract for 8–12 weeks may be worth considering with physician approval. During this period, reductions in ALT/AST levels and improvements in ultrasound parameters may be expected.

For children with metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia, or obesity, available data is limited, but pediatric versions of similar study protocols may be promising for the future.

In healthy individuals, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and an ideal body weight remain the most important measures for supporting liver health. Artichoke extract should be considered only as a complementary option in those with liver issues.

Conclusion and Recommendations

  • Artichoke leaf extract contains phenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and lipid-regulating effects.
  • Both experimental animal models and clinical studies in NAFLD patients have shown significant reductions in liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and improvements on ultrasound.
  • Improvements in lipid profiles may reduce metabolic load, supporting both liver and overall cardiometabolic health.
  • Data on pediatric use is limited, so dosage and safety must be approached with caution in children.
  • For healthy individuals, the primary focus should remain on lifestyle and diet; artichoke extract should only be considered under medical supervision for specific conditions.

References

  • Panahi, Y., Kianpour, P., Mohtashami, R., Atkin, S. L., Butler, A. E., Jafari, R., Badeli, R., & Sahebkar, A. (2018). Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial. Phytotherapy Research, 32(7), 1382–1387. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29520889/
  • Rangboo, V. et al. (2016). The effect of artichoke leaf extract on alanine aminotransferase and lipid profile in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). International Journal of Hepatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27293900/
  • Amini, M. R. et al. (2022). The effects of Cynara scolymus extract on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
  • Florek, E. et al. (2023). Evaluation of the protective and regenerative properties of artichoke extract in liver injury models. Antioxidants.