Botanical
Artichoke
Also known as: Cynara scolymus, Cynarin, Globe artichoke, Artichoke Leaf Extract
Liver and digestive support herb that promotes bile flow, lowers cholesterol, and protects liver cells.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Artichoke product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne S.A.T.® | 94 A | $0.78 |
| 2 | BulkSupplements Artichoke Extract Capsules | 92 A | $0.07 |
| 3 | NOW Foods Artichoke Extract | 92 A | $0.15 |
| 4 | Nutricost Artichoke Extract | 90 A | $0.08 |
| 5 | Pure Encapsulations UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack | 83 A- | $7.55 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula | 81 A- | $0.73 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations Lipotropic Detox | 81 A- | $0.57 |
| 8 | Jarrow Formulas Artichoke | 80 A- | $0.20 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations Detox Pure Pack | 77 B+ | $2.83 |
| 10 | Herb Pharm Artichoke | 77 B+ | $0.35 |
| 11 | Vital Nutrients Liver Support | 77 B+ | $1.13 |
| 12 | Integrative Therapeutics Super Milk Thistle X | 76 B+ | $0.39 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Artichoke should I take?
The typical range is 300-600mg standardized extract 2-3x daily. Long-term use appropriate
When should I take Artichoke?
Before meals for digestion. Before fatty meals optimal.
Which form of Artichoke is best?
Standardized leaf extract — 2-5% cynarin. Other forms in the catalog: Capsules, Liquid extract, Standardized extract.
Is Artichoke safe?
Commonly reported: Gas, Bloating initially, Allergic reactions (daisy family). Serious warnings: May cause gallbladder attacks if gallstones present. Safe - supports liver
Which Artichoke supplement scores highest?
Thorne S.A.T.®, at 94/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Bile flow
- Cholesterol support
- Liver protection
- Digestive support
- Dyspepsia
- Motility
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Artichoke reached a verdict on: 8 with a benefit, 2 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (8)
“Artichoke supplementation may offer modest but significant improvements in several cardiometabolic risk markers.” PMID 41270328
“Artichoke supplementation elicited significant reductions in liver enzymes, especially among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.” PMID 34383355
“Artichoke supplementation may potentially lead to SBP and DBP reduction in hypertensive patients.” PMID 33465383
“The artichoke supplementation has effect on the waist circumference, but not on the other anthropometric indices.” PMID 33197674
“The supplementation of artichoke and artichoke products can significantly reduce the FBS concentrations in humans.” PMID 32951745
“a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD: -17.6 mg/dL, 95%CI: -22.0, -13.3, p < 0.001)” PMID 28609140
and 2 more.
Not enough to say: antioxidant status; hdl cholesterol.
How it works
- Increases bile production and flow
- Supports cholesterol metabolism
- Hepatoprotective effects
- Aids fat digestion
Dosage
- Typical range
- 300-600mg standardized extract 2-3x daily
- Timing
- Before meals for digestion
- With food
- Before fatty meals optimal
- Duration
- Long-term use appropriate
- Special populations
- Those with digestive issues, cholesterol concerns
Forms
- Standardized leaf extract
- Capsules
- Liquid extract
- Standardized extract
Safety
Common side effects
- Gas
- Bloating initially
- Allergic reactions (daisy family)
Contraindications
- Bile duct obstruction
- Gallstones
- Daisy/ragweed allergy
Products containing Artichoke
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Artichoke on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Good evidence for bile and cholesterol effects
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Botanical
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.