Artichokes have been used historically as a medicinal plant, and more recently, people have also begun to consider them a potential aid for many ailments. One of these potential benefits of artichoke extracts includes liver support, especially for people dealing with liver conditions that are not alcohol-related, like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
But, just what are the possible benefits of artichoke extracts? And do the potential liver benefits have studies to back them up? If you do want to give artichoke extracts a try, which supplements are the best, and what side effects might occur?
In this article, we will break down these questions and more.
Artichoke extract is the extract from the artichoke plant. While many people may think that artichokes are vegetables, they are actually large thistles, making them basically edible flowers.
Artichoke extract might be taken from the stem, roots, and leaves of this plant. And, extracts in supplement form use the extracts of many artichokes, all blended together. Artichoke extract is much more potent and contains the chemicals from many more plants than you could ever eat. This makes it a little different than just chowing down on an artichoke with dip at a fancy dinner.
There is a wide range of potential benefits that have been studied or anecdotally discussed.
The possible benefits of artichoke extracts may include:*
Digestive health improvements
Relief from IBS symptoms
Liver health support and improvements
Lowered cholesterol levels
Lowered blood pressure levels
Lowered blood sugar levels
Cancer cell growth hindering
In addition to being a healthy plant to add to your diet because it’s full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals – artichokes may have some health benefits as well. Keep in mind that many of these have not been fully studied, so take these possible effects with a grain of salt. At the very least, we know that eating artichokes is healthy, and artichoke extract supplements tend to be well tolerated in most if you want to give it a try for one or more of these potential effects.
Always speak with your doctor before adding a new supplement to your routine. And, do not take supplements as a replacement for your prescription treatments or recommendations from your doctor, they are normally used as potentially beneficial add-on strategies.
When talking specifically about the possible liver health benefits, there have been a few studies trying to figure this out.
In one small study from 2018, 100 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), were randomized to take either 600 mg of an artichoke extract supplement or a placebo daily. After 2 months, liver function health measures were tested. The artichoke extract group had significantly better liver ultrasound images, total bilirubin numbers, and lowered AST/ALT liver enzyme levels. These liver enzymes signal liver damage and inflammation when they are high, so lowered levels from baseline signal liver health improvements.
A 2021 study looked at mice with NAFLD, and fed them an artichoke extract supplement to measure liver function changes. The end of the study concluded the benefits of reduced liver inflammation and reduced programmed cell death in liver cells after using the artichoke extract.
A 2022 review study looking into many studies done on artichoke extract and its possible benefits for liver health, also concluded benefits. They found that artichoke extracts were found to help decrease ALT/AST enzyme levels. They also noted that more benefits were observed in studies that used at least 500 mg of artichoke extract daily.
Many of these studies seem promising to support artichoke extract as a way to support liver health, even in people with liver diseases like NAFLD. But, keep in mind that many of these are small-scale studies, or were conducted in animals, so more studies need to be done to confirm these findings.
It seems like most people who use artichoke extract supplements tolerate them quite well, and many people do not have any side effects when taking artichoke extracts for up to 12 weeks.
But, there may be a risk of minor potential side effects from using artichoke extract supplements. Upset stomach, diarrhea, or gassiness may be complaints from some users. It is unclear if these side effects tend to go away after the body gets used to the supplement.
Since artichokes are flowers, and they are closely related to some other flowers, you might experience allergic side effects from artichokes if you have one of many flower allergies. If you are allergic to daisies, marigolds, chrysanthemums, or ragweeds, you might also experience allergies when eating artichokes, or taking artichoke extract supplements.
It is unclear if artichoke supplements are safe for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Artichoke supplements should be avoided in these people, just to be on the safe side.
People with certain medical conditions may not be good candidates for artichoke extract supplements. If you have gallstones or bile duct obstructions, artichoke supplements may not be appropriate for you. Speak with your doctor to see if artichoke extract supplements are a safe and appropriate addition to your health regimen.
The best supplement with artichoke extract is one that comes from a reputable company, uses ingredients that are bioavailable, and is affordable enough for you to use regularly.
You will want to look for supplements ideally developed by people in the medical field, and that have a money-back guarantee to show that they support their product. Blended supplements that also contain other ingredients to help support general health may also be a good choice for people who would like more for their money.
After reviewing artichoke extract supplements, our top choice is The Everyday Liver Vitamin (TELV) from Zen Nutrients. TELV is developed by doctors and pharmacists looking to put together a well-rounded liver health supplement. It contains many plant extracts and vitamins that may help support liver health and wellness.*
The artichoke extract is combined with bergamot in a patented bioavailable plant extract blend called BergancynFF. The company behind BergacynFF shares multiple studies backing up the benefits of their patented ingredient. Bergamot may also share potent liver health benefits.*
Zen Nutrients is considered a reputable supplement brand that is owned by a long-time pharmacist specializing in supplements. It is also relatively affordable at $39.99 for a 30-day supply (60 capsules). If you try it but find out the supplement isn’t for you, Zen Nutrients offers a money-back guarantee.
You can purchase The Everyday Liver Vitamin straight from Zen Nutrients. They also often run sales, or you can subscribe for a discount. Or, you can purchase The Everyday Liver Vitamin from Amazon, where there are also sometimes significant discounts.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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