Artichoke Leaf Extract
Stimulates bile flow and helps with functional indigestion, especially fat-related. Modest cholesterol-lowering effects too.
Moderate for functional dyspepsia, IBS-C, LDL reduction. Effects: meals (digestive) to 6–12 weeks (lipids).
Make it part of your plan
Reference dose
320–640 mg 2–3x daily with meals.
Choose a stack first, or enter your own amount here. Reference information is not a personal prescription.
Cynara scolymus leaf extract (different from the edible head) contains cynarin and chlorogenic acid, which stimulate bile production and flow from the liver and gallbladder. The German Commission E approves it for dyspepsia. Best evidence: post-meal indigestion (especially after fatty meals), modest LDL cholesterol reduction (~7%), and bloating / IBS-C symptoms. Often combined with ginger or peppermint for digestive blends.
- Form
- Standardised artichoke leaf extract to 13–18% caffeoylquinic acids (Cynara, ArtichOK).
- Timing
- With meals — most effective taken right before eating.
- Schedule
- Daily, or with problematic meals.
- Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI upset, gas, headache. Allergic reactions in those allergic to Asteraceae family.
- Interactions
- Bile acid sequestrants — opposing. Generally clean otherwise.
- Contraindications
- Bile duct obstruction. Active gallstones (relative). Asteraceae allergy. Pregnancy (limited data).
- Lab markers
- Lipid panel if used for cholesterol. LFTs if monitoring liver.
- Food sources
- Edible artichokes themselves provide some of the same compounds but at much lower doses than leaf extract.
Pairs with
Milk thistle, dandelion, TUDCA (liver / bile stack). Peppermint (Iberogast-style digestive combos).
Where to buy
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