Overview
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a plant native to the Mediterranean area. The leaf, stem, and root are used to make extracts, which are used as medicine.
Artichoke is also commonly consumed as a food. It contains chemicals that can reduce nausea and vomiting, spasms, and gas. These chemicals have also been shown to lower cholesterol and protect the liver.
People commonly use artichoke for indigestion and high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood. It is also used for high blood pressure, hepatitis C, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Don’t confuse artichoke with Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus).
Uses & Effectiveness
Possibly Effective for
- Indigestion (dyspepsia). Taking artichoke extract by mouth can reduce symptoms of indigestion, including nausea, vomiting, gas, and stomach pain. It seems to take 2 to 8 weeks of treatment to see these benefits.
- High levels of cholesterol and other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Taking artichoke extract by mouth can slightly reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. It seems to take 6 to 12 weeks of treatment to see these benefits.
There is interest in using artichoke for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if artichoke is safe to use as a medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Bile duct obstruction: Artichoke might worsen this condition. If you have this condition, don’t use artichoke before talking with your healthcare provider.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Artichoke may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking artichoke.
Gallstones: Artichoke might make gallstones worse by increasing bile flow.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
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Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates) interacts with Artichoke
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Artichoke might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
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Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with Artichoke
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Artichoke might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
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Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Artichoke
Artichoke might lower blood sugar levels. Taking artichoke along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
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Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Artichoke
Artichoke might lower blood pressure. Taking artichoke along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
