Artichoke Leaf Extract

Artichoke leaf extract may help to lower high cholesterol, help with indigestion, and treat irritable bowel syndrome. However, there is insufficient evidence that it is effective at treating these conditions. Before using this product, talk to your healthcare provider if you have liver or gallbladder disease, any gallstones, or any allergies. The supplement may cause gas or allergic reactions.

Artichoke Leaf Extract Supplement

What Is Artichoke Leaf Extract?

Artichoke leaf extract is an herbal supplement often claimed to be beneficial for the following conditions:

Indigestion or heartburn
High cholesterol
Hangovers
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

There are many other uses of this supplement, some of which are more valid than others.

(Click Benefits of Artichoke Leaf Extract for more information on what this product is used for.)

How Does It Work?

Artichoke leaf extract contains chlorogenic acid, cynarin, and caffeic acid -- compounds that are thought to be the active components of the product. For treating high cholesterol, the supplement may work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. Many prescription cholesterol medications work in a similar way.

It is not known exactly how the extract works for treating other health conditions.

Is Artichoke Leaf Extract Effective?

There is not enough evidence to know for sure if this product is effective for any use, although some uses have more scientific evidence in their favor than others (see

Does Artichoke Leaf Extract Work? for more information).

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