← The FormularyDigestionArtichoke leaf
Also known as Cynara scolymusTraditional bitter. The claims were assessed and turned down.
Artichoke is one of those ingredients with centuries of use, a plausible mechanism and a disappointing evidence file. Regulators looked at the digestive claims and said no. It is here at a real dose of 500 mg as the botanical half of a bile formula, and it is fair to call it traditional. It is not fair to call it proven, and plenty of labels do.
An extract of the artichoke leaf, not the part you eat, used as a digestive bitter across southern Europe for a very long time.
Cynarin and related compounds are thought to stimulate bile flow, which is the mechanism behind its use with fatty meals. Plausible, and not established in humans to a standard that carries a claim.
Traditionally taken before or with rich food. The trials have not produced anything an authority would let us claim.
Anyone taking it as part of a digestive formula rather than expecting it to do the work alone.
500 mg with a meal.
Subtle. This is not an ingredient you feel.
Grade C. Health claims assessed and rejected. Safety is good outside of gallstones, bile duct obstruction and asteraceae allergy.
Read the labelDo not use with a bile duct obstruction, and ask a doctor first if you have gallstones — this stimulates bile flow, which is exactly what a stone does not need. Related to daisies and ragweed, so relevant to those allergies.
Evidence grades describe how well an ingredient is studied — A well-supported, C emerging — not a promise of results. Educational, not medical advice. Doses are typical ranges; follow the label on the product.