Artichoke leaf
EMA-monograph bitter for functional dyspepsia and IBS-overlap symptoms.
Why
Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus) holds an EMA Well-Established Use monograph for symptomatic relief of digestive disorders such as dyspepsia. RCTs of standardised extracts report reductions in upper-GI symptoms (early satiety, fullness, bloating, nausea) and modest reductions in total cholesterol. The IBS-overlap signal is consistent across two open-label studies of artichoke + ginger combinations and one larger RCT.
How it works
Caffeoylquinic acids (cynarin, chlorogenic acid) stimulate bile production (choleresis) and gallbladder contraction (cholekinesis), accelerating fat digestion and improving postprandial symptoms. Bitter receptor activation drives the additional gastric and pancreatic secretion.
Expected onset · Symptom improvement within 1–2 weeks; cholesterol effects emerge over 6–12 weeks
How to take
Dosage
Standardised extract: 320–640 mg twice or three times daily before meals.
Timing
10–30 min before main meals
On the label
Look for an extract standardised to 'caffeoylquinic acids 5%' (Hepar-SL forte, Cynapret, or generic equivalents). Whole-leaf powders are weaker and less consistent.
Ideal for
Adults with bloating, postprandial fullness, fat intolerance, or functional dyspepsia.
Safety
Evidence
Holtmann 2003 Aliment Pharmacol Ther RCT (n=247 functional dyspepsia): artichoke leaf extract significantly outperformed placebo on global symptom improvement and on each individual symptom (early satiety, fullness, abdominal pain, nausea) over 6 weeks. EMA classifies the leaf as Well-Established Use for digestive symptoms, high regulatory tier for a botanical.
- EMA HMPC monograph, Cynara cardunculus L. (= C. scolymus L.), folium (Well-Established Use + Traditional Use)
- Holtmann et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2003, artichoke leaf extract in functional dyspepsia (RCT, n=247)
- Bundy et al., J Altern Complement Med 2004, artichoke leaf extract reduces IBS symptoms (open trial, n=208)
Where to get it
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