Diet and nutritionArtichoke — a vegetable that eases the burden on the liver and lowers cholesterol?
Sources: 8 · Article: 13 920 characters
Henryk Różański claims that artichoke preparations may lower cholesterol and stimulate the renewal of liver cells.
- He attributes bile-stimulating and liver-protective effects to artichoke constituents.
- In animal studies, a combination of artichoke extracts, silymarin, and phytosterols prevented fatty liver and cirrhosis.
- He recommends artichoke preparations for chronic diseases of the liver and gallbladder, and for inadequate bile secretion.
What the authors write
Henryk Różański
Artichoke extracts lower cholesterol and triglycerides and are said to prevent fatty liver.
„Artichoke extracts lower blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels. They inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. They prevent fatty deposits in the liver, heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscles, exerting a lipotropic effect. They lower blood sugar levels. They stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, prevent intestinal atony, and regulate bowel movements.”Wyciągi karczochowe obniżają poziom triglicerydów i cholesterolu we krwi. Hamują biosyntezę cholesterolu. Zapobiegają stłuszczeniu wątroby, serca, nerek i mięśni szkieletowych, wywierając wpływ lipotropowy. Obniżają poziom cukru we krwi. Stymulują wydzielanie soków trawiennych, zapobiegają atonii jelit, regulują wypróżnienia.
Henryk Różański
Regular, long-term use of preparations containing the cynarin fraction is said to lower cholesterol and stimulate the renewal of liver cells.
„Preparations containing the cynarin fraction, when taken regularly and over a long period, undoubtedly lower blood lipid, cholesterol, and sugar levels and stimulate the regeneration of hepatocytes (liver cells). Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and cynarin have detoxifying and antioxidant properties.”Preparaty zawierające frakcję cynarynową regularnie i długo zażywane niewątpliwie obniżają stężenie lipidów, cholesterolu i cukru we krwi oraz pobudzają procesy regeneracji hepatocytów (komórek wątroby). Flawonoidy i kwasy fenolowe oraz cynaryna mają właściwości odtruwające i antyoksydacyjne (przeciwutleniacze).
Henryk Różański
Artichoke constituents are said to stimulate bile production and flow and protect the liver.
„Taken together, all the constituents of artichoke have a strong bile-stimulating, bile-producing, and hepatoprotective effect.
Preparations containing the cynarin fraction, when taken regularly, lower blood lipid, cholesterol, and sugar levels and stimulate the regeneration of hepatocytes.”Łącznie wszystkie składniki karczocha wywierają silny wpływ żółciopędny, żółciotwórczy i hepatoprotekcyjny.
Preparaty zawierające frakcję cynarynową regularnie zażywane obniżają stężenie lipidów, cholesterolu i cukru we krwi oraz pobudzają procesy regeneracji hepatocytów.
Henryk Różański
Long-term use of cynarin is said to protect liver tissue from toxic damage.
„Long-term use of cynarin prevents atherosclerotic changes and protects liver tissue from toxic damage. This is especially important and beneficial during detoxification therapies and in preventing occupational diseases. Many people are exposed at work to certain toxic hydrocarbons, ketones, metals, and crop protection products (pesticides).”Długotrwałe zażywanie cynaryny zapobiega zmianom miażdżycowym i chroni miąższ wątroby przed uszkodzeniami toksycznymi. Jest to szczególnie ważne i pozyteczne przy terpaiach odtruwających oraz profilaktyce chorób zawodowych. Wiele osób jest bowiem zawodowo narażonych na działanie niektórych toksycznych węglowodorów, ketonów, metali i środków ochrony roślin (pestycydów).
Henryk Różański
Artichoke preparations are said to stimulate liver cell regeneration and lower lipid and cholesterol levels.
„Preparations containing the cynarin fraction, when taken regularly, lower blood lipid, cholesterol, and sugar levels and stimulate the regeneration of hepatocytes. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and cynarin have detoxifying and antioxidant properties.”Preparaty zawierające frakcję cynarynową regularnie zażywane obniżają stężenie lipidów, cholesterolu i cukru we krwi oraz pobudzają procesy regeneracji hepatocytów. Flawonoidy i kwasy fenolowe oraz cynaryna mają właściwości odtruwające i antyoksydacyjne.
Henryk Różański
Artichoke extracts are said to protect blood vessels and inhibit the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques.
„They inhibit LDL oxidation and prevent atherosclerotic plaques from building up in blood vessels, protecting against the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Artichoke protects blood vessels. Artichoke extracts lower blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels.”Hamują oksydację LDL, powstrzymują odkładanie płytek miażdżycowych w naczyniach krwionośnych, chroniąc przed rozwojem i postępem miażdżycy. Karczoch działa ochronnie na naczynia krwionośne. Wyciągi karczochowe obniżają poziom triglicerydów i cholesterolu we krwi.
Henryk Różański
The author recommends artichoke preparations for chronic diseases of the liver and gallbladder, and for inadequate bile secretion.
„Preparations based on artichoke extracts can be used to treat chronic diseases of the liver and gallbladder (inflammation, poisoning, gallstones, inadequate bile secretion, viral and bacterial infections), to prevent atherosclerosis, and as a supportive treatment for diabetes and obesity, as well as for skin diseases, poisoning, and digestive disorders.”Preparaty oparte na wyciągach z karczochu można stosować w leczeniu przewlekłych chorób wątroby i pęcherzyka żółciowego (stany zapalne, zatrucia, kamica żółciowa, niedostateczne wydzielanie żółci, infekcje wirusowe i bakteryjne), w profilaktyce miażdżycy, wspomagająco w cukrzycy i otyłości, ponadto w przebiegu chorób skórnych, zatruć, zaburzeń trawienia.
Henryk Różański
In animal studies, artichoke extracts combined with silymarin and phytosterols prevented fatty liver and cirrhosis.
„Two-year studies conducted at OBR LNB Poland (Różański H. 2005-2007) on animals (poultry and pigs) showed that artichoke extracts combined with silymarin and phytosterols effectively prevent fatty deposits and cirrhosis in the liver, kidneys, and heart, and increase the body’s resistance to infections (an immunostimulatory effect).”Dwuletnie badania prowadzone w OBR LNB Poland (Różański H. 2005-2007) na zwierzętach (drób, trzoda chlewna) dowiodły, że wyciągi z karczocha w połączeniu z sylimaryną i fitosterolami efektywnie zapobiegają stłuszczeniu i marskości wątroby, nerek i serca oraz podnoszą odporność organizmu na infekcje (wpływ immunostymulujący).
Henryk Różański
Cynarin is said to work together with silymarin and phytosterols, including in lowering cholesterol and protecting the liver.
„Cynarin shows strong synergy with silymarin and phytosterols, especially in terms of hepatoprotective, cholesterol-lowering, lipid-lowering, blood-sugar-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects. Two-year studies I conducted at OBR LNB Poland on animals (poultry and pigs) showed that artichoke extracts combined with silymarin and phytosterols effectively prevent fatty deposits and cirrhosis in the liver, kidneys, and heart, and increase the body’s resistance to infections (an immunostimulatory effect).”Cynaryna wykazuje duży synergizm z sylimaryną oraz fitosterolami, zwłaszcza w zakresie wpływu hepatoprotekcyjnego, hipocholesterolemicznego, hipolipidemicznego, hipoglikemicznego i przeciwzapalnego. Dwuletnie badania prowadzone przeze mnie w OBR LNB Poland na zwierzętach (drób, trzoda chlewna) dowiodły, że wyciągi z karczocha w połączeniu z sylimaryną i fitosterolami efektywnie zapobiegają stłuszczeniu i marskości wątroby, nerek i serca oraz podnoszą odporność organizmu na infekcje (wpływ immunostymulujący).
Henryk Różański
Artichoke preparations are said to have detoxifying and antioxidant properties and to protect the liver from toxic damage.
„Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and cynarin have detoxifying and antioxidant properties. They stimulate the secretion of digestive juices by the pancreas and small intestine, thereby improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients. They also regulate the movement of the digestive tract, prevent constipation and painful spasms of the gallbladder and the hepatopancreatic ampulla. The strong anti-inflammatory effect of artichoke extracts is not limited to the digestive system; it also affects the skin and urinary system. Long-term use of cynarin prevents atherosclerotic changes and protects liver tissue from toxic damage.”Flawonoidy i kwasy fenolowe oraz cynaryna mają właściwości odtruwające i antyoksydacyjne. Pobudzają wydzielanie soków trawiennych trzustki i jelita cienkiego, przez co poprawiają trawienie i wchłanianie składników pokarmowych. Regulują również perystaltykę przewodu pokarmowego, zapobiegają zaparciom i bolesnym skurczom pęcherzyka żółciowego oraz bańki wątrobowo-trzustkowej. Silny wpływ przeciwzapalny wyciągów z karczocha nie ogranicza się tylko do układu pokarmowego, ale również do skóry i układu moczowego. Długotrwałe zażywanie cynaryny zapobiega zmianom miażdżycowym i chroni miąższ wątroby przed uszkodzeniami toksycznymi.
Henryk Różański
Artichoke buds are eaten cooked, while extracts for food and medicinal purposes are made from the leaves and buds.
„Liquid, thick, and dry extracts for food and medicinal purposes are made from the leaves and buds of both artichoke species. Flower buds are eaten cooked; they are also fermented, marinated in vinegar or in a mixture of oil or olive oil and vinegar, preserved in spiced brine, and finally pasteurized in jars of brine after being cooked.”Z liści i pąków obu karczochów przygotowuje się ekstrakty płynne, gęste i suche do celów spożywczych i leczniczych. Pąki kwiatowe są spożywane po ugotowaniu, ponadto kiszone, marynowane w occie, w mieszaninie oleju lub oliwki z octem, w przyprawowych zalewach, wreszcie pasteryzowane w zalewach w słojach po uprzednim ugotowaniu.
Henryk Różański
The author describes artichoke extracts as supporting liver detoxification in athletes.
„In athletes, artichoke boosts liver detoxification, speeds up the elimination of lactic acid buildup, increases the digestive tract’s tolerance of concentrated high-protein and amino-acid supplements, and also improves the ability to digest and absorb amino acids and peptides.”U sportowców karczoch wzmaga odtruwanie wątroby, przyśpiesza eliminowanie zakwasów, podnosi tolerancję przewodu pokarmowego na skoncentrowane odżywki wysokobiałkowe i aminokwasowe, podnosi również zdolność trawienia i przyswajania składników aminokwasowych i peptydowych.
Henryk Różański
Preparations made from artichoke extracts are recommended for bile secretion disorders and as liver-protective agents.
„Thick and dry extracts standardized for active constituent content are used in tablets and soft and hard capsules, recommended for digestive disorders, bile secretion disorders, and gallstones, as hepatoprotective agents, and to stimulate metabolism.”Wyciągi gęste i suche standaryzowane na zawartość składników czynnych są składnikiem tabletek, kapsułek elastycznych i twardych, polecanych przy zaburzeniach trawienia, wydzielania żółci, przy kamicy żółciowej, jako środki hepatoprotekcyjne, pobudzające przemianę materii.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 46.
A meta-analysis of studies involving people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease found that artichoke leaf extract lowered liver enzymes, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Aim of the study: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major chronic liver disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) is well known in folk medicine for its hepatoprotective effect.
Results: ALE also resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol (SMD: 0.98; 95% CI, 0.53-1.43; P = .004), low-density lipoprotein (SMD: 0.96; 95% CI, 0.3-1.62; P < .001) and triglycerides (SMD: 0.95; 95% CI, 0.58-1.32; P < .001). The current review provides evidence from RCTs to support the use of ALE as a hepatoprotective agent in NAFLD patients. The study was registered on the PROSPERO database with the Registration No. CRD42020182502 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero).
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A meta-analysis found that artichoke supplementation lowered total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides; among liver markers, it also lowered ALT.
Aim of the study: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of artichoke supplementation on cardiometabolic health markers in adults.
Results: Artichoke supplementation significantly reduced body mass index (WMD = -0.51 kg/m2, 95 % CI: 0.93 to -0.09) and waist circumference (WMD = -1.21 cm, 95 % CI: 2.24 to -0.17), while its effects on body weight and hip circumference were not statistically significant. Blood pressure outcomes revealed significant reductions in both systolic (WMD = -2.49 mmHg, 95 % CI: 4.33 to -0.65) and diastolic (WMD = -1.53 mmHg, 95 % CI: 3.01 to -0.05) pressures. Significant lipid profile improvements were observed in total cholesterol (WMD = -12.29 mg/dL, 95 % CI: 19.92 to -4.65), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = -10.31 mg/dL, 95 % CI: 18.57 to -2.04), and triglycerides (WMD = -12.85 mg/dL, 95 % CI: 24.77 to -0.93), with no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a study involving people with fatty liver, artichoke leaf extract improved liver markers and lowered cholesterol and triglycerides.
Aim of the study: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and is potentially treatable, though there are few therapeutic agents available. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) has shown potential as a hepatoprotective agent.
Results: Ninety patients completed the study (49 ALE and 41 placebo) with no side effects reported. ALE treatment compared with placebo: Doppler sonography showed increased hepatic vein flow (p < .001), reduced portal vein diameter (p < .001) and liver size (p < .001), reduction in serum ALT (p < .001) and AST (p < .001) levels, improvement in AST/ALT ratio and APRI scores (p < .01), and reduction in total bilirubin. ALE supplementation reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations (p = .01). This study has shown beneficial effects of ALE supplementation on both ultrasound liver parameters and liver serum parameters (ALT, AST, APRI ratio, and total bilirubin) in patients with NAFLD.
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants100
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A meta-analysis of studies involving people with fatty liver indicated that artichoke leaf extract had particularly beneficial effects on liver enzymes and LDL.
Aim of the study: Due to a scarcity of appropriate therapeutic approaches capable of ameliorating or eliminating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), many researchers have come to focus on natural products based on traditional medicine that can be utilized to successfully treat NAFLD.
Results: High-density catechins significantly reduced body mass index (BMI) levels (SUCRA: 98.5%) compared with the placebo. The Ranking Plot of the Network indicated that artichoke leaf extract and naringenin performed better than the other natural products in facilitating patient recovery. Therefore, we propose that artichoke leaf extract and naringenin may exert a better therapeutic effect on NAFLD. This study may help guide clinicians and lead to further detailed studies.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · National Prestigious Chinese Medicine Doctor Studio of Xinlu Wang Project, The Science and Technology Development Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shandong Province, The Science and Technology Development Project of Shandong Province
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
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