Asteraceae · leaf
Artichoke
Cynara scolymus
Bitter leaf extract mapped in this catalog to human dyspepsia and lipid-parameter trials. Culinary artichoke hearts are a different food part.
Safety first
Leaf extracts are contraindicated in bile-duct obstruction. Asteraceae allergy applies. The edible flower bud is not the same as the bitter leaf extract used in trials.
Tradition vs trials
Traditional record. Mediterranean and European bitter tradition uses the leaf for sluggish digestion, not the vegetable heart.
Trial literature. Human trials of standardized leaf extracts report dyspepsia and modest lipid-parameter changes. Products and doses are not uniform.
Practical ranges
Educational ranges — not a prescription. Culinary use is not an extract.
dry leaf extract
European trial and monograph products often provide a few hundred milligrams of dry extract, one to three times daily; native leaf equivalents vary by DER
ESCOP / EMA HMPC — Educational range only — not a prescription. A licensed clinician individualizes product, dose, and duration.
Pregnancy, nursing, children
- Pregnancy. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
- Nursing. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
- Children. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
Contraindications
- bile-duct obstruction
- acute gallstone disease unless a clinician directs otherwise
- Asteraceae allergy
Key interactions
- bile-acid binders / choleretics · note
Additive bile-flow effects are theoretical.