Globe Artichoke

Common Name(s)

globe artichoke

Scientific Name(s)

Cynara scolymus L. (Asteraceae), Cynara cardunculus L. (Asteraceae)

General Information

The globe artichoke heart is a commonly used vegetable found in many types of cuisine. The fibrous leaves, when prepared appropriately, are believed to be responsible for its medicinal properties.

How is this product usually used?

Globe artichoke leaves are used to make oral supplements. They are available as capsules, tablets, liquid extract, and dried leaves.

For adults, the usual dose of globe artichoke is 1.5 g to 10 g of dried leaf per day.

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Globe artichoke has been used to:

• relieve heartburn and digestive problems
• help increase bile flow

People have also used globe artichoke to reduce plaque formation in the arteries (plaques are a build-up of fat and cholesterol that can block arteries, causing heart attack or stroke) and lower cholesterol levels in the body.

There is some evidence to suggest that globe artichoke can help relieve heartburn and digestive problems and increase bile flow.

Globe artichoke may effectively lower cholesterol levels in the body, although further studies are required to explore this effect.

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

Some side effects reported with the use of globe artichoke are abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, hunger, and nausea. In rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions, leading to chest tightness, cough, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms.

Globe artichoke may interact with:

• blood pressure medications (e.g., amlodipine, ramipril)
• diabetes medications (e.g., metformin, sitagliptin)
• certain medications broken down by the liver (e.g., bupropion, citalopram, clopidogrel, efavirenz, methadone, phenytoin)

Do not use globe artichoke if you have a biliary obstruction (a blockage in the bile duct). If you have gallstones, check with your health care provider before using globe artichoke.

Do not use globe artichoke if you are allergic to it or to any plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., chamomile, ragweed, chrysanthemum, sunflower, tansy and yarrow).

Do not use globe artichoke if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Contact your health care provider if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.

Source(s)

1. Health Canada. Drugs & Health Products. Monograph – Globe Artichoke. http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=101&lang=eng.
2. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Globe Artichoke.