Research synthesisHigh evidenceMixed effect size5 studies · 5 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 5 studies, all reported beneficial effects of artichoke on reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The most robust evidence comes from a meta-analysis showing a moderate reduction in LDL-C (WMD: -14.9 mg/dL). Effects were typically observed at 6–8 weeks (median study duration 51 days), and the most common studied population included people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Effective dose range: 600 mg daily
- Studied populations: People with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), bariatric surgery candidates
Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Most studies were conducted in clinical populations (NAFLD, pre-bariatric patients), so generalizability to healthy individuals is uncertain. Some studies did not report dose or extract form, limiting reproducibility. Effect sizes varied from small to moderate, and clinical significance of the LDL reduction remains to be confirmed in larger longer-term trials.
Generated Jul 15, 2026