Digestive wellness remains a leading area of interest in the nutraceutical field, with growing consumer demand for botanical solutions to address common symptoms such as bloating, postprandial fullness, and poor fat digestion. These issues are increasingly associated with subclinical disturbances in bile secretion, hepatic function, and gut microbiota composition. The global market for digestive health supplements has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2023, it was valued at USD 13.30 billion and is now projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6% from 2024 to 2030 (1).
Clinically supported activity
Among the botanicals gaining renewed scientific attention is artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), traditionally used in European herbal medicine for its effects on the digestive system. One of the most supported activities of artichoke extract is its choleretic effect—stimulating bile production and secretion. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, the administration of a standardised artichoke extracts increased bile flow by more than 150%, compared to baseline (2).
In addition to its biliary effects, artichoke extract has demonstrated hepatoprotective properties, particularly in patients with non-alcoholic fat liver damage. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported significant reductions in hepatic enzymes ALT, AST, as well as in triglycerides, and total cholesterol, after two months of supplementation (3). These effects are likely mediated by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, which was also observed in a separate study in metabolic syndrome patients, where artichoke supplementation reduced oxidised LDL concentrations—a marker of oxidative stress (4).
In terms of the mechanism of action, phenolic compounds such as caffeoylquinic acids have been proposed to act via inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, increased bile acid excretion, and modulation of hepatic lipid metabolism (5). These pathways are supported by clinical outcomes such as the modest, but significant reduction in total cholesterol observed in a 12-week study with artichoke extract in hypercholesterolemic adults (6).
At Natac, we elevate the potential of artichoke extract through Nartichoke, our Full Spectrum ingredient. Standardised to preserve the plant’s active constituents, it’s enriched with caffeoylquinic acids which are compounds that are known for their role in bile stimulation and liver support. As well as inulin, a beneficial prebiotic fibre. Building on these validated mechanisms, Nartichoke offers a science-based solution for digestive health product development.
What truly sets our ingredients apart is our exclusive HABOID™ method, which guarantees a verifiable botanical identity — a crucial advantage against common market adulteration. Choose Natac’s artichoke extracts to deliver both a clean, and green ingredient to your final products.
Artichoke contributions:
- Digestive health: facilitates the digestion of fats, contributes to the reduction of blood lipids
- Liver health: promotes the secretion and elimination of bile, helping the removal of toxins
- Antioxidant effect: protection against oxidative stress thanks to its content of caffeoylquinic acids
References:
- Grand View Research. (2024). Digestive Health Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product (Prebiotics, Probiotics, Enzymes, Fulvic Acid, Others), by Form, by Distribution Channel, by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2024–2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/digestive-health-supplements-market
- Kirchhoff, R., Beckers, C., Kirchhoff, G., Trinczek-Gärtner, H., Petrowicz, O., & Reimann, H. (1994). Increase in choleresis by means of artichoke extract. Phytomedicine, 1(2), 107–115.
- Rangboo, V., Noroozi, M., Zavoshy, R., Rezadoost, S. A., & Mohammadpoorasl, A. (2016). The Effect of Artichoke Leaf Extract on Alanine Aminotransferase and Aspartate Aminotransferase in the Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. International Journal of Hepatology, 2016, Article ID 4030476.
- Rezazadeh, K., Aliashrafi, S., Asghari-Jafarabadi, M., & Ebrahimi-Mameghani, M. (2017). Antioxidant response to artichoke leaf extract supplementation in metabolic syndrome: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial. Clinical Nutrition, 37(3), 790–796.
- Santos, F. L., Bueno, N. B., Oliveira, B. M., & da Rocha Ataide, T. (2018). The effect of artichoke on lipid profile: A review of possible mechanisms of action. Phytotherapy Research, 32(9), 1804–1811.Santos, F. L., Bueno, N. B., Oliveira, B. M., & da Rocha Ataide, T. (2018). The effect of artichoke on lipid profile: A review of possible mechanisms of action. Phytotherapy Research, 32(9), 1804–1811.
- Bundy, R., Walker, A., Middleton, R., Wallis, C., & Simpson, H. (2008). Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults: a randomised, double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine, 15(9), 668–675.
