BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
Also known as: Cynara scolymus
The botanical name, part and preparation must match. A photograph is not enough for identification intended for consumption.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
01 · UNDERSTAND
Properties & uses.
Digestion and bloating
Traditional use for indigestion with feelings of fullness, bloating and gas.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
02 · UNDERSTAND THE ACTION
How does the plant act?
Artichoke leaf, distinct from the part usually eaten, is documented for mild digestive disorders. Human trials exist with some extracts, but they do not automatically validate every herbal tea or supplement. The phrase “liver drainage” is less precise than the outcomes actually measured: digestive discomfort, feelings of fullness and symptom-related quality of life.
Constituents to know.
Their presence and quantity depend on the plant part and preparation.
- Cynarin
- This compound is discussed in the historical and pharmacological dossier. Naming a constituent does not make it possible to attribute the result of a whole extract to that constituent alone.Read the reference
Dyspepsia: data on an extract
A trial showed improvement in functional digestive symptoms and quality of life with the preparation tested, superior to placebo.
Read the referenceBile: scope of historical use
The leaf is traditionally associated with biliary function. This history of use does not demonstrate a cure for liver disease or gallstones.
Read the referenceWhat this means for preparation.
Look for “leaf,” then the definition of the extract. The amount of plant material and weight of the extract are not directly comparable.
03 · EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
Controlled trial in dyspepsia
- Type of research
- Holtmann et al., multicenter double-blind randomized trial; 247 recruited, six weeks.
- Preparation concerned
- Commercial leaf extract, compared with placebo.
- Observed results
- Overall symptoms and quality of life improved more with the extract.
- Limitations to consider
- A specific extract and indication; no equivalence to artichoke as food, an arbitrary infusion or a combination with ginger.
What can we take from this?
The traditional evidence level of the monograph remains distinct from a positive trial of one product. Precautions in liver or biliary disease do not disappear with a promise of “liver protection”.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
04 · CHOOSE A PREPARATION
One plant, several preparations.
Only forms documented in this profile’s sources are presented.
InfusionLeaves · Route: oral
Dried, comminuted leaves.
Please note: Check the preparation and its leaflet; concentrations are not interchangeable.
Read the sourcePowder or extractLeaves · Route: oral
Defined solid or liquid forms.
Please note: Check the preparation and its leaflet; concentrations are not interchangeable.
Read the source05 · BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Asteraceae.
- Liver or biliary disorders: do not use without medical review.
Medicine interactions
- Interactions are not detailed here: have a pharmacist check treatments and the preparation.
Adverse effects
- Mild diarrhea, spasms, nausea, heartburn or allergies.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Medicinal use is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient data.
Children & adolescents
Not recommended under 12 years of age.
If symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
06 · PUTTING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE
Preparations & recipes.
A DOCUMENTED PREPARATION
Artichoke leaf infusion — post-meal fullness
Traditional use for indigestion, fullness and bloating. Findings for particular extracts do not establish the efficacy of this herbal tea.
Plant part: Dried cut leaves
Ingredients & quantities
- 3 g dried cut leaves of Cynara cardunculus L. (syn. Cynara scolymus L.)
- 150 ml boiling drinking water
Preparation steps
- Use artichoke leaf supplied for herbal tea, not the vegetable’s edible bracts; weigh 3 g.
- Pour 150 ml boiling drinking water over the herb in a heatproof container.
- Steep for 5–15 minutes unless the product leaflet says otherwise. This is the EMA glossary’s general method; the monograph gives no preparation-specific time.
- Strain, then allow to cool to a comfortable temperature before drinking.
Use: Selected EMA option: 3 g in 150 ml, 1–2 times daily; 3–6 g leaves in total. Do not combine with the monograph’s other dose schedule. Seek advice after 2 weeks of persistent symptoms, or sooner if worsening.
Storage: Prepare immediately before use, following the EMA glossary. The monograph provides no domestic storage period; do not prepare a stock batch.
Before you start. For adults aged 18+ in this collection. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because sufficient safety data are lacking. Contraindicated with Asteraceae allergy, bile-duct obstruction, cholangitis, liver disease, gallstones or another biliary condition requiring medical supervision. Diarrhoea, spasms, nausea, heartburn and allergies have been reported; stop if these occur. No interactions are reported in this monograph; this does not establish compatibility with medicines. Ask a pharmacist if you take medication.
07 · CHECK THE SOURCES
Sources for this profile.
- EMA — Cynarae folium: official dossierAccessed on 09/10/2026
- ANSES — precautions for plants in food supplements, June 2023 summaryAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — assessment report on Cynara cardunculus L. (Leaves)Accessed on 09/10/2026
- Holtmann et al. — Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in functional dyspepsia, 2003Accessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — Cynara cardunculus L. (syn. C. scolymus L.), folium: monograph, preparation and precautionsAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — Glossary on herbal teas: general methods, §4Accessed on 09/10/2026
Illustration: peganum from Henfield, England · CC BY-SA 2.0. View the original image and its licence. Image resized and converted to WebP.
A TOUCH OF SOLÉA
Myriam’s tip
Myriam is reviewing the tip for this profile.
Myriam
