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Complementary Medicine

Artichoke Extract Effects on Cholesterol

08/16/2002

Question:

Hello. I read that artichoke extract lowered cholesterol. Is this true and if so does it have any side effects? Thanks.

Answer:

The following is an excerpt from a recently published review of the literature on Artichoke Leaf Extract (ALE). It certainly seems like it`s worth a try. "Few data from rigorous clinical trials assessing ALE for treating hypercholesterolaemia exist. Beneficial effects are reported, the evidence however is not compelling. The limited data on safety suggest only mild, transient and infrequent adverse events with the short term use of ALE. More rigorous clinical trials assessing larger patient samples over longer intervention periods are needed to establish whether ALE is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with hypercholesterolaemia." 

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Response by:

Tanya I Edwards, MD, MEd Tanya I Edwards, MD, MEd
Associate Professor of Medicine
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University