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Related Experiment Videos

Artichoke leaf extract for treating hypercholesterolaemia.

M H Pittler1, C O Thompson, E Ernst

  • 1Department of Complementary Medicine, University of Exeter, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter, Devon, UK, EX2 4NT. M.H.Pittler@ex.ac.uk

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 26, 2002
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) shows potential for lowering cholesterol, but evidence is not yet compelling. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety for hypercholesterolaemia.

Area of Science:

  • Phytotherapy
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hypercholesterolaemia significantly elevates the risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.
  • Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) is an over-the-counter remedy suggested to possess cholesterol-lowering properties.
  • The efficacy of ALE for treating hypercholesterolaemia remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) compared to placebo or standard treatments for hypercholesterolaemia.
  • The study focused on patients with mean total cholesterol levels of at least 5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL).

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Amed, Cinahl, CISCOM, Cochrane Controlled Trial Register) until June 2001.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ALE monopreparations versus placebo or reference medication.
  • Excluded were trials involving combination preparations or treatments.

    • Main Results:

    • Two RCTs with 167 participants met the inclusion criteria.
    • One trial demonstrated a significant reduction in total cholesterol with ALE compared to placebo (p=0.00001).
    • Another trial indicated ALE significantly reduced cholesterol in a subgroup with baseline levels over 230 mg/dL (p<0.05). Mild, transient adverse events were reported.

    Conclusions:

    • Limited rigorous clinical trial data exist for Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) in treating hypercholesterolaemia.
    • While beneficial effects are suggested, the current evidence is not conclusive.
    • Further large-scale, long-term clinical trials are necessary to establish ALE's efficacy and safety.