Review of the Effect of Artichoke Herb on Fatty Liver Markers

In this article, we will examine the effect of the medicinal plant artichoke on fatty liver. Fatty liver is one of the major causes of chronic liver disease in humans. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges from asymptomatic fatty liver to severe liver inflammation, fibrosis, and sometimes cirrhosis. If left untreated, it can ultimately lead to liver cell cancer and death.

What is Fatty Liver? Liver diseases come in various forms, each causing damage to this vital organ. Fatty liver is one of the most common liver diseases, caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver. Also known as hepatic steatosis, fatty liver occurs when fat accumulates in the liver cells.

Having a small amount of fat in the liver is natural, but excessive fat buildup can become a major problem. If more than 5-10% of your liver weight is fat, you may have this disease. The liver, the second largest organ in the body, helps process food and filters harmful substances from the blood. This disease is often referred to as the “silent liver disease” because it can occur without any noticeable symptoms.

The prevalence of this disease is rising in many parts of the world, especially in Western countries, affecting around 25% of the global population. The good news is that this disease is reversible and can be treated through lifestyle changes.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver, which occurs in the absence of alcohol consumption, has become a major health concern due to its widespread prevalence.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver

• Leads to obesity
• Increases insulin resistance
• Even in cases without diabetes, it can occur
• Heart disease and vascular conditions are common
• Often diagnosed through simple blood tests and liver imaging methods such as ultrasound

Causes of Fatty Liver Insulin resistance exacerbates lipid metabolism disorders, leading to an increase in free fatty acids reaching the liver, disruption of mitochondrial beta-oxidation, new lipogenesis, and a decrease in fat excretion from the liver, all contributing to the development of fatty liver.

Preventing Liver Damage Progression

• Weight loss may reduce liver damage
• Managing blood fat levels is effective in preventing further liver damage
• Various serum enzymes are used for diagnosing liver damage

Common Liver Enzymes:

• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

These enzymes are typically elevated in liver diseases and damage, with the highest levels occurring during severe liver necrosis.

There are no specific drugs for treating fatty liver, and while some doctors prescribe vitamin E, its effectiveness for this disease remains unclear due to the high doses required, which may increase the risk of heart attacks and atherosclerosis.

Past studies have shown that antioxidant-rich diets and anti-inflammatory agents, such as active compounds in medicinal plants, can be effective in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Artichoke is a plant from the Asteraceae family and is also known as “Erdeh Shahy” in Persian. In traditional medicine across various countries, artichoke is recommended for lowering blood sugar, improving digestion, supporting heart health, and promoting liver health. Artichoke extract, rich in concentrated compounds from the plant, has gained popularity as both a dietary and medicinal supplement.

Nutritional Value of Artichoke: Artichoke is low in fat yet high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains a significant amount of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin K, along with essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron.

One medium-sized artichoke provides about 7 grams of fiber, which covers 23-28% of the daily fiber intake. With only 60 calories and about 4 grams of protein per stalk, it is more nutritionally dense than many other vegetables and edible plants. Most notably, artichoke is also considered a potent antioxidant.

Artichoke Extract and Liver Protection: Artichoke leaf extract can protect the liver from damage and promote tissue regeneration. It also enhances bile production, which helps eliminate harmful toxins from the liver.

Studies: In one study, artichoke extract was given to a group of laboratory mice and compared with a control group. The results showed that artichoke consumption led to less liver damage, higher antioxidant levels, and better liver function after excessive drug consumption. Human studies have also shown positive effects on liver health.

For example, a trial involving 90 individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease demonstrated that daily consumption of 600 mg of artichoke extract for two months improved liver function.

Artichoke’s Properties:

• Liver supporter
• Antimicrobial
• Reduces cholesterol
• Lowers blood fat
• Stimulates nitric oxide synthase gene expression
• Improves endothelial cell function in atherosclerosis

Active Compounds in Artichoke:

• Phenolic compounds: These protect the liver from toxicity and reduce liver enzymes, which aligns with findings from recent studies.
• Flavonoids: Artichoke leaves contain phenolic compounds like caffeic acid and flavonoids that offer liver protection and increase glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. They also reduce intestinal glucose absorption by inhibiting digestive enzymes and aid in the repair and regeneration of beta cells. These effects help regulate blood sugar and improve lipid levels.

Use of Artichoke Herb:

• For people with liver and gallbladder issues
• Those with functional dyspepsia and reduced symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• As an adjunct treatment for mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia
• It helps reduce blood sugar levels
• For appetite loss

Factors Increasing Fatty Liver Risk:

• Overweight individuals are more prone to developing fatty liver.
• Sedentary lifestyle, especially in housebound individuals, increases the risk.
• High levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood are contributing factors.

Factors Reducing Fatty Liver Risk:

• A balanced lifestyle is the key treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Studies show that after 45 days of consuming artichoke herb, blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels decreased, indicating positive effects on liver function and lipid management.
• Artichoke acts on lipid and lipoprotein reduction through its influence on cholesterol biosynthesis and bile production in the liver.

Reported Effects:

• Cynarine and caffeic acid have shown protective effects against liver damage caused by carbon tetrachloride. This protective effect has also been observed for artichoke extract, linked to the plant’s antioxidant properties. Hepatic regeneration has been reported in studies where water extracts of artichoke were administered orally to rats after partial liver resection.

Clinical Studies: In a two-month trial, 208 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and dyspepsia were treated with 320-640 mg of standardized artichoke leaf extract (ALE). After treatment, significant improvements were seen in IBS symptoms (26%), quality of life (20%), and changes in bowel movement patterns.

Another study showed significant reductions in symptom severity in IBS patients who took ALE for six weeks. Additionally, 96% of patients rated ALE as more effective or at least equivalent to previous treatments, and its tolerance was very good.

Conclusion: Results showed that women experienced more significant improvements in fatty liver grades than men. This may be due to the fact that many of the study participants were housewives who adhered to the precise consumption of artichoke tea, whereas men, due to work schedules, may not have used the tea regularly. Additionally, studies show a significant relationship between serum AST and ALT levels with the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, where increasing liver disease grade correlates with elevated enzyme levels.

Traditional medicine experts have also noted that women, due to their cold temperament and phlegmatic constitution, are more susceptible to fatty liver than men.