Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Artichoke Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Xtra

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Artichoke is a dietary supplement by Herb Xtra with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for joint and bone health, skin, hair, and nail support, source of dietary protein.Based on those ingredients, 363 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Artichoke. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Artichoke by Herb Xtra

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 4 active ingredients.

Herb Xtra Artichoke is a 4-ingredient capsule built around artichoke leaf extract, the active ingredient. Gelatin forms the capsule itself and also appears as a secondary ingredient.

Maltodextrin and water round out the formula as inactive ingredients. The artichoke leaf extract is what does the work — it's been studied for its effects on cholesterol, digestion, and liver health.

Gelatin is mainly structural here, though it's also consumed as a food supplement in its own right.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Dyspepsia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Artichoke) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Hyperlipidemia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Artichoke) (Natural Medicines).

The data shows artichoke is possibly effective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and indigestion (dyspepsia). Small clinical trials found it can modestly lower blood cholesterol and ease digestive discomfort.

For nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the evidence isn't yet established in the data we hold. Gelatin's effectiveness for the conditions listed — including aging skin, brittle nails, and uterine fibroids — is rated insufficient; the evidence simply isn't strong enough to say whether it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Gelatin Artichoke

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Artichoke extract is generally well tolerated as a short-term supplement, though quality and dosing vary between products. The most common side effects are digestive: abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, hunger, and nausea.

Rarely, people sensitive to inulin (a compound in artichoke) have had anaphylaxis. If you're allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies, or other plants in the Asteraceae family, you're at higher risk for an artichoke allergy.

Gelatin taken orally usually causes only mild side effects like belching, bloating, and indigestion, though allergic reactions including anaphylaxis are rare. For pregnancy, the safety data advises against artichoke in supplement form — not enough research exists.

Artichoke should also be avoided while breastfeeding. Gelatin is rated likely safe in pregnancy and likely safe while breastfeeding, though supplement doses of gelatin haven't been well studied during breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Gelatin Artichoke

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Artichoke.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 363 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) and blood sugar medications (antidiabetes drugs) with your pharmacist before starting — artichoke may lower both. Also flag any medications your liver metabolizes through the CYP2C19 or CYP2B6 pathways, since artichoke theoretically raises their blood levels.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Artichoke Herb Xtra is a reasonable choice if you're looking to support cholesterol or digestion and you don't take blood pressure or blood sugar medications. If you do take either of those drug types, or if you take medications your liver processes through CYP2C19 or CYP2B6, talk to your pharmacist before starting — the interactions are theoretical but real enough to warrant a check.

Avoid this product if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Artichoke, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Xtra
Barcode (UPC) 777949998742
Net contents 100 Capsule(s); 370 mg
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2013
DSLD ID 17639
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Artichoke by Herb Xtra, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
777949998742
IngredientAmount% DV
Gelatin0 NP--
Maltodextrin190 mg--
Water0 NP--
Artichoke370 mg--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Cynara scolymus

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Use: As a Herbal Supplement: 2 capsules per meal with a glass of water.

General

H303300

See for yourself

Artichoke by Herb Xtra label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Artichoke by Herb Xtra

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Gelatin

No known
interactions
0 NP per serving

Gelatin is a protein made from animal collagen, used as a food, a capsule ingredient, and a supplement for joint, skin, and bone health. For most heal...

Gelatin monograph & interactions

Maltodextrin

190 mg per serving

Water

0 NP per serving

Artichoke

Interacts with
363 drugs
370 mg per serving

Artichoke leaf extract is a generally well-tolerated supplement that may have a mild cholesterol-lowering effect and is often used for indigestion, th...

Artichoke monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Artichoke by Herb Xtra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Artichoke?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
363Drugs
363 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Artichoke 363

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Artichoke with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Artichoke4 drug types · 363 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, artichoke leaf extract may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
A meta-analysis of small clinical studies shows that taking artichoke leaf extract for 8-12 weeks can modestly reduce fasting plasma glucose when compared with placebo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, artichoke leaf extract may increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
A meta-analysis of small clinical studies in patients with hypertension shows that taking artichoke can reduce systolic blood pressure by around 3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by around 2 mmHg when compared with placebo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, artichoke might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that artichoke leaf extract inhibits CYP2B6 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, artichoke might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro research shows that artichoke leaf extract inhibits CYP2C19 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Artichoke, from the product label.

Herb Xtra

See all Herb Xtra products
Name
GOURMET NUTRITION F.B. INC.
City
STE-JULIE
State
QUEBEC
ZipCode
J3E 1Z2
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Artichoke by Herb Xtra: Common Questions

Does Artichoke by Herb Xtra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Artichoke has a known interaction with 363 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Artichoke contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does artichoke actually lower cholesterol?
The evidence says it's possibly effective for high cholesterol. Small clinical trials found artichoke can modestly reduce blood cholesterol levels compared to placebo. It's not a replacement for prescription drugs, but it may help as part of a broader approach.
What side effects should I expect?
Most people experience mild digestive upset — abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, or nausea — or none at all. Belching and bloating from the gelatin capsule are also common. Serious reactions like allergic shock are rare but have been reported, especially in people sensitive to artichoke inulin.
Is it safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advises against artichoke supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not enough research exists to know it's safe in those situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
What is artichoke actually used for?
Artichoke leaf extract is studied for high cholesterol and indigestion — both rated possibly effective. It may also support liver health, though the evidence for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease isn't established yet.
Could I be allergic to artichoke?
Yes. If you're allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, or other plants in the Asteraceae family, you're at higher risk. Severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported, though they're rare. Stop and seek help if you feel throat tightness, difficulty breathing, or severe swelling.
What does the gelatin do?
Gelatin is mainly the capsule material that holds the artichoke extract. It's also a secondary ingredient in the formula itself. It's eaten as a food every day by many people and is generally well tolerated, though it can cause minor digestive discomfort in some.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Artichoke is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Artichoke label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Artichoke's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 27 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Gelatin 11 references
  1. Lewis CJ. Letter to reiterate certain public health and safety concerns to firms manufacturing or importing dietary supplements that contain specific bovine tissues. FDA. Available at: www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr05.html.
  2. Schwick HG, Heide K. Immunochemistry and immunology of collagen and gelatin. Bibl Haematol 1969;33:111-25. PubMed
  3. Moskowitz RW. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease.Semin Arthritis Rheum 2000;30:87-99. PubMed
  4. Kelso JM. The gelatin story. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:200-2.
  5. Nakayama T, Aizawa C, Kuno-Sakai H. A clinical analysis of gelatin allergy and determination of its causal relationship to the previous administration of gelatin-containing acellular pertussis vaccine combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. J Allerg PubMed
  6. Sakaguchi M, Inouye S. Anaphylaxis to gelatin-containing rectal suppositories. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;108:1033-4. PubMed
  7. PDR Electronic Library. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2001.
  8. de la Fuente Tornero E, Vega Castro A, de Sierra Hernández PÁ, et al. Kounis syndrome during anesthesia: Presentation of indolent systemic mastocytosis: A case report. A Case Rep. 2017;8(9):226-228. PubMed
  9. Ventura Spagnolo E, Calapai G, Minciullo PL, Mannucci C, Asmundo A, Gangemi S. Lethal anaphylactic reaction to intravenous gelatin in the course of surgery. Am J Ther. 2016;23(6):e1344-e1346. PubMed
  10. Li Y, He H, Yang L, Li X, Li D, Luo S. Therapeutic effect of Colla corii asini on improving anemia and hemoglobin compositions in pregnant women with thalassemia. Int J Hematol. 2016;104(5):559-565. PubMed
  11. Coury JR, Skaggs KF, Marciano GF, et al. Intraoperative Anaphylaxis to the Bovine Flowable Gelatin Matrix: A Report of 2 Cases. JBJS Case Connect 2022;12(1). PubMed

See these in context on the Gelatin monograph →

Artichoke 16 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Walker AF, Middleton RW, Petrowicz O. Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a post-marketing surveillance study. Phytother Res 2001;15:58-61. PubMed
  3. Pittler MH, White AR, Stevinson C, Ernst E. Effectiveness of artichoke extract in preventing alcohol-induced hangovers: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ 2003;169:1269-73.
  4. Romano, C., Ferrara, A., and Falagiani, P. A case of allergy to globe artichoke and other clinical cases of rare food allergy. J Investig.Allergol.Clin Immunol. 2000;10(2):102-104.
  5. Miralles, J. C., Garcia-Sells, J., Bartolome, B., and Negro, J. M. Occupational rhinitis and bronchial asthma due to artichoke (Cynara scolymus). Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2003;91(1):92-95. PubMed
  6. Franck, P., Moneret-Vautrin, D. A., Morisset, M., Kanny, G., Megret-Gabeaux, M. L., and Olivier, J. L. Anaphylactic reaction to inulin: first identification of specific IgEs to an inulin protein compound. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2005;136(2):155-158. PubMed
  7. Meding, B. Allergic contact dermatitis from artichoke, Cynara scolymus. Contact Dermatitis 1983;9(4):314.
  8. Quirce, S., Tabar, A. I., Olaguibel, J. M., and Cuevas, M. Occupational contact urticaria syndrome caused by globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus). J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1996;97(2):710-711. PubMed
  9. Held C. Von der 1. Deutsche-Ungarischen Phytopharmakon-Konferenz, Budapest, 20. November 1991. Z Klin Med 1992;47:92-93.
  10. Barrat E, Zaïr Y, Ogier N, et al. A combined natural supplement lowers LDL cholesterol in subjects with moderate untreated hypercholesterolemia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2013;64(7):882-9. PubMed
  11. Huber R, Müller M, Naumann J, Schenk T, Lüdtke R. Artichoke leave extract for chronic hepatitis C - a pilot study. Phytomedicine. 2009 Sep;16(9):801-4. PubMed
  12. Caputo F, Barranco R, Bonsignore A, Fraternali Orcioni G, Ventura F. A rare case of fatal bowel obstruction secondary to a colonic bezoar. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2018;39(1):38-40. PubMed
  13. Elsebai MF, Abass K, Hakkola J, Atawia AR, Farag MA. The wild Egyptian artichoke as a promising functional food for the treatment of hepatitis C virus as revealed via UPLC-MS and clinical trials. Food Funct. 2016;7(7):3006-16. PubMed
  14. Moradi M, Sohrabi G, Golbidi M, et al. Effects of artichoke on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med 2021;57:102668. PubMed
  15. Jalili C, Moradi S, Babaei A, et al. Effects of Cynara scolymus L. on glycemic indices: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med 2020;52:102496. PubMed
  16. Gallo R, Oddenino G, Trave I, Gasparini G, Guadagno A, Parodi A. Contact sensitivity to sesquiterpene lactone mix and artichoke in a patient with severe recurrent dermatitis: A puzzling case. Contact Dermatitis 2023;88(2):156-158. PubMed

See these in context on the Artichoke monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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