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Dietary supplement

Artichoke Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Sunshine Naturals

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

Artichoke is a dietary supplement by Sunshine Naturals with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for indigestion and bloating, mild constipation, liver and gallbladder support.Based on those ingredients, 790 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Boldo, Artichoke Extract, Dry. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Artichoke by Sunshine Naturals

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

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: boldo and artichoke extract (dry). Boldo is a South American plant traditionally used for digestive and urinary issues, while artichoke extract comes from the artichoke plant and is used for liver and digestive support.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — gelatin, dicalcium phosphate, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate — which serve as fillers and binders.

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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: protect and strengthen liver, lower cholesterol.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hyperlipidemia, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Biliary disorders, cholesterol management, hepatic function.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Artichoke is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hyperlipidemia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Artichoke is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Biliary disorders, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The evidence for boldo is weak. Data on its use for benign prostate enlargement, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, and joint pain is insufficient to establish whether it actually works.

Artichoke extract fares better: it's rated possibly effective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and indigestion (dyspepsia). For fatty liver disease, the evidence isn't yet established.

If you're considering this product for one of those purposes, artichoke is the ingredient with some clinical backing.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Boldo 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.

When used in food amounts, boldo is generally well tolerated, but medicinal doses can cause serious problems. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

The real concern is hepatotoxicity — liver damage — which has been documented in case reports, sometimes severe enough to raise liver enzymes and cause jaundice. Artichoke extract is generally well tolerated, though it can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, and nausea.

Rarely, people sensitive to inulin (a component of artichoke) have had anaphylaxis. Some people allergic to ragweed and related plants may react to artichoke too.

Boldo is considered unsafe in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus. Safety data during breastfeeding is insufficient, so it's best avoided.

Artichoke extract also lacks sufficient safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Boldo 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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Boldo, Artichoke.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 791 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.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate risk of bleeding), drugs that are toxic to the liver (Moderate risk of liver damage), blood pressure medications (Moderate risk of low blood pressure), diabetes medications (Moderate risk of low blood sugar), lithium, tacrolimus, or any drugs your liver processes via CYP2C19 or CYP2B6 enzymes.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines boldo, which has weak evidence and serious liver-toxicity concerns, with artichoke extract, which has some clinical support for cholesterol and digestion but limited safety data in pregnancy. If you take any blood thinners, diabetes or blood pressure medications, lithium, tacrolimus, or drugs processed through your liver, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interaction list is long.

Otherwise, discuss this with your healthcare provider to make sure it's the right choice for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2022.

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 Sunshine Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 789939101490
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2022
DSLD ID 271161
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Sugar Free
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 Sunshine Naturals, 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)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
789939101490
IngredientAmount% DV
Boldo150 mg--
Artichoke Extract, Dry250 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Dicalcium Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults take 2 capsules a day before meals, as a dietary supplement.

Formulation

Formulated to protect and strengthen your liver.

This product does not contain sugar, starch, salt, or preservatives.

Proudly Made in the USA

Formulated to protect and strengthen your liver.

Formula

Artichoke helps lower cholesterol in the blood and helps to avoid excessive deposits of fat in liver tissue. Boldo has a choleretic action and helps to increase the biles and gastric secretions.

Plus Pedmus Boldus

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Precautions

Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Healthy weight

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Proudly Made in the USA

See for yourself

Artichoke by Sunshine Naturals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Artichoke by Sunshine Naturals

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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.

Boldo

Interacts with
482 drugs
150 mg per serving

Boldo is a South American shrub whose leaves are traditionally used for digestive and gallbladder complaints, but good human evidence is very limited....

Boldo monograph & interactions

Artichoke Extract, Dry

Interacts with
363 drugs
250 mg per serving Form: Cynara scolymus

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 Extract, Dry monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Dicalcium Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Artichoke by Sunshine Naturals 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
790Drugs
790 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Boldo 482

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Boldo5 drug types · 482 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking boldo with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
Animal and in vitro research shows that boldine, a constituent of boldo, has antiplatelet activity. In one case report, an adult taking a combination of boldo and fenugreek with warfarin experienced an increase in international normalized ratio (INR); however, it is unclear if this effect was due to boldo, fenugreek, the combination, or another factor.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking boldo with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatic injury and disease.
Boldo leaf contains ascaridole, a known liver toxin. Many cases of hepatotoxicity, including elevated liver transaminase levels and jaundice, have been reported in patients taking boldo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taking boldo with lithium might increase the levels and clinical effects of lithium.
Boldo is believed to have diuretic effects. Theoretically, these diuretic effects might reduce the excretion of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Taking boldo with tacrolimus may decrease the levels and clinical effects of tacrolimus, potentially increasing the risk of transplant rejection.
In one case report, a patient with a long-term history of stable tacrolimus levels developed subtherapeutic levels after taking boldo 300 mg twice daily orally for several weeks. Tacrolimus levels returned to normal after discontinuing boldo. However, the mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

A combination of boldo and fenugreek was thought to be associated with an increased international normalized ratio (INR) in a female on warfarin. It is not clear if boldo, fenugreek, or the combination played a role in this interaction. Therefore, boldo may have additive effects with warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Artichoke Extract, Dry4 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.

Sunshine Naturals

See all Sunshine Naturals products
Name
American Naturavit Inc.
City
Miami
State
FL
ZipCode
33166
Phone Number
305-593-5417
Web Address
www.sunshinenaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Artichoke by Sunshine Naturals: Common Questions

Does Artichoke by Sunshine Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Artichoke has a known interaction with 790 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Artichoke contains 2 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.
Is boldo safe to take long-term?
No. Boldo can be used short-term in low doses, but because the ascaridole in it can harm your liver, long-term use isn't recommended. If you're considering this for more than a few weeks, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Boldo is considered unsafe in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus. Neither boldo nor artichoke extract has enough safety data for breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're pregnant or nursing.
What does artichoke extract actually do?
Artichoke extract is possibly effective for high cholesterol and indigestion based on clinical studies. For other uses listed here, the evidence isn't strong enough yet.
What are the most common side effects?
From both ingredients combined, the most common are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and stomach discomfort. These are usually mild, but if they persist or worsen, stop taking it and talk with your pharmacist.
What if I'm sensitive to ragweed or daisies?
You may be at risk for an allergic reaction to artichoke, since it's in the same plant family as ragweed and daisies. If you have a known allergy to these plants, avoid this product or check with your doctor first.
Why is there such a long list of drug interactions?
Boldo interacts with blood thinners, liver-toxic drugs, and certain medications like lithium and tacrolimus. Artichoke affects blood pressure and diabetes drugs and can inhibit liver enzymes that clear many medications. Together, they touch a wide range of prescriptions, so it's important to check yours.

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 26 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.

Boldo 10 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Lambert J, Cormier J. Potential interaction between warfarin and boldo-fenugreek. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:509-12. PubMed
  3. Piscaglia F, Leoni S, Venturi A, et al. Caution in the use of boldo in herbal laxatives: a case of hepatotoxicity. Scand J Gastroenterol 2005;40:236-9. PubMed
  4. Agarwal SC, Crook JR, Pepper CB. Herbal remedies -- how safe are they? A case report of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation induced by herbal medication used for obesity. Int J Cardiol 2006;106:260-1. PubMed
  5. Teng, C. M., Hsueh, C. M., Chang, Y. L., Ko, F. N., Lee, S. S., and Liu, K. C. Antiplatelet effects of some aporphine and phenanthrene alkaloids in rabbits and man. J Pharm Pharmacol 1997;49(7):706-711. PubMed
  6. Carbajal R, Yisfalem A, Pradhan N, et al. Case report: Boldo (Peumus boldus) and tacrolimus interaction in a renal transplant patient. Transplant Proc 2014;46(7):2400-2. PubMed
  7. Almeida ER, Melo AM, Xavier H. Toxicological evaluation of the hydro-alcohol extract of the dry leaves of Peumus boldus and boldine in rats. Phytother Res 2000;14(2):99-102. DOI
  8. Ribeiro RJ, Silvestre C, Duarte C. Hidden risks of alternative medicines: a case of boldo-induced hepatotoxicity. J Diet Suppl 2017;14(2):186-90. PubMed
  9. Oliveira Sá A, Pimentel T, Oliveira N. Boldo-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Case of Unexplained Jaundice. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2020;7(12):002116. PubMed
  10. Valdes R, Feuereisen A, Bellinghausen M. Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Boldo. Dermatitis 2021;32(2):e31-e32. PubMed

See these in context on the Boldo 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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