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Dietary supplement

Artichoke Extract 250 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

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

Artichoke Extract 250 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, indigestion and heartburn, constipation and bloating.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 Leaf Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Artichoke Extract 250 mg by Swanson

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Swanson's Artichoke Extract contains one active ingredient: artichoke leaf extract at 250 mg per capsule. The capsule itself is made from gelatin and filled with microcrystalline cellulose, dextrin, calcium palmitate, and silica as inactive ingredients.

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: supports healthy digestive function and lipid metabolism.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Hyperlipidemia, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cholesterol management, indigestion.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Artichoke is rated "Possibly Effective" for Dyspepsia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Artichoke is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hyperlipidemia.
  • Also on file: Artichoke is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Artichoke extract is rated possibly effective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and indigestion (dyspepsia) based on clinical evidence. For nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there isn't enough reliable evidence yet to say whether it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient 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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Artichoke extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, though quality and dosing vary between products. The most common side effects are mild—abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, hunger, and nausea.

Some people may have an allergic reaction, especially those sensitive to plants in the ragweed family (Asteraceae/Compositae), which includes chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Rarely, severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported in people sensitive to inulin, a compound in artichoke.

During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety information, so it's best avoided in supplement form. The same goes for breastfeeding—safety hasn't been established.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this supplement is right for you if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient 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 1 matched ingredient 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.

Before taking this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist about blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, and any drugs metabolized by the liver enzymes CYP2C19 or CYP2B6—all carry Moderate interaction risk with artichoke extract. The interactions with the liver enzymes haven't been confirmed in humans, but laboratory studies suggest they're possible.

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.

Artichoke extract may help with high cholesterol and indigestion, but it can lower blood pressure and blood sugar, which matters if you take medications for either. It may also affect how your liver processes certain drugs.

If you're on any blood pressure medication, diabetes medication, or drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 or CYP2B6, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this to your routine—especially 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: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 23, 2024.

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 Extract 250 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614140773
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 23, 2024
DSLD ID 308470
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
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 Extract 250 mg by Swanson, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
087614140773
IngredientAmount% DV
Artichoke Leaf Extract250 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dextrin, Calcium Palmitate, Silica

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.
Formulation

Supports healthy digestive function May help support healthy lipid metabolism

Digestive Support Standardized

Formula

Minimum 2.5% caffeoylquinic acids

Artichoke Extract 250 mg per capsule

General Statements

Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule one to three times per day with water or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Do not take this product if you have an obstruction of the bowels or bile ducts.

Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, such as gallbladder problems.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

See for yourself

Artichoke Extract 250 mg by Swanson label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Artichoke Extract 250 mg by Swanson

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Artichoke Leaf Extract

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

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 Leaf Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dextrin, Calcium Palmitate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Artichoke Extract 250 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Artichoke Extract 250 mg?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Artichoke Extract 250 mg 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.

Artichoke Leaf Extract4 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 Extract 250 mg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Artichoke Extract 250 mg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Artichoke Extract 250 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Artichoke Extract 250 mg 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 Extract 250 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No—not enough safety information exists for pregnancy, so it's best avoided in supplement form. Safety during breastfeeding also hasn't been established. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the side effects?
Most common are mild: abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, hunger, and nausea. Rarely, people sensitive to inulin (a compound in artichoke) have had severe allergic reactions. If you're allergic to plants like ragweed, chrysanthemums, or daisies, you may be at higher risk for an allergic reaction.
Does it actually work for high cholesterol and indigestion?
Artichoke extract is rated possibly effective for both. Clinical studies suggest it may help, but the evidence isn't definitive yet. For liver disease, there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works.
Why can't I just take it with my blood pressure or diabetes medication?
Artichoke extract lowers blood pressure and blood sugar on its own—studies show modest reductions. Combined with your medication, it could push those levels too low. That's why your doctor or pharmacist needs to weigh the risks for your situation.
What's inside the capsule besides the artichoke extract?
The capsule is gelatin, and it contains microcrystalline cellulose, dextrin, calcium palmitate, and silica as inactive fillers and binders.

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

Not sure if Artichoke Extract 250 mg 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 Extract 250 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Artichoke Extract 250 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Artichoke Extract 250 mg'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 16 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.

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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