The scientific studies to support our claims on olive leaf and elenolic acid are published in the following peer review journals:
Study: The Metabolic Effects of Cynara Supplementation in Overweight and Obese Class I Subjects with Newly Detected Impaired Fasting Glycemia. M Rondanelli et al, 2020. Double blind randomised placebo controlled trial, 54 human participants.
What the study was about:
This study looked at whether a special extract from artichoke (called Cynarascolymus or Cs) could help people with impaired fasting glucose—a condition that often comes before diabetes—by improving blood sugar control and other related health measures.
How they did it:
54 overweight adults with newly diagnosed impaired fasting glucose were split into two groups: one took the artichoke extract and the other took a placebo (a “dummy” pill). Various health markers like blood sugar, cholesterol, insulin levels, waist size, and body fat were measured over time.
What they found:
The group taking the artichoke extract showed significant improvements in blood sugar levels, cholesterol (good and bad), insulin, and body fat around the belly compared to the placebo group.
What it means:
Taking this standardised artichoke extract might help people at risk of diabetes improve their blood sugar and other metabolic health factors.
Study: Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Y Panahi et al, 2018. Double blind randomised placebo controlled trial, 100 human participants.
What the study was about:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver condition that can get worse over time, but treatment options are limited. This study looked at whether artichoke leaf extract (ALE) could help improve liver health in people with NAFLD.
How they did it:
100 people with NAFLD were randomly given either ALE or a placebo every day for 2 months. Doctors checked their liver health using ultrasound scans and blood tests both before and after the treatment.
What they found:
Those who took ALE showed improvements in liver blood flow, smaller liver size, and better liver blood test results. They also had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to those taking the placebo. Importantly, no side effects were reported.
What it means:
Artichoke leaf extract might be a safe and helpful way to improve liver health and cholesterol levels in people with fatty liver disease.
Study: Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults. R. Bundy et al, 2008. Double blind randomised placebo controlled trial, 75 human participants.
What the study was about:
Heart disease is a leading cause of death, often linked to high cholesterol levels. This study tested whether artichoke leaf extract (ALE) could help lower cholesterol in healthy adults with mildly to moderately high cholesterol.
How they did it:
75 adults with total cholesterol between 6.0 and 8.0 mmol/l took either 1280 mg of ALE or a placebo every day for 12 weeks. Their cholesterol levels and general well-being were checked before and after.
What they found:
The group taking ALE had their total cholesterol drop by about 4.2%, while the placebo group’s cholesterol slightly increased. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it was likely due to ALE. However, there were no significant changes in the “bad” (LDL) or “good” (HDL) cholesterol or triglycerides. Both groups reported similar improvements in general well-being.
What it means:
Taking artichoke leaf extract can modestly but significantly lower total cholesterol in people with mild to moderate high cholesterol. The overall good health of the participants might explain why the effect was modest.
