Phytotherapy

Artichoke

Cynara scolymus · Cynara cardunculus

Mechanism

Artichoke leaves contain caffeoylquinic acids (incl. cynarin), flavonoids and bitter compounds. In animal models an increase in bile flow (choleretic effect) has been shown; antioxidant and liver-metabolism-supporting properties are described. Traditionally artichoke is used to support the liver, bile flow and digestion. Robust equine studies on clinical endpoints are lacking.

Cautions

· Contraindicated with bile-duct obstruction — veterinary clarification
· Composite-family (Asteraceae) sensitivity possible

Sources

PMID:12738088Speroni et al. 2003 (J Ethnopharmacol) — Cynara scolymus bei Leberbeschwerden, hepatoprotektiv

PMID:12587687Saénz Rodriguez et al. 2002 (Phytomedicine) — choleretische Wirkung Artischockenblatt-Extrakt (Ratte)

PMID:26310198Ben Salem et al. 2015 (Plant Foods Hum Nutr) — Review Artischockenblatt-Extrakt

Equiterna Score

78/100

high overall

Science7.7/10

Practical experience8/10

Safety7.8/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-specific as a standardised leaf extract; introduce gradually

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidencemoderate

Knowledge connections

Related conditions

Photosensitisation (Light Dermatitis) →traditionally liver/bile-supporting in the hepatogenic form (adjunctive)

Cholangiohepatitis / Bile Duct Inflammation (possibly with gallstones) →caffeoylquinic acids/cynarin, traditionally liver- and bile-supporting (choleretic) — does not replace veterinary treatment

All sources in the study library →

Frequently asked questions

Is Artichoke a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Artichoke as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Artichoke allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Artichoke is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Artichoke?

Stated in the profile: product-specific as a standardised leaf extract; introduce gradually. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Artichoke?

The profile cites: PMID:12738088, PMID:12587687, and PMID:26310198.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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