Globe artichoke

Meta-analyses of artichoke leaf extract report reductions in total and LDL cholesterol of a size worth taking seriously. Almost all of that work uses standardised leaf extract at doses far above what eating the bud supplies, and the individual trials are small and heterogeneous, so it should not be read as a finding about the vegetable.

What may be going on: Artichoke phenolics inhibit cholesterol synthesis in hepatocytes in laboratory work, and the fibre fraction increases bile acid excretion.

Moderate evidence. Several human studies point the same way, with real caveats.

Artichoke leaf extract has been tested for functional dyspepsia with modest reported improvements in symptom scores. Symptom scores are placebo-sensitive, the trials are small, and for people with irritable bowel syndrome the fructans in the vegetable itself commonly make symptoms worse.

Limited evidence. Early human work, or mostly lab and animal research.

Some trials of artichoke leaf extract in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease report improvements in liver enzymes and ultrasound findings. The trials are small, short and mostly from a few centres, and again they test an extract rather than the food.

Limited evidence. Early human work, or mostly lab and animal research.