Artichoke as a Nootropic

The high luteolin content in artichoke may facilitate memory formation, particularly when combined with other nootropics.

Artichoke is an edible plant long believed to impart various health benefits. Its influence in brain health involves such nootropic effects as:

• Supporting memory. Bioactive ingredients in artichoke may play a critical role in the formation and retention of memories.
• Neuroprotection. Artichoke has demonstrated antioxidant activity.

Overview

Native to the Mediterranean, artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a species of thistle with a fleshy stalk and a budding flower head. Its flower bud, leaves, and stalk are all edible and have been incorporated into European and Middle Eastern cuisine for ages.

Artichoke has historically been used to manage hyperuricemia and gout, and it has more recently been considered in some medical practices as a natural way to help promote fat loss, reduce cholesterol levels, and resolve problems with digestion.^{1 2}

The two main active ingredients in artichoke are luteolin (27 –215 mg/kg) and apigenin, both of which are present in various nootropic supplements and have demonstrated health-promoting properties.³ The potent antioxidant capacity of luteolin, which ranks among the highest in vegetables, has spurred belief in its ability to detox the brain and enhance cognitive function.^{4 5}

How Artichoke Might Help the Brain

Inhibiting phosphodiesterase

Artichoke, similar to kanna and horny goat weed, contains a high content of luteolin, which is widely recognized as a non-selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE).⁶ PDEs are notorious for blocking important brain signaling molecules, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), from functioning. By inhibiting PDEs, especially PDE-4, artichoke may potentially increase the signaling activity of neurons, which is essential for memory formation and retention.

Further, inhibiting PDEs has also been shown to lead to neuroprotection and repair, which has demonstrated therapeutic effects.⁷

Artichoke Benefits & Uses for Brain Health

Despite limited clinical evidence, artichoke extract has been used, above all, to improve various functions linked to memory:

• Short-term. Artichoke is believed to enhance the ability to make associations between concepts, which includes performing calculations and logical reasoning.
• Comprehension. Artichoke may boost memory retention and thus bolster the mental ability to comprehend challenging subjects.

Research

Animal Research

Research indicates that artichoke may promote brain health by:

• Reducing oxidative stress in rat cells^{8 9}

Luteolin, the main bioactive compound in artichoke, has also demonstrated a number of nootropic effects in animal research, including:

• Improving cognitive function in rats¹⁰
• Combating cognitive aging and neurodegeneration in mice¹¹
• Ameliorating memory impairment in mice¹²
• Reducing Alzheimer’s features in mice¹³
• Enhancing spatial memory in rats¹⁴
• Attenuating neuronal cell death in rats¹⁵

Human Research

Clinical studies targeting the effect of artichoke extracts on the brain are currently limited.

Artichoke extract (1200 mg) may increase antioxidant activity

In this randomized, double-blind investigation, 22 Polish rowers were given either a placebo or a gelatin capsule containing 400 mg of artichoke extract 3 times a day for 5 weeks while on a consistent rowing regimen. The results showed that total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly higher in the artichoke extract group compared to the placebo.

• The researchers concluded that “consuming artichoke-leaf extract, a natural vegetable preparation of high antioxidant potential, resulted in higher plasma TAC than placebo.”¹⁶

Artichoke extract (1.92 g) might not improve mood or cognitive performance during alcohol-induced hangovers

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation, 15 adults were given either a placebo or 3 artichoke extract capsules at 320 mg each before and after heavy alcohol consumption. No significant differences were noted between the artichoke extract and placebo groups in terms of mood or performance on cognitive tests.

• The researchers concluded that “artichoke extract is not effective in preventing the signs and symptoms of alcohol-induced hangover.”¹⁷

Nootropic Dosage

• Clinical research studies have used from 1.2 – 1.92 g of artichoke extract per day.
• Typical artichoke supplements provide from 320 – 1800 mg per daily serving.

Available Forms

• Leaf extract in the form of capsules or tablets
• Powder
• Drops
• Tea