Chemicals Compositions, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cynara scolymus Leaves Extracts, and Analysis of Major Bioactive Polyphenols by HPLC

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) water extract alleviates palmitate-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 hepatocytes via the activation of IRS1/PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 and GSK-3β signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a typical element of a traditional Mediterranean diet and has potential health advantages for insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aims to evaluate the effect and underlying mechanism of artichoke water extract (AWE) on palmitate (PA)-induced IR in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells.

METHODS

The effect of AWE on cell viability was determined using CCK8 assay. Cellular glucose uptake, glucose consumption, glucose production, and glycogen content were assessed after AWE treatment. The gene expression and protein levels were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting.

RESULTS

The results showed that AWE dose-dependently increased cell viability in IR HepG2 cells (P < 0.01). AWE treatment significantly promoted glucose uptake and consumption, decreased glucose production, and increased the cellular glycogen content in IR HepG2 cells (P < 0.01). Mechanistically, AWE elevated the phosphorylation and total protein levels of major insulin signaling molecules in IR HepG2 cells, which resulted in a decrease in the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and the inhibition of glycogen synthase (GS) phosphorylation in IR HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the protective effect of AWE on IR HepG2 cells might be ascribed to the inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that AWE may improve glucose metabolism by regulating IRS1/PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 and GSK-3β signaling associated with the inhibition of ER stress in IR HepG2 cells induced by PA.

Evaluation of acute, subacute, and subchronic toxicity of a hepatoprotective herbal formulation

Background

The possible toxicity of natural products must be tested before being used in the market. The present work aimed to evaluate acute, subacute, and subchronic toxicity of an herbal formulation containing Anethum graveolens, Cynara scolymus, Citrus aurantium, Portulaca oleracea, and Silybum marianum.

Material and methods

Acute toxicity (2000 mg/kg, single dose) and sub-acute toxicity (600 and 1200 mg/kg/day, 4 weeks) tests were performed on female and male rats according to OECD 423 and OECD 407 guidelines, respectively. In the subchronic study (12 weeks), the animals were divided into three groups (6 females and 6 males per group): control, low-dose group (food supplemented with 300 mg/kg of the herbal product), and high-dose group (600 mg/kg).

Results

The herbal product at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg did not induce mortality for 14 days. In the sub-acute study, administration of the product for 28 days at 1200 mg/kg/day had no effect on survival, appetite (water and food consumption), body weight, serum biochemical parameters (BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin), histology of vital organs (liver, kidney, heart, brain), and hematological markers related to erythrocyte, platelet, and leukocyte. Similarly, in the subchronic study, the product did not induce mortality, change in histology of the vital organs, or alteration in hematological or biochemical parameters (except for an increase in ALP in female rats received 600 mg/kg).

Conclusion

The formulated product shows no signs of toxicity in rats up to 2000 mg/kg, 1200 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg in acute, subacute, and subchronic phases, respectively. It is suggested to monitor ALP levels in females in case of long-term use of the product.

Hepatoprotective effects of a chemically-characterized extract from artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) against AFB1-induced toxicity in rats

This study was conducted to investigate the protective potential of a pharmaceutically formulated capsule of artichoke leaf powder (ArLP) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. In the 42-day experiment, rats were divided into five equal groups: (i) control, treated with sterile water, (ii) treated with 4% DMSO as AFB1 vehicle, (iii) ArLP of 100 mg kg-1 bw, (iv) AFB1 of 72 µg kg-1 bw, and (v) AFB1 plus ArLP. Exposure of rats to AFB1 resulted in hepatotoxicity as manifested by the intensification of oxidative stress, production of free radicals and significant increase in the activity levels of liver function enzymes relative to the control. Significant reductions in both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant markers as well as histopathological abnormalities in liver tissues were also observed. Notably, the combined administration of ArLP with AFB1 clearly reduced AFB1-mediated adverse effects leading to the normalization of most of these parameters back to control levels. These findings clearly highlight the potential benefits of artichoke dietary supplements as a safe and natural solution in counteracting the adverse hepatotoxic effects conferred by AFB1 exposure. Further research is warranted to fully dissect the biochemical and molecular mechanism of action of the observed artichoke-mediated hepatoprotection.

Bioactive Compounds from Artichoke and Application Potential

Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus, known as the artichoke, originated in the Mediterranean region and is now cultivated in several countries. The artichoke has leaves, a stem, and a head, also called a floral capitulum, covered with green and pointed bracts. It is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, inulin, coumarins, terpenes, dietary fibre, enzymes, polysaccharides, minerals and vitamins, and therefore has a wide range of uses, including in the food industry, medicine and biofuels. Several studies have shown that artichokes have properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, hypocholesterolaemic, anti-HIV, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects. The aim of this study is to provide a literature review on the phytochemical composition, bioactivity and applications, focusing on the methods of extraction, purification and concentration of enzymes present in artichoke.

Identification of nutritional components in unripe and ripe Docynia delavayi (Franch.) Schneid fruit by widely targeted metabolomics

Docynia delavayi (Franch.) Schneid is an evergreen tree with multiple benefits and high development and utilization value. The fruit is consumed as fresh and dry fruit, juices, and other products. However, it is unknown the chemical changes that occur upon fruit maturation. The metabolite content of unripe and ripe fruit was examined using UPLC-MS/MS technology based on a broadly targeted metabolome. We identified 477 metabolites, of which 130 differed between ripe and unripe fruit. These compounds are primarily involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, such as pantothenic acid, flavonoids, and amino acids. Moreover, in ripe fruit, there are 94 metabolites that are upregulated, particularly flavonoids and terpenoids. In comparison, compounds associated with sour flavors (amino acids, phenolic acids, organic acids) are down-regulated. Remarkably, these metabolites have a strong relationship with the medicinal properties of D. delavayi. This study provides a global perspective of the D. delavayi fruit metabolome and a comprehensive analysis of metabolomic variations during fruit development, thereby increasing the knowledge of the metabolic basis of important fruit quality traits in D. delavayi fruit.

Preventive effect of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) in kidney dysfunction against high fat-diet induced obesity in rats

A high-fat diet (HFD) promotes oxidative stress, which contributes to the development of kidney dysfunction. We examined the protective effects of an ethanol extract of artichoke leaves (EEA) compared to Atorvastatin (ATOR) in the kidney of Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet. The experimental animals were divided into five groups: control (Cont), HFD, HFD treated with EEA (200 mg/kg), HFD treated with EEA (400 mg/kg), and HFD treated with ATOR. Organ weights, lipid profile, renal markers, and antioxidants enzymes were measured. Oral administration of EEA (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 60 days showed a significant decrease in organ weights and kidney markers levels accompanied by decreasing in oxidative stress biomarkers as compared to HFD groups. The histological findings showed a renoprotective effect of artichoke extract. These findings suggest that EEA exerts anti-oxidant kidney effects in HFD- induced obese rats.

Effect of Artichoke (cynara scolymus) on cardiac markers, lipid profile and antioxidants levels in tissue of HFD-induced obesity

Obesity plays a pivotal role in the insulin resistance disease, which is related to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the present study was done to evaluate the effect of artichoke leaves extract (ALE) in the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced cellular obesity and cardiac damage in Wistar rats. Body and organ weights, serum lipid profile, cardiac markers, and antioxidants enzymes were measured. Oral administration of ALE at two doses 200 and 400 mg/kg for a period of 60 days showed a significant decrease in body and organ weights, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDH, ALT accompanied by decreasing in oxidative stress biomarker (MDA, and AOPP) and increasing antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) levels as compared to HFD groups. The histological findings showed a cardioprotective effect of ALE. These findings suggest that ALE exert anti-oxidant cardiac effects in HFD- induced obese rats.

Evaluation of the anti-atherogenic potential of Egyptian artichoke leaf extract in hypercholesterolemic rats

OBJECTIVES

The current research seeks to assess the anti-atherogenic activity of Egyptian artichoke leaf extract in hypercholesterolemic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male albino rats were categorized into five groups; control group, high cholesterol diet treated group (HCD), HCD + low dose of artichoke, HCD + high dose of artichoke and HCD + Atorvastatin.

RESULTS

Both doses of artichoke extract significantly decreased the concentration of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C in HCD rats as compared to that of their matching controls, p < .05. The treatment with artichoke led to the inhibition of the liver hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase. Besides, the extract was proven to be cardioprotective effective by increasing antioxidant activity. The effect of the highest dose of artichoke was more apparent than the effect of the lowest one. The biochemical data was reinforced by the histopathological studies.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Artichoke may act as a natural source for the elimination of cardiovascular ailments.

(-)-α-Bisabolol Production in Engineered Escherichia coli Expressing a Novel (-)-α-Bisabolol Synthase from the Globe Artichoke Cynara cardunculus var. Scolymus

(-)-α-Bisabolol is a functional ingredient in various health and cosmetic products and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. (-)-α-Bisabolol is chemically synthesized and produced by steam distillation of essential oils extracted from Brazilian Candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus). To sustainably produce pure (-)-α-bisabolol, we previously engineered Escherichia coli to produce 9.1 g/L (-)-α-bisabolol via heterologous mevalonate pathways and (-)-α-bisabolol synthase (BOS) from German chamomile, Matricaria recutita (MrBOS). BOS has only been reported in MrBOS and Brazilian Candeia (EeBOS). The limited availability of BOS has made it difficult to achieve high titer and yield and large-scale (-)-α-bisabolol production. We identified a novel BOS in globe artichoke (CcBOS) and examined its functionality in vitro and in vivo. CcBOS showed higher catalytic efficiency and (-)-α-bisabolol production rates than those from MrBOS or EeBOS. In fed-batch fermentation, CcBOS generated the highest reported (-)-α-bisabolol titer to date (23.4 g/L). These results may facilitate economically viable industrial (-)-α-bisabolol production.

ESI-MS/MS Analysis of Phenolic Compounds from Aeonium arboreum Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

Aeonium is a genus of succulents belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Their importance in traditional medicine has stimulated both pharmacological and chemical research. In this study, we optimized extraction, separation, and analytical conditions using a high performance liquid chromatographic method coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry by the negative mode (HPLC-ESI-MS) in order to, for the first time, determine thirty-four compounds from Aeonium arboreum leaves. Twenty-one of them are assigned among which are sixteen flavonoids and five phenolic acids. FRAP, TAC, DPPH, and ABTS^•+ radical scavenging were used to evaluate antioxidant activity. The obtained IC₅₀ values ranged from 0.031 to 0.043 mg.mL⁻¹ for DPPH and between 0.048 and 0.09 mg·mL⁻¹ for ABTS^•+. Antimicrobial activity was also assessed. The obtained minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of these extracts ranged from 12.5 to 50 µg·mL⁻¹ against Micrococcus luteus, Listeria ivanovii, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum, and from 25 to 50 µg·mL⁻¹ against Candida albicans. Therefore, these extracts can be considered as a potential source of biological active compounds.

Therapeutic opportunities of edible antiviral plants for COVID-19

The pandemic of Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that produces corona virus disease (COVID-19) has challenged the entire mankind by rapidly spreading globally in 210 countries affecting over 25 million people and about 1 million deaths worldwide. It continues to spread, afflicting the health system globally. So far there is no remedy for the ailment and the available antiviral regimens have been unsatisfactory for the clinical outcomes and the mode of treatment has been mainly supportive for the prevention of COVID-19-induced morbidity and mortality. From the time immortal the traditional plant-based ethno-medicines have provided the leads for the treatment of infectious diseases. Phytopharmaceuticals have provided potential and less toxic antiviral drugs as compared to conventional modern therapeutics which are associated with severe toxicities. The ethnopharmacological knowledge about plants has provided food supplements and nutraceuticals as a promise for prevention and treatment of the current pandemic. In this review article, we have attempted to comprehend the information about the edible medicinal plant materials with potential antiviral activity specifically against RNA virus which additionally possess property to improve immunity along with external and internal respiration and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties for the prevention and treatment of the disease. This will open an arena for the development of novel nutraceutical herbal formulations as an alternative therapy that can be used for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Bioactive (Poly)phenols, Volatile Compounds from Vegetables, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Polyphenols, as well as volatile compounds responsible for aromatic features, play a critical role in the quality of vegetables and medicinal, and aromatic plants (MAPs). The research conducted in recent years has shown that these plants contain biologically active compounds, mainly polyphenols, that relate to the prevention of inflammatory processes, neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disorders as well as to antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiparasitic properties. Throughout the years, many researchers have deeply studied polyphenols and volatile compounds in medicinal and aromatic plants, particularly those associated with consumer's choices or with their beneficial properties. In this context, the purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the presence of volatile and nonvolatile compounds in some of the most economically relevant and consumed vegetables and medicinal and aromatic plants, with an emphasis on bioactive polyphenols, polyphenols as prebiotics, and, also, the most important factors that affect the contents and profiles of the volatile and nonvolatile compounds responsible for the aromatic features of vegetables and MAPs. Additionally, the new challenges for science in terms of improving polyphenol composition and intensifying volatile compounds responsible for the positive characteristics of vegetables and medicinal and aromatic plants are reported.

Bioactive Compounds from Leaves and Twigs of Guayule Grown in a Mediterranean Environment

Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) is one of the most promising alternatives to produce natural rubber. As the guayule leaves represent a waste byproduct in the rubber extraction process, their exploitation might contribute to the valorization of the whole plant biomass. The specific aim of our study was to determine the antioxidant capacity and the content of phenolic compounds in leaves and twigs of different guayule lines cultivated in a Mediterranean environment. The antioxidant capacity and the contents of phenolic were affected significantly by guayule accession and harvest time. Overall means in twigs represented about 60% of the corresponding leaf values for antioxidant capacity as DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and not tannic phenolic and about 55% as ABTS (2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt), total phenolic, tannic phenolic and total flavonoid contents. Five individual phenolic compounds were identified in methanolic extracts of leaves. Neochlorogenic acid (62.5–174.8 mg g⁻¹ DW) and chlorogenic acid (28.6–41.1 mg g⁻¹ DW) were the most abundant phenolic acids. In addition to the compounds quantified in leaves, cynarin was identified only in twigs and for the first time in guayule biomass. Our results indicate that guayule leaves and twigs represent a rich source of antioxidants for potential applications in fodder, nutraceutical and pharmacological sectors.

A comparison of organically and conventionally grown artichokes: phenolic constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a perennial plant belonging to Asteraceae family. It is one of the most suitable plants for growing organically. Artichoke has been used as choleretic, hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, cholesterol-reducing, and diuretic in traditional medicine. Artichoke has been cultivated worldwide because of its nutritional value and medicinal properties. In this study organically and conventionally grown artichokes were compared in terms of phenolic constituents, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Artichoke leaves, bracts, and floral receptacles obtained from 2 different sources (organic and conventional) were freeze-dried, powdered, and extracts were prepared with methanol. Phenolic constituents (chlorogenic acid, cynarin, luteolin, and apigenin) were analysed by HPLC-DAD system. It was found that organic farming enhanced cynarin, chlorogenic acid, and luteolin amounts in receptacle (edible part). Organically grown leaves had also higher amounts of cynarin and chlorogenic acid than conventional ones. Cynarin amount was higher by 35% in organic receptacle and 20% in organic leaves. Organic farming also augmented the antioxidant property and flavonoid content of edible parts of the artichoke. Additionally, organically grown leaves had the highest antioxidant activity, total phenol and flavonoid contents. Antibacterial activity was observed with both organic and conventional leaves only against Staphylococcus epidermidis. This comparative study revealed that organic farming enhanced the health-beneficial medicinal values of artichoke's heart and leaves.

Herbal syrup from chicory and artichoke leaves ameliorate liver damage induced by deltamethrin in weanling male rats

Pyrethroid insecticides are extensively used for control insects in both public health and agriculture sectors. Despite the important role of these insecticides, it caused adverse toxic effects on human, especially at the weanling stage. In this work, the antioxidant activity of chicory and artichoke leaves extracts, and phenolic flavonoid contents were studied. In addition, herbal syrup formulation and hepatoprotective effect against oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and liver damage induced by deltamethrin in weanling male rats were investigated. Both extracts have high phenolic, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity. Deltamethrin reduced body and liver weights of weanling rats. It induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and altered liver function enzymes. It caused a histopathological alteration in liver tissue. Supplementation of herbal syrup improved the above changes via increase body weights, antioxidant enzymes, and decrease lipid peroxidation, and enhanced histopathological profile. It can be concluded that herbal syrup of chicory and artichoke leaves extracts can ameliorate liver damage induced by deltamethrin. Herbal syrup from agriculture wastes of chicory and artichoke leaves is considered an easy, economical, and useful formulation for protecting agriculture workers against the adverse effects induced by pyrethroid insecticides especially in poor rural in developing countries where pyrethroid insecticides are applied for control vector-borne diseases and insects in agriculture.

Cynara scolymus leaves extract alleviates nandrolone decanoate-induced alterations in testicular function and sperm quality in albino rats

Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a commonly used anabolic-androgenic steroid. These drugs are illegally self-administered by athletes to enhance their sports performance. However, their abuse could influence the testicular function and fertility. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of Cynara scolymus leaf extract (CLE) on ND-induced testicular dysfunction in rats. Five groups of adult male rats (10 rats each) were used. Group I rats received only saline and served as controls. Group II rats were injected with a vehicle once weekly, while group III rats received intramuscular injections of ND (20 mg/kg/week for 60 days). Group IV rats orally received 1 g/kg/day of CLE and group V rats received ND and CLE at the aforementioned doses. The results revealed that ND has a negative impact on the testicular function as evidenced by the significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) in testicular malondialdehyde concentration and serum non-prostatic acid phosphatase activity, as well as the significant decreases in serum testosterone levels, testicular weight, glutathione concentration, catalase enzyme activity, and total antioxidant capacity. These results were accompanied by considerable alterations of sperm characters and histopathological studies of the testicular tissue. However, co-treatment with CLE extract significantly alleviated (p ≤ 0.05) almost all ND-induced pathological alterations. In conclusion, co-treatment of ND-intoxicated rats with CLE ameliorated the toxic effects of ND on the testicular structure and function, probably due to its antioxidant activity.

Characterization Of Secondary Metabolites From The Rhizome Of Cynara Scolymus And Their Antioxidant Properties

The aerial portions of Cynara scolymus commonly have been eaten as vegetables or functional foods by the people lived in Mediterranean region. In preliminary antioxidant screening, the rhizome portions (CSR) of this species showed better potential than leaves ones. However, neither phytochemical nor pharmacology studies of CSR have been reported to date. The purpose of this research was to identify the active components from CSR through bioassay-guided fractionation. The antioxidant properties of secondary metabolites 1-9 were evaluated in this investigation. Compounds 4-6, 8, and 9 showed antioxidant activities based on DPPH free radical scavenging activity with IC₅₀ values of 22.91-147.21 μM. Besides, compound 8 significantly and dose-dependently reduced H₂O₂-induced ROS levels in keratinocyte HaCaT cells without cytotoxicity toward HaCaT. Overall, our studies demonstrated the rhizome of C. scolymus could be used as a new natural antioxidant like the edible aerial portions and phenolic compounds are the active components.

Natural Killer Response and Lipo-Metabolic Profile in Adults with Low HDL-Cholesterol and Mild Hypercholesterolemia: Beneficial Effects of Artichoke Leaf Extract Supplementation

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of 60-day artichoke leaf extract (ALE) supplementation (250mg, twice daily) on cytokines levels, natural killer cell (NK) response, and lipo-metabolic profile (HDL, LDL, and total-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), ApoB, ApoA, lipid accumulation product (LAP), glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)) in twenty adults (9/11 males/females, age=49.10 ± 13.74 years, and BMI=33.12 ± 5.14 kg/m²) with low HDL-C and mild hypercholesterolemia. Hierarchical generalized linear model, adjusted for sex, BMI, and age, has been used to evaluate pre-post treatment changes. A significant increase for HDL-C (β=0.14, p=0.0008) and MCP-1 (β=144.77, p=0.004) and a significant decrease for ApoB/ApoA (β=-0.07, p=0.03), total-C/HDL-C ratio (β=-0.58, p<0.001), and NK response at stimulus low (β=0.43, p=0.04), medium (β=0.40, p<0.001), and high (β=0.42, p=0.001) have been found. These results support the benefits of ALE supplementation on metabolic profile.

Shepherd's Purse Polyphenols Exert Its Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effects Associated with Suppressing MAPK and NF-κB Pathways and Heme Oxygenase-1 Activation

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.), a wild herb as a traditional herbal medicine, has been proved with multiple healthy benefits. In this study, the chemical constituents of shepherd's purse were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential of shepherd's purse extract (SPE) were also investigated applying lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and a carrageenan-induced mice paw edema model. Twenty-four chemical compounds were identified mainly including phenolic acids and flavonoids. The data also indicated SPE inhibited the productions of NO, PGE₂, TNF-α, and IL-6 stimulated with LPS. In addition, SPE inhibited the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). We further found that SPE inhibited the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK and activation of NF-κB. In vivo mice model also indicated that SPE showed strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity.

The antioxidant activity of artichoke (Cynara scolymus): A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies

Current evidence has shown antioxidant activity of artichoke as a potent source of antioxidant compounds. However, it seems that the antioxidant activity of artichoke has not yet been reviewed. Therefore, the present study was designed to perform a systematic review of human studies, animal models, and in vitro systems and to conduct a meta-analysis of animal studies on the antioxidant effects of artichoke. We searched four electronic databases till April 2018 using relevant keywords. All English language articles were assessed. For animal studies, standardized mean difference was pooled using a random effects model. The included studies were evaluated for eligibility and risk of bias. Thirty-nine articles (two human, 23 animal, and 14 in vitro studies) were reviewed. The results of in vitro systems supported the antioxidant effect of artichoke, whereas limited clinical trials indicated no change or a slight improvement of antioxidant status. Finding of animal studies indicated that artichoke extract supplementation increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase level in liver, as well as, decreased malondialdehyde level in liver and plasma of animals with induced disease significantly compared with comparison group. This meta-analysis provided convincing evidence for antioxidant activity of artichoke in animals.