Artichoke Extract Directly Suppresses Inflammation and Apoptosis in Hepatocytes

The study investigated the protective effects of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) on liver health in both animal and cellular models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD was induced in mice through a high-fat, high-fructose diet and in human liver cells (HepG2) through oxidative stress exposure. Researchers found that ALE supplementation significantly reduced diet-related elevations in blood lipids, bilirubin, and key liver enzymes associated with liver damage, including AST, ALT, and gamma-glutamyl transferase.

Additionally, ALE helped counteract oxidative stress by moderating antioxidant enzyme activity and lowering the expression of inflammatory cytokines at the genetic level. The extract also inhibited apoptosis-related signaling pathways that were otherwise activated during disease progression. In liver cell experiments, ALE directly reduced inflammation and cell death caused by oxidative damage.

Overall, the findings indicate that artichoke leaf extract plays a direct role in protecting liver cells by suppressing inflammation and preventing programmed cell death during the development of fatty liver disease. These results suggest that ALE may be a beneficial nutritional intervention for slowing or preventing the progression of liver conditions such as hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).