May Help Regulate Blood Pressure

People with high blood pressure may benefit from artichoke extract. One study indicated that taking artichoke extract daily for 12 weeks lowered diastolic and systolic blood pressure by an average of 2.76 and 2.85 mmHg, respectively, in 98 men with high blood pressure. It is unclear how artichoke extract lowers blood pressure.

However, in vitro and animal studies show that artichoke extract stimulates the enzyme eNOS, which aids in blood vessel dilation. Furthermore, artichokes are high in potassium, which aids with blood pressure regulation. However, because the artichoke extract utilized in this research is highly concentrated, it is uncertain whether eating whole artichokes provides the same benefits.