| 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. |