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Altilix®

Cynara cardunculus
Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Altilix® is a Bionap-branded standardized extract of Cynara cardunculus — the wild cardoon, a Mediterranean Asteraceae species distinct from the closely related Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke). The extract is rich in polyphenols including chlorogenic acid and the flavone luteolin, and has been clinically evaluated for cardiometabolic endpoints in metabolic syndrome and pre-obesity. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials of Altilix® at 150 mg/day for 6 months have shown improvements in body weight, glycemic markers, lipid profile, liver function markers, carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation in metabolic syndrome and pre-obese adults.

Studied Dose 150 mg/day of Altilix® standardized extract for 6 months in metabolic syndrome and pre-obesity RCTs.
Active Compound Cynara cardunculus extract — chlorogenic acid and luteolin as the principal markers (Altilix® by Bionap)

Benefits

Cardiometabolic parameter support

Altilix® at 150 mg/day for 6 months has been shown to support improvements in body weight, waist circumference, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver function markers, carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation in adults with metabolic syndrome.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Hepatic function support

Cynara cardunculus extract supports improvements in hepatic markers — including AST, ALT, GGT, and fatty-liver indices — in metabolic syndrome adults over 6 months of daily use, helping support healthy liver function alongside diet and lifestyle measures.

Supported by Trial 1

Lipid profile support

Altilix® supplementation supports reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol in pre-obese and metabolic-syndrome adults, helping maintain a cardiovascular-friendly lipid profile.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Endothelial function support

Long-term Altilix® supplementation has been shown to improve flow-mediated dilation, a brachial-artery measure of endothelial function — consistent with support for healthy vascular reactivity.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Chlorogenic acid metabolic effects

Chlorogenic acid moderates intestinal glucose absorption, reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis, and exhibits AMPK-activating effects, contributing to the improvements in glycemic and lipid markers observed in the Altilix® clinical trials.

2

Luteolin anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity

The flavone luteolin scavenges reactive oxygen species, inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and supports Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defenses — mechanisms relevant to the vascular and hepatic endpoints seen with Altilix®.

3

Endothelial NO support

The polyphenol mix in Cynara cardunculus extract reduces local oxidative stress in vascular tissue and helps preserve nitric oxide bioavailability, consistent with the improvements in flow-mediated dilation observed clinically.

Clinical trials

1
Altilix® in Metabolic Syndrome — 6-Month RCT

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Altilix® standardized extract (150 mg/day) for 6 months in 100 adults with metabolic syndrome. Endpoints: body weight, waist circumference, HbA1c, lipid profile, hepatic function markers, carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation.

100 adults with metabolic syndrome. 6 months.

Altilix® supplementation significantly improved body weight, waist circumference, HbA1c, lipid profile, hepatic function (AST, ALT, GGT, fatty-liver index), carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation versus placebo. Supports the cardiometabolic, hepatic, and vascular claims of the Altilix® program.

2
Altilix® in Pre-Obese Adults — 6-Month RCT

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Altilix® standardized extract (150 mg/day) for 6 months in 50 pre-obese adults (BMI ≥25 and <30). Endpoints: body weight, glycemic markers, lipid profile, hepatic function, carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation.

50 pre-obese adults. 6 months.

Altilix® significantly reduced body weight and improved glycemic and lipid parameters, hepatic functionality, carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation versus placebo. Extends the cardiometabolic findings from the metabolic-syndrome trial to a pre-obese population.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including loose stools or mild abdominal cramping.
Rare allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae plants.
Possible additive blood-glucose-lowering effects in people with diabetes.
Possible additive blood-pressure-lowering effects with antihypertensives.
Avoid in active gallbladder disease, as cardoon may stimulate bile flow.

Important Drug interactions

Antidiabetic medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) — additive glucose-lowering possible; monitor.
Antihypertensive medications — possible additive blood-pressure reduction; monitor BP.
Statins and other lipid-lowering drugs — overlapping lipid effects; monitor lipids.
Bile acid sequestrants and cholestyramine — Cynara stimulates bile flow; potential interaction with bile-targeted therapies.

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Frequently asked questions about Altilix®

What is the recommended dosage of Altilix®?

The clinically studied dose for Altilix® is 150 mg/day of Altilix® standardized extract for 6 months in metabolic syndrome and pre-obesity RCTs.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Altilix® used for?

Altilix® is studied for cardiometabolic parameter support, hepatic function support, lipid profile support. Altilix® at 150 mg/day for 6 months has been shown to support improvements in body weight, waist circumference, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver function markers, carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation in adults with metabolic syndrome…

Are there side effects from taking Altilix®?

Reported potential side effects may include: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including loose stools or mild abdominal cramping. Rare allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae plants. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Does Altilix® interact with medications?

Known drug interactions may include: Antidiabetic medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) — additive glucose-lowering possible; monitor. Antihypertensive medications — possible additive blood-pressure reduction; monitor BP. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Is Altilix® good for metabolic health?

Yes, Altilix® is researched for Metabolic Health support. Altilix® at 150 mg/day for 6 months has been shown to support improvements in body weight, waist circumference, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver function markers, carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation in adults with metabolic syndrome.

References(2 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Castellino G, Nikolic D, Magán-Fernández A, Malfa GA, Chianetta R, Patti AM, Amato A, Montalto G, Toth PP, Banach M, Cicero AFG, Rizzo M. Altilix® Supplement Containing Chlorogenic Acid and Luteolin Improved Hepatic and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: A 6 Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2580. doi: 10.3390/nu11112580.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in adults with metabolic syndrome; 6 months of Altilix® 150 mg/day significantly improved body weight, waist circumference, HbA1c, lipid profile, hepatic function markers, carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation versus placebo. Foundational branded RCT for Altilix®.
  2. Terzo S, Amato A, Magán-Fernández A, et al. A Nutraceutical Containing Chlorogenic Acid and Luteolin Improves Cardiometabolic Parameters in Subjects with Pre-Obesity: A 6-Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2023;15(2):462. doi: 10.3390/nu15020462.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 50 pre-obese adults (BMI 25–30); 6 months of Altilix® 150 mg/day significantly reduced body weight and improved glycemic and lipid parameters, hepatic functionality, carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation versus placebo. Extends Altilix®'s evidence base from metabolic syndrome to pre-obesity.