EFLA 945 (Cynara scolymus extract)

EFLA 945 is a standardized Cynara scolymus (artichoke) leaf extract whose bioactive compounds — primarily cynarin, chlorogenic acid, and luteolin — inhibit the AIM2 inflammasome by blocking cytosolic DNA sensing in macrophages. This suppression reduces downstream caspase-1 activation and subsequent secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18.

Origin & History

EFLA 945 is a branded water-soluble extract derived from red grapevine leaves (Vitis vinifera or Vitis amurensis), produced through extraction methods yielding a safe over-the-counter product used in Europe and Japan. It belongs to the chemical class of polyphenolic plant extracts rich in flavonoids and stilbenes.

Historical & Cultural Context

EFLA 945 originates from red grapevine leaf extracts used in traditional Japanese medicine for anti-inflammatory properties and circulatory benefits. It has been incorporated into over-the-counter drugs in Europe and Japan, though specific historical duration is not detailed.

Health Benefits

• Inhibits AIM2 inflammasome activation by blocking DNA entry into immune cells (preclinical evidence only)
• Reduces inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 secretion in macrophage studies (in vitro evidence)
• Attenuates psoriasis-like symptoms in mouse models through caspase-1 inhibition (animal study evidence)
• Decreases IL-17 production associated with inflammatory skin conditions (preclinical mouse model)
• Traditional use for anti-inflammatory properties and circulatory benefits (historical evidence from Japanese medicine)

How It Works

EFLA 945 blocks the AIM2 (Absent In Melanoma 2) inflammasome by interfering with cytosolic dsDNA entry into immune cells, preventing the oligomerization of the ASC adaptor protein and subsequent recruitment and autocleavage of pro-caspase-1 into active caspase-1. Active caspase-1 is thereby prevented from cleaving pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into their mature secreted forms. The polyphenolic constituents cynarin and luteolin are believed to contribute to membrane-stabilizing and NF-κB-modulating effects that further attenuate the upstream inflammatory cascade.

Scientific Research

Current evidence for EFLA 945 is limited to preclinical studies with no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses identified. The primary research by Chung et al. (2020, PMID: 31837587) demonstrated inflammasome inhibition in THP-1 macrophages and topical efficacy in imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse models.

Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence supporting EFLA 945 comes from in vitro macrophage studies and murine animal models rather than human clinical trials, which is an important limitation. In preclinical mouse models of psoriasis-like skin inflammation, EFLA 945 administration attenuated lesion severity measurably through caspase-1 inhibition, though exact dosing and effect sizes vary by study design. Broader artichoke leaf extract research in humans has demonstrated modest benefits for dyspepsia and lipid metabolism in small randomized controlled trials (n=50–200 range), but these studies do not use the EFLA 945 standardization specifically. Overall, the evidence base for EFLA 945's inflammasome-specific effects remains preclinical, and human trials directly testing this extract at defined doses are needed before firm efficacy claims can be made.

Nutritional Profile

EFLA 945 is a standardized hydroethanolic extract derived from Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke) leaves, not a whole food, so its profile centers on bioactive compounds rather than macronutrients. Key bioactive constituents include: • Caffeoylquinic acids — primarily chlorogenic acid (~15–30 mg/g extract) and 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid (cynarin, ~5–15 mg/g extract), which are the principal phenolic acids responsible for antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity. • Flavonoids — notably luteolin-7-O-glucoside (cynaroside, ~5–15 mg/g extract) and luteolin (aglycone present in smaller amounts, ~1–5 mg/g), contributing to anti-inflammatory and AIM2 inflammasome-inhibiting effects. • Sesquiterpene lactones — including cynaropicrin (~2–8 mg/g extract), a bitter compound with demonstrated NF-κB inhibitory and anti-inflammatory properties. • Total polyphenol content is typically standardized to approximately 3–5% (w/w) expressed as chlorogenic acid equivalents in the commercial extract. • Minimal macronutrient content (negligible protein, fat, and carbohydrate) as it is a concentrated phytochemical extract. • Trace minerals from plant matrix may be present (potassium, magnesium, calcium) but at sub-nutritional levels. • Contains small amounts of inulin-type fructans carried over from the leaf material, though substantially less than whole artichoke (~<1% of extract weight). • Fiber content is negligible in the extracted form compared to whole artichoke. • Bioavailability notes: Chlorogenic acid is hydrolyzed by gut esterases and colonic microbiota to caffeic acid and quinic acid, with plasma Tmax ~1–2 hours; luteolin glycosides undergo deglycosylation in the intestine with moderate oral bioavailability (~5–10% as intact flavonoid); cynarin has relatively low oral bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism but may exert local gastrointestinal effects; the hydroethanolic extraction method (ethanol-water solvent system) used for EFLA 945 is designed to optimize polyphenol and flavonoid yield compared to aqueous-only extracts. The extract is typically administered in studies at doses of 300–600 mg per administration unit.

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosage ranges for EFLA 945 in humans are available as all studies are preclinical. Current use involves topical application in mouse models without specified extract concentrations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Resveratrol, Quercetin, Curcumin, Boswellia, Green Tea Extract

Safety & Interactions

Artichoke leaf extracts including EFLA 945 are generally well tolerated at typical doses (300–640 mg standardized extract per day), with the most commonly reported adverse effects being mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, or loose stools, particularly in individuals with pre-existing bile duct obstruction or gallstones, for whom it is contraindicated due to choleretic activity. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (e.g., ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds) should avoid this extract due to potential cross-reactivity. EFLA 945 may potentiate the effects of cholesterol-lowering medications and theoretically interact with anticoagulants like warfarin through its vitamin K-related plant constituents, warranting caution. Safety data in pregnant and breastfeeding women is insufficient, and use during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended without physician guidance.