The present invention relates to the preparation of Cynara scolymus leaf extracts, which are useful for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidaemia, in particular to increase HDL cholesterol in patients at cardiovascular risk. Said extracts are useful to normalize the lipid and carbohydrate balances and significantly increase the value of HDL cholesterol by favorably changing the LDL/HDL ratio, especially in post-infarction patients with drug-induced dyslipidaemia.