Bergamot
Citrus Bergamot Extract
Citrus extract with compelling evidence for cholesterol management, particularly LDL reduction and improved lipid ratios.
Bergamot is a citrus fruit from southern Italy whose polyphenolic fraction (BPF) has shown remarkable effects on cholesterol metabolism. Studies show it can reduce LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar while raising HDL. Works through similar pathways to statins but without the muscle side effects. A promising natural option for cardiovascular health.
Mechanisms of Action
HMG-CoA Modulation
Naturally influences cholesterol synthesis
AMPK Activation
Improves metabolic function
Recommended Dose
500-1000mg bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF)
Optimal Timing
- With meals
- Once or twice daily
Take with food
Best Form
Bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) — Bergamonte is well-studied
Alternatives: Citrus bergamot extract
Look for standardized BPF content. Bergamonte is a patented, clinically studied extract.
Duration
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 16 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Can be taken with any meal. Often dosed 500mg twice daily or 1000mg once daily.
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LDL Reduction
Significant decrease in LDL cholesterol
Triglyceride Reduction
Lower triglycerides
HDL Increase
Modest increase in good cholesterol
Insufficient data; consult doctor
Who Should NOT Take This
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Bergamot or related compounds
Drug Interactions
May have additive effects — could allow lower statin doses
Like grapefruit, may affect some drug metabolism
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Take with food
Warnings
- Not a replacement for statins if medically necessary
- Monitor lipid panel to assess effectiveness
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
Sandborn WJ et al. • The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology (2023)
“A significantly higher proportion of patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease achieved clinical remission and endoscopic improvement with etrolizumab than placebo during maintenance, but not during induction.”
Key Findings:
- A significantly higher proportion of patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease achieved clinical remission and endoscopic improvement with etrolizumab than placebo during maintenance, but not during induction.
- Published in The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology (2023)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Osadnik T et al. • Pharmacological research (2022)
“All rights reserved.”
Key Findings:
- Evidence for bergamot effect was based on relatively small study group and may require further investigations.
- Policosanols have no effect on the lipid profile.Copyright © 2022 The Authors.
- Published by Elsevier Ltd..
- All rights reserved.
Protic O et al. • Nutrients (2022)
“The evaluated nutraceutical combination did not change serum lipid profile and inflammatory parameters, at least not with the daily dose applied in the present study.”
Key Findings:
- Compared to the placebo, at 6 and 12 weeks, NC did not significantly reduce total cholesterol (p = 0.083), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.150), and triglycerides (p = 0.822).
- No changes were found in hs-CRP (p = 0.179), interleukin-32 (p = 0.587), interleukin-38 (p = 0.930), miR-21 (p = 0.275), miR-126 (p = 0.718), miR-146a (p = 0.206), myoglobin (p = 0.164), and creatine kinase (p = 0.376).
- The evaluated nutraceutical combination did not change serum lipid profile and inflammatory parameters, at least not with the daily dose applied in the present study.
Lamiquiz-Moneo I et al. • Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2020)
“Promising findings reveal an alternative therapeutic option in dyslipidemia management with bergamot supplementation, especially in subjects with statins intolerance.”
Key Findings:
- Although statins can reduce LDLc by 50-60%, less than 20% of patients with high risk of CVD achieve LDL targets.
- Based on data, 75% of studies showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDLc.
- The decrease in total cholesterol varied from 12.3% to 31.3%, from 7.6% to 40.8% in LDLc and from 11.5% to 39.5% in triglycerides.
Mannucci C et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2017)
“Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
Key Findings:
- Supplementation with polyphenols from bergamot juice reduces plasma lipids and improves lipoprotein profile in moderate hyperlipidemia.
- Effectiveness and safety of C. bergamia cannot be definitively drawn because of publication bias and low quality level of the majority of studies.
- Further large-scale trials with rigorous design are required to define the role of C. bergamia in clinical practice.
- Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.