Bergamot Research
39 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 8.5/10
A network meta-analysis on the comparative effect of nutraceuticals on lipid profile in adults
Osadnik T et al. • Pharmacological research (2022)
All rights reserved.
- 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..
Effect of bergamot on lipid profile in humans: A systematic review
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.
- 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.
Clinical Pharmacology of Citrus bergamia: A Systematic Review
Mannucci C et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2017)
Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- 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.
MediterrAsian Diet Products That Could Raise HDL-Cholesterol: A Systematic Review
Rondanelli M et al. • BioMed research international (2016)
Various MediterrAsian diet products or natural extracts may represent a potential intervention treatment to raise HDL-C in dyslipidemic subjects.
- The results of this systematic review indicate that the dietary supplementation with red yeast rice, bergamot, artichoke, and virgin olive oil has promising effects on the increase of HDL-C serum levels.
- Various MediterrAsian diet products or natural extracts may represent a potential intervention treatment to raise HDL-C in dyslipidemic subjects.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
A Systematic Review of the Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Essential Oils in Animal Models
de Sousa DP et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2015)
The anxiolytic activity of 25 compounds commonly found in essential oils is also discussed.
- The essential oil with the best profile is Lavendula angustifolia, which has already been tested in controlled clinical trials with positive results.
- Citrus aurantium using different routes of administration also showed significant effects in several animal models, and was corroborated by different research groups.
- The anxiolytic activity of 25 compounds commonly found in essential oils is also discussed.
Etrolizumab as induction and maintenance therapy in patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (BERGAMOT): a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 trial
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.
- 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
Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Test the Effects of a Nutraceutical Combination Monacolin K-Free on the Lipid and Inflammatory Profile of Subjects with Hypercholesterolemia
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.
- 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.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels
Fogacci F et al. • Nutrients (2024)
Overall, these findings support the use of the tested dietary supplement containing dry extracts of bergamot and artichoke as a safe and effective approach for the prevention and management of a broad spectrum of cardiometabolic disorders.
- After 6 weeks, the active-treated group experienced significant improvements in levels of triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B-100 (Apo B-100), and apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) versus baseline.
- Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C), and hs-CRP also significantly decreased in the active-treated group compared to both baseline and placebo.
- Improvements in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, fatty liver index (FLI), hs-CRP, and endothelial reactivity were also detected compared to placebo (p < 0.05 for all).
The effects of a novel nutraceutical combination on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other markers of cardiometabolic health in adults with hypercholesterolaemia: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Stonehouse W et al. • Atherosclerosis (2025)
While safe to consume, a nutraceutical containing plant sterols, bergamot extract, artichoke leaf extract and hydroxytyrosol did not show evidence of improving serum LDL-cholesterol, or any other lipid and oxidative stress markers in adults with mild hypercholesterolaemia.
- There was no evidence that Cholesterol Balance affected serum LDL-cholesterol compared to placebo (adjusted mean difference [95 % CI] at 4 months between treatments, -0.12 [-0.34, 0.11] mmol/L, p = 0.307).
- While safe to consume, a nutraceutical containing plant sterols, bergamot extract, artichoke leaf extract and hydroxytyrosol did not show evidence of improving serum LDL-cholesterol, or any other lipid and oxidative stress markers in adults with mild hypercholesterolaemia.
- Further research is needed to determine if ingredients in the complex formulation interact or interfere with LDL-cholesterol lowering mechanisms.
The Antioxidant Power of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction Gold Potentiates the Effects of L-Citrulline in Athlete Performance and Vasodilation in a Pilot Study
Mollace R et al. • Nutrients (2025)
Given the small sample size, this study serves as a pilot, and further research is needed to validate these findings on a larger scale.
- No harmful adverse effects were observed.
- Max supplementation, providing beneficial effects on the antioxidant state and preserving the vascular endothelium might be a supplementation strategy to improve athletic performance and potentiate results.
- Given the small sample size, this study serves as a pilot, and further research is needed to validate these findings on a larger scale.
A new nutraceutical (Livogen Plus®) improves liver steatosis in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Ferro Y et al. • Journal of translational medicine (2022)
Our results showed that a new combination of bioactive molecules as nutraceutical was safe and effective in reducing liver fat content over 12 weeks in individuals with hepatic steatosis.
- The CAP score reduction (%) was even greater in those with aged 60 or less, low baseline HDL-C, AST reduction as well as in men.
- Our results showed that a new combination of bioactive molecules as nutraceutical was safe and effective in reducing liver fat content over 12 weeks in individuals with hepatic steatosis.
- Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN70887063.
Efficacy of Inhaled Essential Oil Use on Selected Symptoms Affecting Quality of Life in Patients With Cancer Receiving Infusion Therapies
Williams AS et al. • Oncology nursing forum (2022)
Ginger EO produced statistically significant results for anxiety and fatigue.
- Ginger EO produced statistically significant results for anxiety and fatigue.
- Published in Oncology nursing forum (2022)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Artichoke and Bergamot Phytosome Alliance: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial in Mild Hypercholesterolemia
Riva A et al. • Nutrients (2021)
In conclusion, the synergism between Citrus Bergamia polyphenols and Cynara cardunculus extracts may be an effective option and may potentially broaden the therapeutic role of botanicals in dyslipidemic patients.
- Between the two groups, total and LDL cholesterol in the supplemented group (compared to placebo) showed significant decreases overtime.
- A significant reduction of waist circumference and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was recorded in the supplemented group (compared to placebo), even in subjects who did not follow a low-calorie diet.
- The metabolic parameters and DXA body composition were evaluated at the start, after 30 and 60 days.
The effect of aromatherapy intervention with Bergamot and Grapefruit essential oils on premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms: a randomized controlled trial
Özer E et al. • BMC complementary medicine and therapies (2025)
Grapefruit essential oil was effective in reducing both premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms, whereas bergamot essential oil was only effective in reducing premenstrual symptoms.
- Grapefruit essential oil was effective in reducing both premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms, whereas bergamot essential oil was only effective in reducing premenstrual symptoms.
- Published in BMC complementary medicine and therapies (2025)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The impact of aromatherapy with Citrus bergamia- Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and/or mindfulness-based therapy on postmenopausal health: A factorial randomized controlled trial
Salehi-Pourmehr H et al. • Complementary therapies in medicine (2025)
MBT and LEO-BEO aromatherapy demonstrated favorable outcomes in managing menopausal symptoms and sleep quality.
- After two months, the aromatherapy group showed reduced total scores for menopausal symptoms [adjusted mean difference (aMD) (95 % CI): -5.7 (-9.5 to -1.8)] and anxiety [aMD (95 % CI): -1.9 (-3.4 to -0.4)] compared to the control group.
- Sleep quality, measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), improved in both the therapy [aMD (95 % CI): -2.6 (-4.2 to -1.0)] and aromatherapy [aMD (95 % CI): -1.7 (-3.3 to -0.1)] groups versus controls.
- MBT and LEO-BEO aromatherapy demonstrated favorable outcomes in managing menopausal symptoms and sleep quality.
Relieving psychological stress and improving sleep quality by bergamot essential oil use before bedtime and upon awakening: A randomized crossover trial
Wakui N et al. • Complementary therapies in medicine (2023)
Using bergamot essential oil before bedtime helps relax the mind and body and provides sound sleep.
- A significant improvement was observed in "sleepiness on rising," "refreshing on rising," and "sleep length" in the bergamot group.
- Additionally, a significant improvement was observed in depression, anxiety, and stress.
- Using bergamot essential oil before bedtime helps relax the mind and body and provides sound sleep.
Hypoglycemic and Hypolipemic Effects of a New Lecithin Formulation of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo- Controlled Study
Mollace V et al. • Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets (2019)
These data suggest that better absorption and tissue distribution of BPF Phyto formulation represents an innovative approach in supplementation treatments of cardiometabolic disorders.
- In the groups receiving BPF and BPF Phyto, a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose, serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides accompanied by increased HDL cholesterol was observed.
- This effect was associated with significant reduction of small dense atherogenic LDL particles, as detected by means of proton NMR Spectroscopy, thus confirming the hypolipemic and hypoglycemic effect of bergamot extract both when using standard formulation as well as BPF Phyto.
- However, when comparing the pharmacokinetic profile of naringin (the major component of BPF) and its metabolites, in patients treated with BPF Phyto, an at least 2,5 fold increase in its absorption was found, confirming in human studies the better profile of BPF Phyto compared to standard BPF.
Bergamot phytosome improved visceral fat and plasma lipid profiles in overweight and obese class I subject with mild hypercholesterolemia: A randomized placebo controlled trial
Rondanelli M et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2021)
Phytotherapy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- As to the within differences, the parameters of VAT, total and LDL-cholesterol were significantly decreased in the bergamot phytosome group, but not in the placebo group.
- The other parameters (glucose, insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fat free mass, fat mass) were not significant.
- Phytotherapy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Randomized Clinical Trial: Bergamot Citrus and Wild Cardoon Reduce Liver Steatosis and Body Weight in Non-diabetic Individuals Aged Over 50 Years
Ferro Y et al. • Frontiers in endocrinology (2020)
Clinical Trial Registration: www.isrctn.com, identifier ISRCTN12833814.Copyright © 2020 Ferro, Montalcini, Mazza, Foti, Angotti, Gliozzi, Nucera, Paone, Bombardelli, Aversa, Musolino, Mollace and Pujia.
- However, after adjustment for weight change, the percentage CAP score reduction was statistically significant only in those over 50 years (44 vs. 78% in placebo and nutraceutical, respectively, p = 0.007).
- Conclusions: This specific nutraceutical containing bioactive components from Bergamot and wild cardoon reduced the liver fat content during 12 weeks in individuals with liver steatosis over 50 years.
- If confirmed, this nutraceutical could become the cornerstone treatment of patients affected by liver steatosis.
The effect of lavender and bergamot oil applied via inhalation on the anxiety level and sleep quality of surgical intensive care unit patients
Toprak Ç et al. • Explore (New York, N.Y.) (2024)
Lavender and bergamot oil inhalation appeared effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality in surgical intensive care unit patients.
- According to our results, anxiety scores significantly decreased in the lavender and bergamot groups.
- Sleep quality scores significantly increased (p = <0.001).
- Lavender and bergamot oil inhalation appeared effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality in surgical intensive care unit patients.