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Citrus Bergamot (Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction)

Citrus bergamot is a citrus fruit native to Calabria, Italy, containing unique flavonoids melitidin and brutieridin. Systematic review (12 studies): 75% showed significant decreases in total cholesterol (12-31%), LDL-C (7-40%), and triglycerides (11-39%). Network meta-analysis: Bergamot most effective of phytochemicals for reducing TC, LDL, TG while increasing HDL. Mechanism involves HMG-CoA reductase inhibition similar to statins. RCT (n=64, 4 months): Standardized flavonoids 150mg/day improved lipid profile. Typical doses 150-1500mg/day. Well-tolerated in studies 30 days to 12 weeks.

Quick Answer

What it is

Citrus bergamot is a citrus fruit native to Calabria, Italy, containing unique flavonoids melitidin and brutieridin. Systematic review (12 studies): 75% showed significant decreases in total cholesterol (12-31%), LDL-C (7-40%), and triglycerides (11-39%).

Key findings

  • Grade A: LDL Cholesterol Reduction (High Cholesterol)
  • Grade A: Total Cholesterol Reduction (High Cholesterol)
  • Grade A: Triglyceride Reduction (High Cholesterol)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Citrus Bergamot (Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction)

Quick Facts: Citrus Bergamot (Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction)

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:6
  • Grade A Findings:3
  • Grade B Findings:3
  • Key Effect:High Cholesterol
Outcomes by grade:
A3
B3
C0
D0
3 conditions · 6 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
A
LDL Cholesterol Reduction
Systematic review (12 studies): 75% showed significant LDL-C decreases of 7.6-40.8%. Network meta-analysis of phytochemicals: Bergamot most effective for LDL reduction. Mechanism via HMG-CoA reductase inhibition by melitidin and brutieridin, structurally similar to statin HMG component.
large↓Improves
A
Total Cholesterol Reduction
Systematic review: Total cholesterol decreased 12.3-31.3% across studies. Network meta-analysis ranked bergamot as most effective phytochemical for TC reduction. Multiple RCTs confirm significant reductions vs placebo at doses 150-1500mg/day for 30 days to 12 weeks.
large↓Improves
A
Triglyceride Reduction
Systematic review: Triglycerides decreased 11.5-39.5% across included studies. Effect appears dose-dependent. Network meta-analysis confirmed bergamot's efficacy for TG reduction compared to other nutraceuticals.
moderate↓Improves
B
HDL Cholesterol Increase
Systematic review: 8 of 12 studies reported significant HDL-C improvements. Results varied with some showing no change and others noting 1-6.5% reductions. Network meta-analysis found bergamot increased HDL compared to other phytochemicals.
small↓Improves
B
Cardiovascular Risk Markers
Multiple RCTs show improvements in high-sensitivity CRP, endothelial function, and arterial stiffness. 2024 RCT showed bergamot + artichoke extract improved metabolic and vascular parameters in subjects with suboptimal cholesterol.
moderate↓Improves
B
Metabolic Parameters
Clinical studies suggest improvements in insulin sensitivity and NAFLD indices. Bergamot activates AMPK pathway affecting glucose and lipid metabolism. Some studies show reductions in fasting glucose. More research needed for definitive conclusions.
small↑Improves

Research Citations (10)

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
(2024)
PMID: 38931879
A network meta-analysis on the comparative effect of nutraceuticals on lipid profile in adults
(2022)
PMID: 36043661
Metabolic Targets of Nutraceuticals to Support Cardiovascular Health: Focus on Citrus Bergamia
(2021)
PMID: 34959994
Effect of bergamot on lipid profile in humans: A systematic review
(2020)
PMID: 31670973
Effects of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) fruit extracts and identified components on atherosclerotic plaque formation
(2020)
PMID: 32071140
Clinical application of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers
(2019)
PMID: 30991686
The effect of bergamot-derived polyphenolic fraction on LDL small dense particles and non alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with metabolic syndrome
(2015)
PMID: 26609242
Comparative efficacy study of two commercially available bergamot (Citrus bergamia) polyphenol formulations
(2014)
PMID: 24685909
Bergamot polyphenolic fraction enhances rosuvastatin-induced effect on LDL-cholesterol, LOX-1 expression and protein kinase B phosphorylation in patients with hyperlipidemia
(2013)
PMID: 21056640
Hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenols: from animal models to human studies
(2011)
PMID: 23987010

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