Skip to content
Dr. Grey AI

Supplement

Citrus Bergamot (Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction)

Bergamot polyphenolic fraction is a flavonoid-rich extract of a citrus fruit whose compounds resemble part of a statin and may slow the liver enzyme that makes cholesterol. People mostly look at it for high cholesterol, and the evidence is strong: a systematic review found LDL cholesterol fell in most studies, and bergamot ranked best among plant compounds compared. Trials lasted only weeks to months, and the evidence is weaker for blood sugar and artery health.

Best evidence
Grade A
Conditions studied
3
Outcomes
6
Graded outcomes
3300

Evidence by condition

  • Strong
  • Moderate
  • Limited
  • Very limited

3 conditions

High Cholesterol

High Cholesterol: outcomes studied for Citrus Bergamot (Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction)
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
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.

Improves (the measure goes down)Large effect
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.

Improves (the measure goes down)Large effect
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.

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect
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.

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect

Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular Health: outcomes studied for Citrus Bergamot (Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction)
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
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.

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect

Metabolic Health

Metabolic Health: outcomes studied for Citrus Bergamot (Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction)
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
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.

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect

Key findings

  • LDL Cholesterol ReductionHigh CholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)
  • Total Cholesterol ReductionHigh CholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)
  • Triglyceride ReductionHigh CholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)

Shop the evidence-backed picks

Third-party tested Citrus Bergamot (Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction) products, in the forms the graded studies used where we can match them.

  • Grade A

Links to Fullscript, iHerb or Thorne carry our referral, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Grades come from the research and never change based on what we earn. Fullscript asks for a free account before it shows its catalog and prices. Full disclosure

Studies cited

10 studies from PubMed

  1. 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 FactorsNutrients, 2024 · PMID 38931879
  2. A network meta-analysis on the comparative effect of nutraceuticals on lipid profile in adultsPharmacol Res, 2022 · PMID 36043661
  3. Metabolic Targets of Nutraceuticals to Support Cardiovascular Health: Focus on Citrus BergamiaNutrients, 2021 · PMID 34959994
  4. Effect of bergamot on lipid profile in humans: A systematic reviewCrit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2020 · PMID 31670973
  5. Effects of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) fruit extracts and identified components on atherosclerotic plaque formationInt J Mol Sci, 2020 · PMID 32071140
  6. Clinical application of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markersIntegr Food Nutr Metab, 2019 · PMID 30991686
  7. The effect of bergamot-derived polyphenolic fraction on LDL small dense particles and non alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with metabolic syndromeAdv Biol Chem, 2015 · PMID 26609242
  8. Comparative efficacy study of two commercially available bergamot (Citrus bergamia) polyphenol formulationsIntegr Med (Encinitas), 2014 · PMID 24685909
  9. Bergamot polyphenolic fraction enhances rosuvastatin-induced effect on LDL-cholesterol, LOX-1 expression and protein kinase B phosphorylation in patients with hyperlipidemiaInt J Cardiol, 2013 · PMID 21056640
  10. Hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenols: from animal models to human studiesFitoterapia, 2011 · PMID 23987010