Supplement
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.
- Updated
- How we grade
- 1 study cited
- Best evidence
- Grade A
- Conditions studied
- 3
- Outcomes
- 6
- Graded outcomes
- 3300
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies 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 |
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies 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 |
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies 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 ReductionImproves (the measure goes down)
- Total Cholesterol ReductionImproves (the measure goes down)
- Triglyceride ReductionImproves (the measure goes down)
Studies cited
1 study from PubMed