Quick take: Standardized bergamot extracts rich in polyphenols—particularly flavonoids such as brutieridin and melitidin—have been studied in humans for their ability to support healthy cholesterol metabolism, maintain lipid balance, and promote normal cardiovascular function as part of a balanced lifestyle.*
Heart health and cholesterol balance are central to overall wellness. A growing clinical literature suggests that certain plant-based nutrients can support healthy lipid metabolism alongside diet and physical activity. Among these, bergamot (Citrus bergamia) has drawn interest because of its distinct citrus flavonoid profile and consistent signals across human trials.
What Makes Bergamot Distinct
Bergamot contains specialized flavonoids—brutieridin, melitidin, neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin, and naringin—standardized in modern extracts (often called bergamot polyphenolic fraction). Experimental work and clinical reviews describe nutritional effects on cholesterol synthesis pathways, LDL handling, and antioxidant balance (Nauman et al., 2019).
Summary of Human Clinical Studies
Below are verified, peer-reviewed human studies and reviews evaluating standardized bergamot preparations on lipid and related markers.
| Study | Design & Population | Duration / Dose | Key Findings (structure/function) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mollace et al., 2011 | Open-label; adults with hyperlipidemia (n=237) | 30 days / 500–1,000 mg/day BPF | Supported healthy total and LDL cholesterol; favorable changes in triglycerides and HDL within study period | Single-ingredient bergamot polyphenol extract |
| Toth et al., 2016 | Prospective 6-month study; moderate hypercholesterolemia (n=80) | 6 months / Bergavit® (standardized bergamot juice extract) | Maintained healthy lipid profile and improved lipoprotein subclass pattern; cIMT improved within study timeframe | Single-ingredient bergamot; not a drug outcome study |
| Cai et al., 2017 | Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled; older adults with dyslipidemia | 12 weeks / standardized bergamot formulation ("CitriCholess") | Supported normal lipid metabolism and favorable weight measures vs placebo | Single-ingredient bergamot formulation |
| Fogacci et al., 2023 | Three-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled | 12 weeks / standardized bergamot phytocomplex (300 or 600 mg/day) | Improved lipid and glucose metabolism and inflammatory markers vs placebo | Single-ingredient bergamot phytocomplex |
| Nauman et al., 2019 | Peer-reviewed clinical review | — | Summarized human evidence supporting healthy lipid balance with standardized bergamot extracts | Independent overview of clinical data |
Abbreviations: cIMT = carotid intima-media thickness; BPF = bergamot polyphenolic fraction.
What the Evidence Suggests
- Supports healthy total and LDL cholesterol levels already within the normal range.
- Encourages balanced triglycerides and HDL in the context of diet and activity.
- Provides antioxidant support and favorable shifts in lipoprotein profile in certain studies.
Effects vary by dose, extract standardization, duration, and baseline lipid status. Consistency in daily use and alignment with lifestyle measures are important (Nauman et al., 2019).
How It Works (Nutritional Mechanisms)
1) Cholesterol synthesis pathways
Bergamot flavonoids are discussed in the literature for modulating liver cholesterol synthesis and promoting a balanced response without drug-like enzyme blockade (Nauman et al., 2019).
2) Lipid handling and particle profile
Human data show favorable shifts in LDL subclasses and overall lipoprotein profile, which are relevant markers for cardiovascular wellness (Toth et al., 2016).
3) Antioxidant/Inflammatory balance
Standardized extracts support endogenous antioxidant defenses and help maintain a normal inflammatory response—both relevant to vascular health (Fogacci et al., 2023).
Dosage and Standardization
- Study ranges commonly span ~300–1,000 mg/day of standardized extracts over 8–24 weeks (Cai et al., 2017; Toth et al., 2016; Fogacci et al., 2023).
- Look for extracts standardized to polyphenols (often cited in studies as BPF or branded equivalents) and verified by third-party testing.
Safety and Tolerability
Standardized bergamot preparations were generally well tolerated in clinical studies, with occasional mild digestive symptoms reported. Individuals using lipid-lowering medications or photosensitizing drugs, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should consult a healthcare professional before use (Nauman et al., 2019; Toth et al., 2016).
Limitations of the Current Evidence
- Sample sizes are modest in several trials.
- Products and standardization differ between studies.
- Long-term outcomes (beyond 6–12 months) are limited.
How to Choose a Quality Supplement
- Select products with clearly stated polyphenol standardization and batch-specific Certificates of Analysis.
- Prefer sourcing from Calabria, Italy, mirroring the origin in much of the clinical literature.
- Confirm third-party testing for identity, purity, and contaminants.
Integrating Bergamot Into a Heart-Supportive Lifestyle
- Balanced diet: Emphasize vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Regular movement: Aerobic and resistance activity 3–5×/week.
- Recovery & stress: Prioritize sleep and stress-management practices.
- Avoid tobacco and excess alcohol.
These habits work synergistically with nutritional support to maintain healthy lipid markers.
Key Takeaways
- Verified evidence: Multiple human studies and reviews support standardized bergamot's role in maintaining healthy lipid parameters.
- Mechanisms: Nutritional modulation of cholesterol pathways, lipoprotein profile, and antioxidant balance.
- Use: Best combined with diet, movement, and overall healthy habits.
- Compliance: Structure/function language only; no disease claims.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) provides a clinically studied, polyphenol-rich option to support cholesterol levels already within the normal range and maintain cardiovascular markers. Standardized extracts taken consistently over several weeks, alongside heart-supportive habits, offer a practical evidence-informed approach.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or supplement regimen.
References
- Cai, Y., et al. (2017). Effects of 12-week supplementation of Citrus bergamia extracts-based formulation on cholesterol and body weight in older adults with dyslipidemia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lipids in Health and Disease, 16, 240.
- Fogacci, F., et al. (2023). Metabolic and vascular effect of a standardized bergamot phytocomplex: A three-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Archives of Medical Science, 19(5), 1153–1164.
- Mollace, V., et al. (2011). Hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenols: From animal models to human studies. Fitoterapia, 82(3), 309–316.
- Nauman, M. C., et al. (2019). Clinical application of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 130.
- Toth, P. P., et al. (2016). Bergamot reduces plasma lipids, atherogenic small dense LDL, and subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia: A 6-month prospective study. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 6, 299.
