Citrus Bergamot:
Research Overview
This page provides a curated overview of selected peer-reviewed scientific studies examining citrus bergamot (Citrus bergamia), a polyphenol-rich botanical. The goal of this page is to provide transparent access to commonly cited research in the scientific literature. The summaries below describe findings reported in published studies. They are presented for educational purposes as part of a clinician-led review of the scientific literature.
Important Context for Readers
Scientific studies examine outcomes in defined populations under specific research conditions. Results reported in individual studies may not apply to all individuals and should not be interpreted as guaranteed outcomes. This page summarizes selected research examining lipid, metabolic, and oxidative stress biomarkers in relation to citrus bergamot. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. This page is provided for educational purposes and does not include product recommendations or affiliate links.
Summary of Evidence
Across human clinical studies and meta-analyses, citrus bergamot has been associated with changes in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol, though reported effect sizes vary substantially by formulation, population, and study design. Emerging research has also reported reductions in fasting glucose and improvements in markers of insulin resistance.
Key Areas of Research
Cardiovascular and Lipid Support
Evidence strength: Moderate.
Randomized trials and meta-analyses have examined citrus bergamot in relation to lipid biomarkers, including LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol.
1) Mollace V, Sacco I, Janda E, et al. Hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenolic fraction. Fitoterapia. 2011.
PMID: 21056640
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2010.10.014
Design: Prospective clinical study evaluating bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) in adults with hyperlipidemia.
Key findings:
• LDL cholesterol was reduced in studied groups (approximately ~20–30% in some cohorts)
• Triglyceride was reduced in studied groups (approximately ~15–25% in some cohorts)
• Total cholesterol was reduced in studied groups
• Improvements in fasting glucose reported in some participants
2) Toth PP, Patti AM, Nikolic D, et al. Bergamot Reduces Plasma Lipids, Atherogenic Small Dense LDL, and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Subjects with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia. Front. Pharmacol. 2016.
PMID: 26779019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2015.00299
Design: Prospective clinical study
Key findings:
• LDL cholesterol was reduced (~35 mg/dL) in the studied population
• Total cholesterol was reduced (~31 mg/dL) in the studied population
• Triglyceride were reduced (~17%) in the studied population
• HDL cholesterol was increased (~7–8%) in the studied population
• Reductions in small dense LDL particles were observed in the study population
3) Mollace V, Scicchitano M, Paone S, et al. Hypoglycemic and Hypolipemic Effects of a Lecithin Formulation of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study. Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets-Immune, Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders). 2019.
PMID: 30501605
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2174/1871530319666181203151513
Design: Randomized controlled trial
Key findings:
• LDL reductions
• Triglyceride reductions
• HDL increases
• Reductions in small dense LDL particles
• Reduction in fasting plasma glucose
4) Sadeghi-dehsahraei H, Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh H, Mirnejad R, et al. The Effect of Bergamot (KoksalGarry) Supplementation on Lipid Profiles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Phytotherapy Research. 2022
PMID: 36251526
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7647
Design: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Key findings:
• LDL cholesterol reductions of approximately 15–30 mg/dL were reported across pooled analyses
• Triglyceride reductions of approximately 10–20% were reported across pooled analyses
• Total cholesterol reductions of approximately 20–40 mg/dL were reported across pooled analyses
• HDL cholesterol increases of approximately 3-6 mg/dL were reported across pooled analyses
• Consistent lipid improvements across multiple studies despite heterogeneity
5) Gliozzi M, Walker R, Muscoli S, et al. Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction Enhances Rosuvastatin-induced Effect on LDL-cholesterol, LOX-1 Expression and Protein Kinase B Phosphorylation in Patients with Hyperlipidemia.International Journal of Cardiology. 2013
PMID: 24239156
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.08.125
Design: Clinical study
Key findings:
• Reductions in LDL cholesterol and markers of oxidative stress were reported in the studied population
Metabolic Support
Evidence strength: Low to Moderate.
Emerging research suggests citrus bergamot may support glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
6) Capomolla AS, Janda E, Paone S, et al. Atherogenic Index Reduction and Weight Loss in Metabolic Syndrome Patients Treated with a Novel Pectin-Enriched Formulation of Bergamot Polyphenols. Nutrients. 2019.
PMID: 31167512
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11061271
Design: Randomized controlled trial
Key findings:
• Fasting glucose reductions were reported
• Improvements in insulin resistance markers
• Triglyceride reductions up to ~20–30% in some groups
Liver and Oxidative Stress
Evidence strength: Low.
Preliminary research has examined citrus bergamot-containing formulations in relation to liver biomarkers and oxidative stress.
7) Musolino V, Gliozzi M, Bombardelli E, et al. The Synergistic Effect of Citrus Bergamia and Cynara Cardunculus Extracts on Vascular Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2020.
PMID: 32670822
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.02.004
Design: Randomized controlled trial (combination formulation)
Key findings:
• Improvements in liver-related biomarkers
• Reductions in oxidative stress markers
Educational Notice
These summaries are provided for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
FDA Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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