From the Guidelines
Bergamot is not recommended as a primary treatment for cholesterol management due to limited and inconclusive evidence on its long-term safety and efficacy. The current evidence on bergamot for cholesterol management is limited, with most studies suggesting that it may have a modest effect on reducing total cholesterol and LDL levels 1. However, as noted in a 2020 expert opinion paper published in the European Heart Journal, there are still few data to draw firm conclusions about the long-term safety and efficacy of bergamot and other nutraceuticals for cholesterol management 1. Some key points to consider when evaluating bergamot for cholesterol management include:
- The lack of standardized dosing and potency of bergamot supplements
- The potential for interactions with other medications, including statins
- The need for further research on the long-term effects of bergamot supplementation
- The importance of traditional cholesterol management approaches, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and prescribed medications when indicated While bergamot may be considered as an adjunctive therapy for patients who are intolerant to statins or other conventional cholesterol-lowering medications, its use should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. In light of the limited evidence, it is essential to prioritize traditional, evidence-based treatments for cholesterol management, and to carefully evaluate the potential benefits and risks of bergamot supplementation on a case-by-case basis 1.
From the Research
Bergamot Efficacy for Cholesterol Management
- Bergamot has been found to have a positive effect on cholesterol management, with multiple clinical trials showing a reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 2, 3, 4.
- The exact mechanisms involved in bergamot's lipid-lowering activity are not fully understood, but it is thought to be attributed to the presence of flavonoids such as brutieridin and melitidin 2, 5.
- Studies have shown that bergamot extract and its principal components can regulate cholesterol levels in cells by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and absorption 6.
- A systematic review of 12 studies found that 75% of studies showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDLc, with a decrease in total cholesterol ranging from 12.3% to 31.3% 4.
- Bergamot has been found to be well-tolerated in clinical trials, with a dose-dependent and possible synergistic effect when administered with statins 2, 4.
Key Findings
- Bergamot has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in patients with hypercholesterolemia 2, 3, 4.
- The use of bergamot as a natural supplement may lead to effective lipid-lowering treatment, potentially reducing overall cardiovascular risk 3, 5.
- Further studies are needed to confirm the benefits of bergamot in dyslipidemic and other cardiometabolic disorders 3, 5, 6.