From the Guidelines
Bergamot extract may help lower cholesterol levels, but the current evidence provided does not support its use for this purpose, and instead, plant stanols/sterols are recommended to lower LDL cholesterol levels by up to 15%. The most recent and highest quality study available is from 2006, which suggests that plant stanols/sterols, at levels up to 2 g/d, can lower LDL cholesterol levels up to 15% and are seen as a therapeutic option, in addition to diet and lifestyle modification, for individuals with elevated LDL cholesterol levels 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Plant stanols/sterols are currently available in a wide variety of foods, drinks, and soft gel capsules, and the choice of vehicle should be determined by availability and by other considerations, including caloric content.
- To sustain LDL cholesterol reductions from these products, individuals need to consume them daily, just as they would use lipid-lowering medication.
- While bergamot extract may have potential benefits, the evidence provided does not support its use for lowering cholesterol levels, and therefore, it is not recommended as a replacement for prescribed cholesterol medications without medical consultation.
Important Considerations
- Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, especially if you're taking other medications, as potential interactions may occur.
- For best results, look for standardized supplements containing plant stanols/sterols rather than relying on other forms that may not contain sufficient active compounds to affect cholesterol.
From the Research
Bergamot and Cholesterol Levels
- Bergamot has been studied for its potential role in lowering cholesterol levels, with several studies suggesting that it may be effective in reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, while also increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The exact mechanisms by which bergamot exerts its lipid-lowering effects are not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and absorption, as well as the downregulation of certain enzymes involved in lipid metabolism 3, 4.
- Bergamot contains a variety of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, flavones, and other compounds, which may contribute to its lipid-lowering effects 2, 4.
- Clinical trials have consistently shown that bergamot is well-tolerated and effective in reducing cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia, although more research is needed to fully establish its clinical efficacy 4, 5.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Bergamot has been compared to other nutraceuticals, such as red yeast rice and Armolipid, which have also been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects 6.
- While the evidence for bergamot's benefits is promising, it is not as conclusive as that for some other nutraceuticals, and more research is needed to fully establish its effectiveness 6.
Study Findings
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that bergamot supplementation significantly decreased serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol 5.
- Another study found that bergamot extract decreased the levels of total and free cholesterol in HepG2 cells, and that its principal components, including neoeriocitrin and neohesperidin, may downregulate the expression of certain enzymes involved in lipid metabolism 3.