Citrus Bergamot Extract

What It Is

Citrus Bergamot Extract is derived from the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia), a fragrant citrus fruit native to the Calabria region of southern Italy. Unlike the sweet oranges used for eating, bergamot is primarily valued for its high concentration of unique polyphenols—plant compounds with potent antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties. The extract is typically produced from the juice and albedo (the white inner peel) of the fruit, yielding a standardized formulation rich in flavonoids such as naringin, neohesperidin, brutieridin, and melitidin.

Citrus Bergamot is commonly consumed in capsule, powder, or tea form as a natural supplement designed to support cardiovascular health, cholesterol balance, and metabolic function. It is not to be confused with bergamot essential oil, which is used in aromatherapy and topical applications but not for oral supplementation.

How It Works

The bioactive compounds in Citrus Bergamot Extract act through several mechanisms that target lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation:

1. Cholesterol Regulation. The flavonoids in bergamot mimic the action of statins—drugs that inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides, while simultaneously raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels.
2. Antioxidant Effects. Bergamot polyphenols neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. These antioxidants also help protect lipids in the bloodstream from oxidation, a key factor in plaque formation.
3. Anti-inflammatory Action. By downregulating inflammatory pathways (such as NF-κB activation), bergamot reduces systemic inflammation—a known contributor to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
4. Blood Sugar and Metabolic Support. Studies suggest bergamot may improve insulin sensitivity and support better blood glucose control, making it potentially beneficial for people with metabolic syndrome or prediabetes.
5. Liver Health. The extract supports liver function by reducing fat accumulation (steatosis) and promoting detoxification processes. This is particularly relevant for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Why It’s Important

Citrus Bergamot Extract holds growing importance in preventive health and integrative medicine due to its natural, multi-targeted effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health. Key reasons for its relevance include:

• Natural Cholesterol Management: It offers a botanical alternative or adjunct to prescription statins, especially for individuals who are statin-intolerant due to muscle pain or other side effects.
• Metabolic Syndrome Prevention: With its ability to improve lipid profiles, reduce inflammation, and enhance glucose metabolism, bergamot may help reduce risk factors associated with heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
• Liver and Vascular Protection: The extract’s antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties make it valuable for maintaining liver health and protecting blood vessels from oxidative damage.
• Overall Wellness and Longevity: Its broad antioxidant profile contributes to cellular protection, potentially supporting healthy aging and resilience against chronic disease.

Considerations

While Citrus Bergamot Extract is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:

1. Dosage and Standardization: Effective doses typically range from 500 to 1,000 mg daily of standardized extract (usually containing around 25–40% polyphenols). It’s essential to choose products that specify the concentration of active compounds.
2. Potential Interactions: Because bergamot can influence lipid metabolism and liver enzymes, it may interact with medications such as statins, antihypertensives, and diabetes drugs. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before combining them.
3. Possible Side Effects: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, heartburn, or muscle aches have been occasionally reported. Overuse may theoretically lead to excessive lowering of cholesterol or blood sugar in sensitive individuals.
4. Quality and Purity: Supplements vary widely in quality. Reputable brands should use clinically studied extracts, ideally standardized to specific flavonoid content (e.g., Bergamonte® or Citrus Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction [BPF]).
5. Contraindications: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid use due to limited safety data. Likewise, people with chronic liver disease or those taking multiple prescription medications should seek medical supervision before use.