Some research suggests that an extract of the citrus fruit bergamot can lower cholesterol much as red yeast rice does. Is it right for you?
How do you control your cholesterol? Many people take a statin medication such as atorvastatin or simvastatin to keep their blood fats within normal range. On the other hand, you might prefer a more natural approach. Some readers have wondered whether to try taking a bergamot extract to lower high cholesterol.
Will Citrus Bergamot Help Lower Cholesterol?
Q. My LDL cholesterol is a bit high, but I’d rather not take a statin. I’ve heard that bergamot extract could help. Can you tell me how effective bergamot is for lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides?
A. Bergamot is a citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia) popular in Italy. Tea connoisseurs appreciate its flavor in Earl Grey tea. Although it is used in food preparation, the fruit is too sour to eat out of hand.
A systematic review of 14 randomized controlled trials found that bergamot extract lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol (Phytotherapy Research, Dec. 2022). Not all the studies were of high quality, however. Moreover, the effects of products containing bergamot with other ingredients were inconsistent.
Animal experiments demonstrate that bergamot leaf extract lowers cholesterol and inflammation and can counteract metabolic syndrome (International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, Dec. 15, 2022). In a different experiment, scientists compared red yeast rice to bergamot extract in rats (Nutrients, Jan. 22, 2022). Both natural products lowered cholesterol, but the citrus extract also reduced triglycerides and raised beneficial HDL cholesterol levels.
Side Effects of Bergamot:
Q. I’d like to know about citrus bergamot to lower cholesterol. It seems to work. Are there side effects?
A. The citrus fruit Citrus bergamia is native to southern Italy. Over the past decade or so, scientists have published numerous studies indicating that polyphenol-rich bergamot extract can lower total and LDL cholesterol levels (Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2020). Some trials also show benefits in lowering triglycerides and raising HDL cholesterol.
Bergamot compounds act on lipids through different pathways than statins (Nutrients, Sep. 10, 2021). Consequently, this natural product may be an option for people who don’t do well on statins. In a randomized controlled trial, a combination of bergamot and artichoke extract lowered blood lipids significantly better than placebo (Nutrients, Dec. 27, 2021).
There are few reports of side effects, although in one study some volunteers experienced heartburn (Integrative Food, Nutrition and Metabolism, March 2019). Some people have reported muscle cramps and visual problems as a result of drinking Earl Grey tea.
In laboratory research, scientists found that bergamot oil might be phototoxic (Central European Journal of Public Health, Sep. 2016). That is, tissues exposed to bergamot might be especially susceptible to damage from UV light. You can learn more about lowering blood lipids with and without statins in our eGuide to Cholesterol Control and Heart Health.
Citrus Bergamot Against High Cholesterol:
Q. I have had success taking red yeast rice to lower my cholesterol. However, it’s not quite as effective now as in the beginning. My nutritionist suggested trying citrus bergamot. Is there research to back this up?
A. We were surprised to learn that Citrus bergamia acts on the same enzyme as red yeast rice and statins to lower cholesterol, although the exact mechanism is unclear (Fitoterapia, April 2011). Presumably we ought not to have been surprised: an Israeli study showed that a different citrus fruit, red grapefruit, can improve blood lipids (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, March 2006).
Clinical Trials:
Scientists have conducted a handful of studies to determine if C. bergamia or its extract would be effective for treating high cholesterol. One study of 80 individuals found that such an extract (Bergavit R®) lowered cholesterol significantly during the six-month study (Frontiers in Pharmacology, Jan. 6, 2016). This trial was not placebo-controlled, however. In addition, a very small clinical trial using a blend of bergamot fruit extract and other plant extracts (Cardiox-LDL®) demonstrated drops in cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, Dec. 2016). Disappointingly, this study had no placebo arm, either.
Some other studies have not confirmed the lipid-lowering benefits of bergamot. On the other hand, a review found that overall, this unusual fruit contains flavanone compounds that may act as natural statins (Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 2016).
Possible Side Effect:
Some people complain that drinking Earl Grey tea can trigger muscle cramps. Since C. bergamia provides the distinctive flavoring for this tea, you should be alert for this complication.
Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.peoplespharmacy.com by Terry Graedon where all credits are due.
Disclaimer
The watching, interacting, and participation of any kind with anything on this page does not constitute or initiate a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Farrah™. None of the statements here have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products of Dr. Farrah™ are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information being provided should only be considered for education and entertainment purposes only. If you feel that anything you see or hear may be of value to you on this page or on any other medium of any kind associated with, showing, or quoting anything relating to Dr. Farrah™ in any way at any time, you are encouraged to and agree to consult with a licensed healthcare professional in your area to discuss it. If you feel that you’re having a healthcare emergency, seek medical attention immediately. The views expressed here are simply either the views and opinions of Dr. Farrah™ or others appearing and are protected under the first amendment.
Dr. Farrah™ is a highly experienced Licensed Medical Doctor certified in evidence-based clinical nutrition, not some enthusiast, formulator, or medium promoting the wild and unrestrained use of nutrition products for health issues without clinical experience and scientific evidence of therapeutic benefit. Dr. Farrah™ has personally and keenly studied everything she recommends, and more importantly, she’s closely observed the reactions and results in a clinical setting countless times over the course of her career involving the treatment of over 150,000 patients.
Dr. Farrah™ promotes evidence-based natural approaches to health, which means integrating her individual scientific and clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research. By individual clinical expertise, I refer to the proficiency and judgment that individual clinicians acquire through clinical experience and clinical practice.
Dr. Farrah™ does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of any multimedia content provided. Dr. Farrah™ does not warrant the performance, effectiveness, or applicability of any sites listed, linked, or referenced to, in, or by any multimedia content.
To be clear, the multimedia content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any website, video, image, or media of any kind. Dr. Farrah™ hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental, or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is, and without warranties.
