Bergamot (Citrus bergamia BPF)
Calabrian citrus polyphenol extract with RCT support for LDL, triglyceride and glucose reduction in mixed dyslipidaemia.
Why
Bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) is a standardised flavonoid-rich extract of Citrus bergamia juice. RCTs report reductions in LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting glucose at 500–1,000 mg/day BPF over 30–90 days. Effect on LDL is roughly comparable to low-dose statin monotherapy in moderate dyslipidaemia; effect on triglycerides distinguishes it from statin and red-yeast-rice approaches.
How it works
Bergamot-specific flavonoids (brutieridin, melitidin) act as natural statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibition), distinct from monacolin K in their parallel inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption. PPAR-α agonism contributes the triglyceride-lowering signal.
Expected onset · Lipid changes over 4–8 weeks
How to take
Dosage
Standardised BPF: 500–1,000 mg/day, often divided. Combined with phytosterols or red yeast rice in some commercial preparations.
Timing
Once or twice daily with meals
On the label
'Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction' or 'BPF' with stated flavonoid content. Citrus bergamia juice extract (not bergamot essential oil, distinct material).
Ideal for
Adults with mixed dyslipidaemia (elevated LDL plus triglycerides), metabolic syndrome, or statin-intolerant patients seeking a botanical lipid approach.
Safety
Evidence
Mollace 2011 Fitoterapia RCT (n=237 mixed dyslipidaemia): BPF 500 or 1,000 mg/day for 30 days reduced LDL by 24–36%, triglycerides by 30–39%, and fasting glucose by 15–22%, large effects relative to placebo. Lamiquiz-Moneo 2020 meta-analysis confirmed lipid reductions across 12 RCTs.
- Mollace et al., Fitoterapia 2011, hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenols (RCT, n=237)
- Toth et al., Front Pharmacol 2016, bergamot reduces plasma lipids, atherogenic markers and vascular inflammation (RCT, n=80)
- Lamiquiz-Moneo et al., Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020, effect of bergamot on lipid profile: systematic review and meta-analysis
Where to get it
Shop Bergamot (Citrus bergamia BPF) on AmazonSponsored · As an Amazon Associate, Healicus earns from qualifying purchases.