Bergamot
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia (Bergamot Orange)) is a dietary supplement with 23 published peer-reviewed studies involving 603 participants, researched for Cholesterol & Lipid Management, Blood Sugar & Anti-inflammatory, Clinical trials and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cholesterol & Lipid Management
ModerateBlood Sugar & Anti-inflammatory
StrongClinical trials
WeakSystematic reviews
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cholesterol & Lipid Management
C. bergamia extract for cholesterol and lipid metabolism management
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled
Purpose
C. bergamia extract for cholesterol and lipid metabolism management
Dose
500mg bergamot extract twice daily
Participants
80 adults with mild-moderate hypercholesterolaemia
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced total cholesterol by 25.7%, LDL by 36%, TG by 30.6%; HDL increased by 22%. Improvements comparable to low-dose statin therapy.
How They Measured It
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, TG, ApoB
Systematic evaluation of bergamot effects on lipid parameters in humans
Study Type
Systematic review of human trials
Purpose
Systematic evaluation of bergamot effects on lipid parameters in humans
Dose
Various bergamot preparations
Participants
Systematic review of clinical trials
Duration
Various
Results
Multiple clinical trials confirm bergamot reduces total cholesterol and LDL. AMPK function and PCSK9 expression modulated by polyphenol components.
How They Measured It
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, TG across clinical trials
Review of bergamot for reducing cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers
Study Type
Clinical application review
Purpose
Review of bergamot for reducing cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers
Dose
Various (500-1500mg/day)
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Strong evidence for cholesterol reduction. Polyphenol fraction (brutieridin, melitidin, hesperidin, naringenin) provides multi-pathway cholesterol reduction via HMGCR and PCSK9 modulation.
How They Measured It
Review of clinical trials measuring cardiovascular risk markers
Bergamot polyphenolic fraction combined with rosuvastatin for hyperlipidaemia
Study Type
Statin adjunct clinical trial
Purpose
Bergamot polyphenolic fraction combined with rosuvastatin for hyperlipidaemia
Dose
1000mg bergamot polyphenols + 10mg rosuvastatin
Participants
77 hyperlipidaemia patients
Duration
30 days
Results
Combination produced significantly greater LDL reduction than rosuvastatin alone. LOX-1 expression reduced. Synergistic cardioprotective mechanism identified.
How They Measured It
LDL, LOX-1 expression, protein kinase B phosphorylation
Blood Sugar & Anti-inflammatory
Bergamot extract on metabolic syndrome components including glucose
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled
Purpose
Bergamot extract on metabolic syndrome components including glucose
Dose
500mg bergamot extract daily
Participants
95 metabolic syndrome adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, and waist circumference. Comprehensive metabolic syndrome improvement confirmed.
How They Measured It
FBS, HOMA-IR, lipid profile, waist circumference
Cholesterol-lowering mechanism of bergamot in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells
Study Type
Cholesterol mechanism study
Purpose
Cholesterol-lowering mechanism of bergamot in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells
Dose
Various polyphenol fractions
Participants
HepG2 and Caco-2 cell lines
Duration
N/A
Results
Brutieridin and melitidin identified as statin-like compounds with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity. AMPK-dependent pathway confirmed.
How They Measured It
HMGCR activity, LDL receptor expression, cholesterol synthesis pathway
Antioxidant effects of bergamot polyphenols in humans
Study Type
Antioxidant clinical study
Purpose
Antioxidant effects of bergamot polyphenols in humans
Dose
1g bergamot extract daily
Participants
40 healthy adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significantly increased serum antioxidant capacity and reduced oxidative stress markers. Multiple flavonoids contribute to antioxidant activity.
How They Measured It
Serum antioxidant capacity (FRAP, DPPH), MDA, 8-OHdG
Bergamot polyphenols for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Study Type
NAFLD study
Purpose
Bergamot polyphenols for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Dose
650mg bergamot extract daily
Participants
60 NAFLD patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced liver fat content and ALT in NAFLD patients. AMPK activation and PPAR-alpha upregulation as primary hepatic mechanisms.
How They Measured It
Liver fat (MRI-PDFF), liver enzymes, metabolic markers
Bergamot extract on blood pressure and endothelial function
Study Type
Hypertension pilot trial
Purpose
Bergamot extract on blood pressure and endothelial function
Dose
500mg/day bergamot extract
Participants
45 stage 1 hypertensive adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced systolic and diastolic BP and improved endothelial function. Polyphenol-mediated nitric oxide enhancement proposed as mechanism.
How They Measured It
24-hour ABPM, endothelial function
Anti-inflammatory effects of bergamot polyphenols via NF-kB and MAPK
Study Type
Anti-inflammatory mechanism study
Purpose
Anti-inflammatory effects of bergamot polyphenols via NF-kB and MAPK
Dose
500mg bergamot extract
Participants
In vitro and animal model
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced inflammatory markers via NF-kB and MAPK inhibition. Complements lipid-lowering activity in overall cardiovascular protection.
How They Measured It
CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha, NF-kB activation
Clinical trials
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in impact of aromatherapy on anxiety among icu nurses: a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in impact of aromatherapy on anxiety among icu nurses: a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aromatherapy with an essential oil blend containing lavender, bergamot, ylang-ylang, and sweet orange, compared with placebo, on perceptions of anxiety in ICU RNs.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the impact of aromatherapy with citrus bergamia- lavandula angustifolia essential oil and/or mindfulness-based therapy on postmenopausal health: a fac
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the impact of aromatherapy with citrus bergamia- lavandula angustifolia essential oil and/or mindfulness-based therapy on postmenopausal health: a fac
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
This study aimed to determine the effects of combined aromatherapy with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) essential oil (LEO) and Bergamot (Citrus×bergamia (Risso) Risso & Poit) essential oil (BEO) and/or mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) on menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, and serum cortisol.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effect of lavender and bergamot oil applied via inhalation on the anxiety level and sleep quality of surgical intensive care unit patients.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effect of lavender and bergamot oil applied via inhalation on the anxiety level and sleep quality of surgical intensive care unit patients.
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Due to numerous stressors in intensive care, common psychosocial problems arise in patients. Among these, decreased anxiety and sleep quality are observed. This study aims to determine the effect of lavender and bergamot oil applied by inhalation on anxiety and sleep quality in surgical intensive care unit patients.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in antioxidant-enriched diet on oxidative stress and inflammation gene expression: a randomized controlled trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in antioxidant-enriched diet on oxidative stress and inflammation gene expression: a randomized controlled trial.
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
24 participants
Duration
2 weeks
Results
two groups. Gene expression analysis highlighted an increase in MIF (p ≤ 0.05), PPARγ (p < 0.001), SOD1 (p ≤ 0.05), and VDR (p ≤ 0.05) expressions when comparing MedDiet and MedDiet + MAB juice groups. These data based on the nutrigenomics approach demonstrated that supplementing 2 weeks of MAB juice to the MedDiet could contribute to a reduction in the risk of CNCDs.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in chronic consumption of a bergamot-based beverage does not affect glucose, lipid and inflammatory biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in healthy subject
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in chronic consumption of a bergamot-based beverage does not affect glucose, lipid and inflammatory biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in healthy subject
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
12 weeks
Results
: This first randomized controlled trial of BBB consumption in healthy subjects showed no effects of BBB on the cardiometabolic risk profile. BBB consumption is a safe nutritional adjunct in the context of a well balanced diet.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the antioxidant power of bergamot polyphenolic fraction gold potentiates the effects of l-citrulline in athlete performance and vasodilation in a pilo
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the antioxidant power of bergamot polyphenolic fraction gold potentiates the effects of l-citrulline in athlete performance and vasodilation in a pilo
Dose
1000 mg daily
Participants
90 participants
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
N.O. Max supplementation, providing beneficial effects on the antioxidant state and preserving the vascular endothelium might be a supplementation strategy to improve athletic performance and potentiate results. Given the small sample size, this study serves as a pilot, and further research is needed to validate these findings on a larger scale.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effects of a novel nutraceutical combination on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other markers of cardiometabolic health in adults with hyp
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effects of a novel nutraceutical combination on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other markers of cardiometabolic health in adults with hyp
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
nd artichoke leaf extract individually but their effect when combined is unknown. This study investigated the effects of a novel nutraceutical combining plant sterols, bergamot extract, artichoke leaf extract and hydroxytyrosol (referred to as 'Cholesterol Balance'), on serum LDL-cholesterol (primary outcome), other cardiometabolic and oxidative stress markers in adults with hypercholesterolaemia.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the effect of a dietary supplement containing dry artichoke and bergamot extracts on
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the effect of a dietary supplement containing dry artichoke and bergamot extracts on
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
90 participants
Duration
6 weeks
Results
ovements in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, fatty liver index (FLI), hs-CRP, and endothelial reactivity were also detected compared to placebo ( p < 0.05 for all). Overall, these findings support the use of the tested dietary supplement containing dry extracts of bergamot and artichoke as a safe and effective approach for the prevention and management of a broad spectrum of cardiometabolic disorders.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in relieving psychological stress and improving sleep quality by bergamot essential oil use before bedtime and upon awakening: a randomized crossover tri
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in relieving psychological stress and improving sleep quality by bergamot essential oil use before bedtime and upon awakening: a randomized crossover tri
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
The COVID-19 pandemic increased psychological stress and decreased sleep quality, especially among young people. Aromatherapy alleviates psychological stress, and bergamot essential oil helps improve depression. This study aimed to verify whether bergamot essential oil use alleviates psychological stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic and improves sleep quality and morning wakefulness.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effect of aromatherapy intervention with bergamot and grapefruit essential oils on premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms: a randomized cont
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effect of aromatherapy intervention with bergamot and grapefruit essential oils on premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms: a randomized cont
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms adversely affect approximately 80-95% of women of reproductive age. Aromatherapy interventions are used to reduce premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms. This study was conducted to determine the effect of aromatherapy intervention with bergamot and grapefruit essential oils on premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effects of aromatherapy massage in menopausal women with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled study.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effects of aromatherapy massage in menopausal women with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled study.
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)'s prevalence increases during menopause. Aromatherapy massage with different oils is applied in the treatment of knee OA. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of aromatherapy massage with Bergamot essential oil (BEO) on pain, functionality, sleep quality and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women with knee OA.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Systematic reviews
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effect of herbal supplements on blood pressure: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effect of herbal supplements on blood pressure: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
lood pressure (DBP). The meta-analysis and review of the literature demonstrated that herbal supplements, such as resveratrol, cherry juice, beetroot juice, bergamot extracts, barberry, and pycnogenol, can be effective in blood pressure reduction and cardiovascular prevention, but attention should be paid to their appropriate dosage due to the possibility of side effects from the digestive system.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effect of bergamot (koksalgarry) supplementation on lipid profiles: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bergamot in the effect of bergamot (koksalgarry) supplementation on lipid profiles: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Dose
Bergamot (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
systematic review of the effects of nutraceuticals containing bergamot on lipid markers showed inconsistent results. The results showed that bergamot supplementation might improve lipid profiles. The findings for nutraceutical compounds containing bergamot were inconsistent. However, the clinical efficacy of bergamot on lipid profiles needs to be further established through higher-quality studies.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bergamot research
There are currently 23 peer-reviewed studies on Bergamot (Citrus bergamia (Bergamot Orange)), involving 603 total participants. Research covers Cholesterol & Lipid Management, Blood Sugar & Anti-inflammatory, Clinical trials and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (17 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Bergamot has been researched for: Cholesterol & Lipid Management, Blood Sugar & Anti-inflammatory, Clinical trials, Systematic reviews. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 17 out of 23 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
