The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in Foods, assessed the effects of 150 mg daily of standardized flavonoids in Bergavit in adults with dyslipidemia over a four-month period.
“This recent clinical study aimed to investigate the short- and longer-term beneficial effect of Bergavit and confirm the results of the first clinical trial,” said Vincenzo Zaccaria, PhD, R&D manager for Bionap, in a press release.
“There was a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels along with further results indicating that Bergavit is a natural way to manage healthy cholesterol levels,” he added.
What is Bergavit?
Bergavit is Bionap’s standardized bergamot extract from the juice of the bergamot plant, Citrus bergamia.
Bergamot is widespread in the Calabria area of Italy and has historically been used in traditional Italian remedies to support cardiovascular health and healthy cholesterol levels.
The flavonoids in bergamot can influence lipid metabolism pathways, promoting fatty acid oxidation and beneficial cholesterol profiles.
The researchers noted that bergamot flavonoids enhance LDL receptor activity, contributing to “a significant reduction in circulating LDL-C levels and a favorable shift from small, dense LDL particles to larger, less atherogenic subfractions, thereby improving the overall lipid profile.”
Other studies indicate that bergamot’s antioxidant properties may help prevent LDL oxidation and vasoconstriction. However, they also point out that inconsistent cholesterol results may occur due to variability in the preparations researchers use. The current researchers noted this variability when evaluating the effects of Bergavit on HDL levels.
Previous literature suggests that for every 1% reduction in LDL-C, the risk of cardiovascular disease decreases by roughly 1%, underscoring the supplement’s potential to support dyslipidemia and promote metabolic health.
Study details
The study involved 64 healthy adults between the ages of 40 and 70 with untreated dyslipidemia. They were randomized to take 375 mg of Bergavit containing 150 mg of standardized flavonoids, including neohesperidin, naringin and neoeriocitrin or placebo, for four months.
Cholesterol markers, weight, blood pressure, and hepatic and renal function were measured at one-month intervals.
The results revealed that in the active group, LDL-C levels reduced by 7.2%, 8.8% and 11.5% at two, three and four months, respectively. For the same checkpoints, the reduction in TC was 5.2%, 6.4% and 8.8%, respectively.
The researchers noted that “the product’s effect on HDL-C was not as clear as its effect on LDL-C” as it increased after three months but then was statistically borderline at four months.
They noted the lack of a follow-up and monitored dietary intake, which should both be considered in future research.
Source: Foods 2024, 13, 3883. doi: 10.3390/foods13233883, “Citrus bergamia Extract, a Natural Approach for Cholesterol and Lipid Metabolism Management: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial,“ Authors: A. Spina et al.