Bergamot Extract (BPF)
The Italian citrus's polyphenol-rich extract lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides comparably to mild statin doses — without the muscle pain.
Strong for LDL reduction (20–30%), triglycerides, and HDL improvement. Comparable to mild statin doses in head-to-head trials. Effects: 4–12 weeks.
Citrus bergamia (the same fruit that gives Earl Grey tea its flavour) yields Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF), a standardised extract with significant lipid-lowering activity. Multiple Italian RCTs (Mollace, Gliozzi) show LDL reduction of 20–30%, triglyceride reduction of 25–35%, and HDL increases — comparable to low-dose statins. Mechanism: HMG-CoA reductase inhibition (the same target as statins), without the muscle-pain side-effect profile. Useful as alternative or adjunct for those who don't tolerate statins.
- Form
- Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF) or Bergavit (40% flavonoid) standardised extracts.
- Dose
- 500–1,500 mg/day. Most trials use 500–1,000 mg standardised extract.
- Timing
- With food. AM or split AM/PM.
- Schedule
- Daily.
- Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI upset, heartburn occasionally.
- Interactions
- Statins — additive effect (often beneficial — can allow lower statin dose). CYP3A4 substrates — bergamot is a CYP3A4 inhibitor (similar to grapefruit). Anticoagulants — mild interaction.
- Contraindications
- On CYP3A4-sensitive medications (calcium channel blockers, certain statins, sirolimus) without monitoring. Pregnancy.
- Lab markers
- Lipid panel (LDL, HDL, triglycerides). hs-CRP.
- Food sources
- Bergamot oranges aren't commonly eaten — too bitter. Extract is the practical form.
Pairs with
CoQ10 (mitigates muscle effects). Omega-3, garlic, niacin (lipid stack). Berberine (additive lipid effect).
within Herbs & botanicals