Bergamot citrus polyphenol extract
What it is
The peel of bergamot oranges (Citrus bergamia, grown only in Calabria, Italy) is uniquely rich in polyphenols including brutieridin and melitidin, which inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (same target as statins) and PCSK9. The Mollace group in Italy has published multiple RCTs (from 2010 onwards) reporting 500–1,000 mg/day reduced LDL by roughly 24–36%, triglycerides by 30–39%, and improved fasting glucose over 30–180 days. The Huang 2021 Nutrients meta-analysis (12 trials) confirmed significant reductions in total and LDL cholesterol, though effect sizes were smaller than the Mollace single-centre trials. Caution: most positive evidence is concentrated in one research group — independent replication from other centres has been limited and less dramatic. Some interaction with statin metabolism via CYP3A4.
Dose
500–1,000 mg/day standardised Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction (BPF, 35–40% polyphenols); taken with meals
Time of day & tips
Take with a meal. May potentiate statin effects — if combining with statins, monitor for muscle symptoms. May mildly lower blood glucose — monitor if diabetic. Look for standardised extracts from Citrus bergamia specifically, not generic citrus polyphenols. Bergamot earl grey tea has negligible amounts.
Cycling
Safe for continuous daily use. Effects seen within 4–6 weeks. No established cycling protocol. Consider monitoring lipids at 8 weeks to assess response.
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