SAFE

Bergamot Extract

Citrus bergamia
Possibly Safe V4 Verified Herbs & Botanicals
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Upper Safe Limit
No UL established; 500-1,500mg BPF/day
PubMed Studies
4
PubChem CID
About

Bergamot polyphenol fraction (BPF) is one of the most studied plant extracts for cholesterol management. Randomised trials show LDL reduction of 20-35%, comparable to low-dose statin. Italy has 10+ RCTs published.

How it works (mechanism of action)

Brutieridin and melitidin inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (same mechanism as statins). Naringenin activates AMPK. Neohesperidin improves endothelial function. Reduces PCSK9 expression increasing LDL receptor activity.

📊 Effectiveness
Cholesterol reduction
Evidence Grade B · 10 studies · n=880
Possibly Effective

Evidence grades: A=Strong RCT evidence · B=Good clinical trials · C=Limited trials · D=Preliminary/traditional

👥 Safety by Population
PopulationSafety RatingMax Safe Dose
GeneralPossibly safeNot established
PregnancyPossibly safeNot established
ElderlyPossibly safeNot established
🚫 Contraindications & Warnings

Generally safe. May lower blood sugar — monitor in diabetics. Potential statin interaction (additive). Bergapten content — photosensitising with topical application (not relevant for oral supplement). No serious safety concerns at studied doses.

💊 Drug Interactions (5)
🟡 Statins
Moderate
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Management: Monitor for muscle pain and weakness (myopathy signs) if combining with statins.
🟡 Warfarin
Moderate
Anticoagulants
Management: Monitor INR. Bergamot may increase warfarin levels.
🟡 Cyclosporine
Moderate
Immunosuppressants
Management: Monitor cyclosporine levels. Avoid high-dose bergamot extract in transplant patients.
🟡 Statins (CYP3A4)
Moderate
Statins
Management: Monitor for myopathy. Equivalent to grapefruit juice interaction.
⚪ Antidiabetics
Minor
Antidiabetics
Management: Monitor blood glucose. Generally safe and potentially beneficial.
🏷️ Other Names
Citrus bergamia
Updated: 2026-03-31
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