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Botanical

Bergamot

Bergamot, Citrus bergamia, is a bitter citrus fruit grown mainly in Calabria in southern Italy. Its peel oil flavors Earl Grey tea.

Also listed as Citrus bergamia, Bergamot orange, Citrus Bergamot, Bergamot Extract

CardiovascularLongevityWeight ManagementGut HealthCognition

Does it lower cholesterol?

A 2020 review found that most of 12 human studies reported improvements in blood lipids, but study quality and preparations varied. The newer synthesis of nine randomized trials also found lower LDL cholesterol, with very low certainty. 1 2

Cholesterol balanceToo little evidence

The signal is encouraging, but differences between trials make the size of any benefit difficult to predict. 2

What about blood sugar?

The 2026 analysis found lower glucose in participants studied for abnormal blood lipids or metabolic syndrome. Large differences between trials and very low certainty limit its use as evidence for diabetes treatment. 2

Blood sugarToo little evidence

Changes in a blood marker do not establish long-term diabetes benefits. 2

Why study antioxidant effects?

The 2026 review describes animal experiments in which bergamot polyphenols reduced oxidative injury during doxorubicin-induced heart damage. That supports a research hypothesis, not a demonstrated protective treatment for people receiving chemotherapy. 2

Oxidative stressToo little evidence

The animal findings do not establish a clinical antioxidant benefit. 2

Can it replace established treatment?

The available trials mainly examine short-term risk markers. They do not establish prevention of heart attacks or justify replacing established cholesterol-lowering treatment. 2

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.

Weight Management2 effects

Blood sugarWeight ManagementModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Weight lossWeight ManagementSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Gut Health1 effect

Gut healthSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Cognition1 effect

Mental SpeedCognitionSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · low confidenceEvidence record

All studies

6 publications are linked to Bergamot, newest first.

Biological effects of bergamot and its potential therapeutic use as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer agent2023A network meta-analysis on the comparative effect of nutraceuticals on lipid profile in adults.2022Effect of bergamot on lipid profile in humans: A systematic review2020The synergistic effect of Citrus bergamia and Cynara cardunculus extracts on vascular inflammation and oxidative stress in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease2020Efficacy of bergamot: From anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations2019The effect of bergamot on dyslipidemia.2016

Sources

  1. Effect of bergamot on lipid profile in humans: A systematic review Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2020 · Study record