The effect of bergamot on dyslipidemia

Abstract

Background: Statins are the most common used lipid lowering drugs but they may cause adverse effects and despite their well-established therapeutic benefits residual cardiovascular (CV) risk remains. The use of other lipid lowering drugs and nutraceuticals alone or as add-on lipid-modifying therapy can be an option in such cases. Several studies have reported health-related properties of the Citrus fruits, among which bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) differs from others by particularly high content of certain compounds.

Purpose: This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on the effects of bergamot on lipid parameters based on studies involving animals and humans.

Main evidence: This natural supplement may lead to effective lipid-lowering treatment. Its lipid-lowering activity is attributed to different flavonoids. However, the exact mechanisms involved remain unclear.

Conclusion: It is expected that ongoing and future studies will confirm the benefit of bergamot in dyslipidemic and other cardiometabolic disorders, potentially leading to reduced overall CV risk.

Keywords: Bergamot; Cardiovascular risk; Dyslipidemia; LDL cholesterol.