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Bergamot

Its use as a flavoring in Earl Grey tea and its emerging role in natural cholesterol management supplements.

Evidence · Grade B
Human trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction risk

Bergamot is a citrus-derived supplement often explored as an alternative or adjunct for managing high cholesterol. It contains unique flavonoids that may influence lipid profiles, though more comparative human trials are needed.

Last reviewed June 13, 2026 · AI-assisted, human-reviewed
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a fragrant citrus fruit primarily grown in the Calabria region of Italy. Traditionally used in cosmetics and as a flavoring agent in Earl Grey tea, it has gained attention in nutritional science for its distinct phytochemical profile. The fruit contains unique flavonoids, such as neoeriocitrin, naringin, and neohesperidin, which have been investigated for their potential impact on lipid metabolism. While many consumers seek bergamot as a natural alternative to conventional lipid-lowering therapies like statins, researchers emphasize that its efficacy and safety profile require more rigorous clinical validation to match standard pharmacological treatments.

Quick answer

What it is: Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a fragrant citrus fruit primarily grown in the Calabria region of Italy.

May support:High Cholesterol

Evidence:Evidence · Grade B

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade B

Narrative reviews of dietary supplements suggest that bergamot may offer a therapeutic option for individuals seeking alternatives to statins due to side effects. Clinical interest is driven by its high concentration of antioxidant flavonoids which are hypothesized to improve cardiovascular markers, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

Bergamot flavonoids are thought to inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, similar to the mechanism of statins, and may increase the excretion of fecal bile acids, thereby potentially lowering LDL cholesterol.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
Research studies have commonly used bergamot extract dosages ranging from 500 mg to 1500 mg per day, often standardized to contain a certain percentage of polyphenols, taken over periods of 3 to 6 months.
Typical forms
capsule, essential oil, juice, tea
Quality markers
Look for products standardized to contain specific flavonoid concentrations, such as bergamottin or other polyphenols. Reputable manufacturers often provide third-party testing for purity and potency.
Medication interactions
  • Statins (potential for additive effects or increased side effects)
  • Photosensitizing drugs (increased risk of skin reactions)
Avoid if
  • Taking photosensitizing medications
  • Known allergy to citrus fruits
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient data)

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Suggested dosage

Research studies have commonly used bergamot extract dosages ranging from 500 mg to 1500 mg per day, often standardized to contain a certain percentage of polyphenols, taken over periods of 3 to 6 months.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Flavonoids (e.g., naringin, neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin, brutieridin, melitidin), bergapten, bergamottin, limonene, linalool, linalyl acetate.

Traditional use

Historically, bergamot essential oil has been used in traditional Italian folk medicine for its antiseptic and wound-healing properties. It has also been used aromatically to alleviate stress and improve mood. The fruit's juice has been consumed for general wellness.

Safety

Safety warnings

Bergamot may cause photosensitivity when applied topically. In oral form, it may interact with medications that are substrates of certain cytochrome P450 enzymes. Individuals on cholesterol-lowering medications should consult a healthcare provider to avoid potential additive effects.

Avoid if

  • Taking photosensitizing medications
  • Known allergy to citrus fruits
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient data)

Medication interactions

  • Statins (potential for additive effects or increased side effects)
  • Photosensitizing drugs (increased risk of skin reactions)

Reported side effects

  • Photosensitivity (topical essential oil)
  • Skin irritation (topical essential oil)
  • Muscle cramps (high oral doses)
  • Heartburn (oral)

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (B)

Narrative reviews of dietary supplements suggest that bergamot may offer a therapeutic option for individuals seeking alternatives to statins due to side effects. Clinical interest is driven by its high concentration of antioxidant flavonoids which are hypothesized to improve cardiovascular markers, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

Filter by source type

Observational Studies(1)

Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.

Moderate Quality

  • Efficacy, side effects, adherence, affordability, and procurement of dietary supplements for treating hypercholesterolemia: a narrative review.

    von Känel-Cordoba I, Wirnitzer K, Weiss K, Nikolaidis PT, Devrim-Lanpir A, Hill L · Journal of health, population, and nutrition · 2024

    Statins are effective in reducing high cholesterol levels; however, due to associated side effects, many patients actively seek alternative medications. This review evaluates the efficacy, side effects, patient adherence, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility of dietary supplements (DS) as a treatment option for hypercholesterolemia. This narrative review compares red yeast rice (RYR), flaxseed, artichokes, bergamot, Ayurvedic mixtures (with garlic as a prominent ingredient), and statins for treating hypercholesterolemia. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for studies published between 2012 and 2024 using "hypercholesterolemia" in combination with a dietary supplement (red yeast rice, flaxseed, artichokes, garlic, or bergamot). The selected articles were published until 28th January 2024 with no language restrictions. Study results suggest that alternative treatments using dietary supplements such as flaxseed, bergamot, or red yeast rice may effectively reduce cholest

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

Clinical Trial Registries(1)

Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Moderate Quality

  • The Effect of Aromatherapy Application With Bergamot and Grapefruit Essential Oils on Premenstrual Syndrome and Menstrual Symptoms

    n=90 · NCT06289764 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

    Aromatherapy is;the science of using highly concentrated essential oils or essences distilled from plants to take advantage of their therapeutic properties. Essential oils or essences are obtained from various parts of plants (root, leaf, flower, bark, fruit) and used therapeutically for physical and psychological well-being. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a health problem characterized by the periodic occurrence of physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, ending with the onset of menstruation or with the alleviation of symptoms within a few days after the onset of menstruation. It is reported that approximately 80-95% of women complain of PMS complaints. Although the use of aromatherapy in womens health is widespread, there is no study comparing bergamot and grapefruit essential oils. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy with bergamot and grapefruit essential oils on premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms.

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality

Limitations: Current evidence is constrained by a lack of large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials. Some available data focuses on aromatherapy applications rather than oral supplementation for cholesterol, leading to a need for more standardized dosing studies in hypercholesterolemia populations.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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