Randomized Clinical Trial Finds That Natural Extract from Citrus Bergamia Offers Promise for Cholesterol Management
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 01, 2024 9 hours, 50 minutes ago
Medical News: A groundbreaking study has revealed that an extract derived from Citrus bergamia, commonly known as bergamot, may provide a natural and effective way to manage cholesterol and lipid metabolism. Conducted by a team of Italian researchers from Nutratech S.r.l., the University of Calabria, Bionap S.r.l., and other leading institutions, this study highlights the potential of natural supplements in combating high cholesterol and related health risks.
Randomized Clinical Trial Finds That Natural Extract from Citrus Bergamia Offers
Promise for Cholesterol Management
This
Medical News report explores the findings of this clinical trial, which was published in a peer-reviewed journal. It offers insights into how bergamot extract could support individuals with high cholesterol levels through a scientifically validated approach.
Cholesterol Management and the Need for Alternatives
Cholesterol, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL), plays a significant role in cardiovascular health. While pharmaceutical interventions like statins are widely used, they often come with side effects such as muscle pain, increased blood sugar levels, and liver complications. These concerns have sparked interest in natural solutions that can support lipid metabolism without adverse effects.
The study focused on the efficacy of a bergamot extract standardized for flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant-based compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The trial was conducted over four months and involved 64 participants with borderline high LDL cholesterol. Half of the participants received the bergamot extract, while the others were given a placebo.
Key Findings of the Study
The results were striking. By the end of the trial, participants who received the bergamot extract showed a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels, along with an improvement in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Specifically:
-LDL cholesterol dropped by 11.5% in the bergamot group, moving many participants from a high-risk category to borderline levels.
-Total cholesterol decreased by 8.8%, showing a steady decline over the four months.
-HDL cholesterol, often referred to as "good cholesterol," increased by 5.5%, a trend that was nearly statistically significant.
-The placebo group, in contrast, showed no significant changes in cholesterol levels.
-Another notable finding was the reduction in oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), a marker of oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk, which decreased by 2% in the bergamot group. Additionally, the study observed a 6.5% increase in paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, an enzyme associated with protective cardiovascular effects.
Safety and Additional Benefits
The study also assessed the safety of bergamot extract by m
onitoring secondary endpoints, including liver and kidney function, blood glucose levels, and blood pressure. All indicators remained stable, confirming that the extract was well-tolerated. Interestingly, systolic blood pressure decreased by 7% in the bergamot group, indicating potential additional cardiovascular benefits.
Triglycerides, another lipid parameter, were reduced by 16.7% in the bergamot group, compared to a modest reduction of 7.4% in the placebo group. While this difference was not statistically significant, it suggests a positive trend worth further exploration.
The Science Behind Bergamot's Effects
The lipid-lowering properties of bergamot are attributed to its rich flavonoid content, including neohesperidin, naringin, and neoeriocitrin. These compounds work through multiple mechanisms:
-They enhance the clearance of LDL cholesterol by increasing the activity of LDL receptors.
-They promote fatty acid oxidation and reduce the synthesis of triglycerides.
-They exhibit powerful antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
These actions collectively contribute to improved lipid profiles and reduced cardiovascular risk.
A Natural Ally for Cardiovascular Health
Bergamot extract offers a promising alternative or complementary approach for individuals seeking to manage cholesterol levels naturally. The study's findings align with previous research on bergamot's lipid-lowering effects, strengthening the evidence for its efficacy. This is especially significant for individuals who cannot tolerate statins or prefer natural interventions.
Conclusions
The study highlights the potential of Citrus bergamia extract as a natural solution for cholesterol and lipid metabolism management. Over four months, participants experienced significant improvements in LDL and total cholesterol levels, as well as enhanced HDL cholesterol and PON1 activity. These changes suggest a reduced risk of cardiovascular events.
For those seeking natural alternatives to conventional cholesterol-lowering medications, bergamot extract provides a scientifically backed option. While further research is needed to explore long-term effects and optimize dosing, this study marks an important step toward integrating natural compounds into mainstream cardiovascular care.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Foods.
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/23/3883
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