Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction
Also known as: Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction, BPF, Bergamot extract, Bergamot flavonoid fraction, Bergamot phytocomplex, Citrus bergamia Polyphenolic Fraction
Overview
Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF) is a water-soluble extract derived from the juice of Citrus bergamia, a citrus fruit primarily grown in Calabria, Italy. BPF is rich in flavonoids and other polyphenols, including naringin, neohesperidin, neoeriocitrin, brutieridin, and melitidin. It is primarily used as a dietary supplement to improve lipid profiles, support cardiovascular health, and regulate metabolic parameters such as glucose levels. BPF contains a high concentration (~47%) of these flavonoids, which are believed to contribute to its beneficial biological effects. Research maturity is moderate to advanced, with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses supporting its lipid-lowering and vascular benefits. The available evidence includes well-conducted RCTs with adequate sample sizes, confirming significant effects on lipid profiles and endothelial function.
Benefits
Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF) has demonstrated significant reductions in total cholesterol (up to ~25.7%), LDL cholesterol (~37.7%), and triglycerides (~31%) in human studies. It has also been shown to improve endothelial function by 22% and increase serum nitric oxide by 28%. Enhanced VO2 max by 14% and reduced heart rate at maximal exercise intensity by 8% indicate cardiovascular performance benefits. Some studies using a full bergamot phytocomplex have reported improvements in glucose metabolism and a reduction of inflammation markers. BPF regulates lipid metabolism at multiple levels, including the inhibition of pancreatic cholesteryl ester hydrolase and modulation of lipid transfer proteins, contributing to improved lipid transport and metabolism. These benefits have been demonstrated in healthy adults, athletes, and subjects with unbalanced metabolic parameters or hyperlipidemia. Effect sizes for endothelial function and nitric oxide increase ranged from 0.5 to 0.7, indicating moderate to large effects. Most studies report benefits after 4 to 12 weeks of supplementation.
How it works
Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF) works through several biological pathways. It inhibits pancreatic cholesteryl ester hydrolase, reducing cholesterol absorption in the intestine. BPF also modulates lipid transfer proteins, improving lipid transport in the bloodstream. The antioxidant polyphenols in BPF increase nitric oxide bioavailability, enhancing endothelial function. BPF acts on lipid metabolism pathways in the liver and intestine and improves vascular endothelial function via nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation. Known molecular targets include pancreatic cholesteryl ester hydrolase (inhibition), lipid transfer proteins (regulation), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (activation indirectly via increased NO). The water-soluble polyphenolic fraction allows good bioavailability, and co-administration with ascorbic acid may enhance stability and absorption.
Side effects
Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF) is generally well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported in RCTs. No significant side effects were reported in the analyzed studies. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported rarely in some studies, but not consistently. No rare side effects have been documented in high-quality trials. There are potential interactions with cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., statins) that have not been extensively studied, so caution is advised. No specific contraindications have been identified, but caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of data. Studies have mostly been conducted in adults, with limited data available for the elderly or children.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF) is around 650 mg twice daily (standardized to ~47% polyphenols). Optimal dosage ranges are typically 650 mg twice daily for 4 to 12 weeks, as commonly used in trials. The maximum safe dose has not been clearly established, but doses used in trials up to 1300 mg/day appear safe. It is typically administered twice daily with meals to enhance absorption. Water-soluble standardized extracts are preferred for consistent polyphenol content. Co-administration with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may improve stability and absorption. No specific cofactors are required, but vitamin C supplementation may be beneficial.
FAQs
Is BPF safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data are limited; short to medium-term use (up to 12 weeks) appears safe and well-tolerated.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Lipid profile improvements and vascular benefits typically appear within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use.
Can BPF replace statins?
BPF shows significant lipid-lowering effects but is not a substitute for prescribed statins; it may be considered as an adjunctive therapy.
Are there any known allergies?
No common allergies have been reported; caution is advised for individuals with known citrus allergies.
Does BPF affect exercise performance?
Some evidence suggests improved endothelial function and VO2 max in athletes, potentially enhancing exercise performance.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11545342/ – Mollace et al. (2018) found that supplementation with 650 mg BPF twice daily increased serum nitric oxide by 28%, improved endothelial function by 22%, and enhanced VO2 max by 14% compared to placebo in male cyclists. The study supports vascular and performance benefits in healthy adults, with moderate to large effect sizes.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8840352/ – A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 RCTs showed that bergamot supplementation significantly decreased total cholesterol by ~25.7%, LDL cholesterol by ~37.7%, and triglycerides by ~31%. This confirms robust lipid-lowering effects across multiple trials, supporting BPF as a potent nutraceutical for dyslipidemia management.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2019.1677554 – A comparative mechanistic study indicates that BPF reduces pancreatic cholesteryl ester hydrolase activity, limiting cholesterol absorption, and modulates lipid transfer proteins to improve lipid metabolism. It also reduces non-oxidized LDL release from the liver, contributing to improved lipid traffic and reduced atherogenic risk in hyperlipidemic and steatotic patients.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.7647 – This research provides a comprehensive review of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications of bergamot. It highlights the potential of bergamot extracts in managing metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the importance of standardized extracts for consistent therapeutic effects.
- https://www.archivesofmedicalscience.com/Metabolic-and-vascular-effect-of-a-new-standardized-bergamot-phytocomplex-a-three,163368,0,2.html – This study investigates the metabolic and vascular effects of a new standardized bergamot phytocomplex. The findings suggest that the phytocomplex has a positive impact on metabolic parameters and vascular function, supporting its use as a dietary supplement for improving cardiovascular health.