Citrus bergamot and berberine are two traditional medicines often compared to one another due to their similar health effects, particularly for cholesterol and blood sugar regulation.
In order to make the best decision, read our entire article to see the similarities and differences between citrus bergamot vs. berberine, as well as which one is most effective.
We also dig into the benefits of taking citrus bergamot and berberine together, as well as our top supplement recommendation called Berbercol, which combines both herbs into one fantastic formula for heart health.
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Citrus Bergamot Overview:
Citrus bergamot (Citrus bergamia), also known as bergamot orange or sour orange, is a citrus fruit that has been used in traditional medicine for many years. It is native to a southern region in Italy known as Calabria.
Traditionally, citrus bergamot was used for fevers and parasitic diseases. Modern research shows that citrus bergamot has many benefits, such as for cholesterol and blood sugar.
Citrus bergamot is also specifically used to make Earl Grey tea, which is made by combining black tea leaves and bergamot oil extracted from the rind.
Below is an overview of the primary health benefits of citrus bergamot.
1. May Improve Cholesterol Levels
Citrus bergamot has been proven to improve cholesterol levels, according to many clinical trials. This is arguably the most well-researched benefit of citrus bergamot.
For example, one clinical trial found that citrus bergamot supplementation significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, while also increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Another clinical study showed that citrus bergamot flavonoids greatly improved cholesterol profiles, including reductions in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, alongside an increase in HDL cholesterol.
These are just two of several clinical trials which all show the health benefits of citrus bergamot for cholesterol.
Researchers have discovered that citrus bergamot improves cholesterol by inhibiting the HMG Coa-reductase enzyme, which ultimately leads to less cholesterol produced. Moreover, citrus bergamot is able to help remove cholesterol from the blood, inhibits LDL oxidation, and offers general anti-inflammatory effects.
2. May Lower Blood Sugar
Citrus bergamot also appears effective for lowering blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity.
One clinical trial on individuals with type 2 diabetes found that supplementing with citrus bergamot extract led to a significant decrease in blood sugar compared to the placebo.
Another clinical study on obese adults with high blood sugar and metabolic syndrome showed that citrus bergamot supplementation markedly decreased blood sugar levels and improved body composition. This study also showed that bergamot improved insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance.
Researchers have also found that citrus bergamot is effective for lowering blood sugar in both patients with high blood sugar and normal blood sugar levels, which suggests both mitigative and preventive effects.
Citrus bergamot seems to work for blood sugar control by enhancing AMP kinase (AMPK) and other enzymes involved in sugar metabolism. Additionally, citrus bergamot appears to be able to help improve insulin sensitivity, which leads to improved blood sugar levels.
3. May Help With Weight Loss
Somewhat tied into the point above is that citrus bergamot is also beneficial for weight loss and body fat reduction.
One clinical trial on older adults with high cholesterol showed that those given citrus bergamot had a lower body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) compared to the placebo group.
Another clinical study on patients with metabolic syndrome discovered that bergamot supplementation led to decreases in body weight and BMI, alongside notable improvements in various hormonal markers related to metabolism and weight management.
Citrus bergamot supplements seem to work for weight loss in a few ways, such as by increasing the activity of enzymes involved in fat and sugar metabolism. Furthermore, citrus bergamot improves the function of ghrelin and leptin, which are hormones involved in hunger and satiety. Lastly, the general anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of bergamot may be beneficial for weight loss.
4. May Reduce Inflammation
Another potential benefit of citrus bergamot is reduced inflammation.
One clinical trial on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease revealed that citrus bergamot supplementation led to reductions in c-reactive protein (CRP) and other markers of inflammation.
Another clinical study found that citrus bergamot supplementation decreased a variety of inflammatory markers in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.
Citrus bergamot works for inflammation due to its high presence of flavonoids and other antioxidant compounds. These can