Citrus bergamot plus piperine - possible therapeutic use – QIDOSHA

Citrus bergamot plus piperine - possible therapeutic use

June 10, 2025from Patrick Linder

Citrus Bergamot Extract (CBE), obtained from the fruit Citrus bergamia Risso has gained increasing scientific attention due to its unique polyphenol profile.

Citrus bergamot extract represents a promising adjunctive therapy for cardiometabolic diseases, with evidence-based effects on lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, and systemic inflammation. The clinical data is robust for dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, while oncological applications require further human studies. The unique combination of melitidine, brutieridin, and flavonoid glucosides explains its broad spectrum of activity.

First, however, we will briefly examine the biochemical mechanisms of action:

Active ingredients and mechanisms of action

Citrus bergamot extract is rich in specific Bioflavonoids, including:

Naringin
Neoeriocitrin
Melitidin
Brutieridin

These substances exhibit multiple statin-like effects in vitro and in vivo – particularly through Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase (Statin-like effect) and AMPK activation, which leads to reduced cholesterol synthesis (see below). https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-clinica-e-investigacion-arteriosclerosis-english-415-articulo-functional-foods-nutraceuticals-in-treatment-S252991232300058X?utm ).

Piperine, the active ingredient from black pepper, is a Bioenhancer:

It inhibits enzymes such as CYP3A4 and efflux transporters in the intestine,
what the The absorption of plant-based active ingredients is significantly increased. (cf.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioenhancer )

Therapeutic applications

A) Heart/ Circulation

EffectStudies show LDL reduction of -12 % until –41 %, Total cholesterol –12 % until –31 %, HDL increase in up to 8 RCTs.
Most recommended daily dose: 500–1 000 mg (equivalent to 2 QIDOSHA capsules).
Length of time: At least 8–12 weeks, often with a progressive increase in effect over time.

1. LDL cholesterol &and total cholesterol

Randomized placebo-controlled trial (150 mg/day, 4 months, 64 participants) shows:

↓ LDL-C around 11.5 %
Total cholesterol decreased by 8.8 %
↑ HDL around 5.5 % (generally)
↓ oxidized LDL around 2 %, ↑ Paraoxonase-1 activity by 6.5 %
(cf.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39682955/ )

2. Lipid- &Blood glucose parameters in dyslipidemia

In one low-frequency dose out of 150 mg/day füThey endured 6 months of treatment:

↓ Total cholesterol
↓ Triglycerides
↓ LDL‑C significant; ↑ HDL significant.

Meta-analysis (12 RCTs):

Cholesterol decreases by 12–31% %; LDL-C by 7–41 %; Triglycerides by 11–40 %; HDL-C was significantly increased in 8 studiesöht (cf. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31670973/ )

3.Combination with artichoke extract

Combined administration of citrus bergamot and artichoke extract over 60 days
↓ Total &LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol
↓ Body weight and waist circumference
(cf.) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8746931/ )

B) Fatty liver && Insulin resistance

RCT (300 mg/day, 12 weeks, ≥50 years):

↓ Liver fat around ~48 % (vs. 27 % in placebo group)
Significant improvement in insulin sensitivity, lipid levels, and blood pressure. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1reddit.com+1 onlinelibrary.wiley.com.

C) Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Clinical studies demonstrate systemic effects:

Reduction of inflammatory markers:
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is reduced by 17.9%.
Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), a marker for oxidative stress, decreases by 22.2%.
Cellular mechanisms:
CBE suppresses NF-κB translocation and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) as well as PGE₂.

D) Potential oncological applications

Preclinical data suggest antitumor effects, however robust clinical studies in humans are lacking:

In-vitro and animal models:
Brutieridin and melitidin (excluding CBE flavonoids) inhibit mevalonate synthesis and reduce stem cell activity in breast cancer cells.
In a colon cancer model, CBE induces apoptosis and suppresses survival signals (survivin, p21).

Application recommendation

dosageTake 1 capsule in the morning (ideally before breakfast)/ATTENTION: for legal reasons we cannot recommend a quantity greater than 300mg.
Length of timeAt least 8–12 weeks; longer in cases of metabolic disorders.
Accompanying measures:

Low-fat, high-fiber diet
Sports (30–60 Minimum moderate exercisea(equal)
Blood checks (LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, if necessary.Liver values && blood sugar)

Dosages in studies

Application	Dose/day	Results
Dyslipidemia	500–1000 mg	↓ LDL-C to 41 %, ↓ Cholesterol, ↑ HDL
Hepatic steatosis	300 mg	↓ Liver fat ≈ 48 % üover 12 weeks
Body weight/BMI (Combination with artichoke)	400 mg Bergamot + 100 mg artichoke	Weight and waist circumference decreased in 60 days

Sensible combinations of dietary supplements

Scientifically sound and synergistically combined:

With artichoke extract (Cynara scolymus)
→ Supplement for liver & fat metabolism
→ Dosage: 400 mg Cynara + 300 mg Bergamot taThe same shows liver fat reduction.
With Coenzyme Q10
→ Supports statin therapy to reduce the risk of myopathy
With Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
→ Optimize lipid profile → combined LDL reduction &triglyceride reduction
With piperine (as included in the product)
→ Significantly increases the bioavailability of flavonoids (naringin, neoeriocitrin, etc.)

Possible drug interactions

· Cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g. B. Statins, Ezetimibe)

O Synergistic effect Possible – taking them together can further lower LDL, but also increase the potential for muscle pain (myalgia).

· Blood pressure or diabetes medication

O Bergamot has moderately lowers blood pressure and improves blood sugar levels – therefore, medical blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring is necessary to avoid risks.

Further information Sources:

Buchholz, June 2025

Citrus bergamot plus piperine - possible therapeutic use

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