Citrus Bergamot plus piperine - possible therapeutic use – QIDOSHA

Citrus Bergamot plus piperine - possible therapeutic use

June 06/10/25, 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 adjuvant therapy for cardiometabolic diseases, with evidence-based effects on lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, and systemic inflammation. The clinical data for dyslipidemia and insulin resistance are robust, while oncological applications require further human studies. The unique combination of melitidine, brutieridine, and flavonoid glucosides explains the broad efficacy profile.

First, let us briefly look at the biochemical mechanisms of action:

Active ingredients and mechanisms of action

Citrus bergamot extract is rich in specific Bioflavonoids, including:

Naringin
Neoeriocitrin
Melitidine
Brutieridine

These substances show 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 (cf. https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-clinica-e-investigacion-arteriosclerosis-english-415-articulo-functional-foods-nutraceuticals-in-treatment-S252991232300058X?utm ).

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

It inhibits enzymes such as CYP3A4 and efflux transporters in the intestine,
what the Significantly increases the absorption of herbal active ingredients (cf. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioenhancer )

Therapeutic applications

A) Heart/Circulation

Effect: Studies show LDL reduction by -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 capsules of QIDOSHA).
Length of time: At least 8–12 weeks, often progressive increase in effect over time.

1. LDL cholesterol & total cholesterol

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

↓ LDL‑C by 11.5 %
↓ Total cholesterol by 8.8 %
↑ HDL at 5.5 % (tendency)
↓ oxidized LDL by 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 of 150 mg/day fü6 months of treatment resulted in:

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

Meta-analysis (12 RCTs):

↓ Cholesterol 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 by ~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 of oxidative stress, decreases by 22.2%.
Cellular mechanisms:
CBE suppresses NF-κB translocation and reduces the production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and PGE₂.

D) Potential oncological applications

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

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

Recommended use

dosage: Take 1 capsule in the morning (ideally before breakfast)/ATTENTION: for legal reasons we are not allowed to recommend a larger amount than 300mg.
Length of time: At least 8–12 weeks; longer in cases of metabolic disorders.
Accompanying measures:

Low-fat, high-fiber diet
Sports (30–60 Min. moderate exercise tä(same)
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
Liver steatosis	300 mg	↓ Liver fat ≈ 48 % üover 12 weeks
Body weight/BMI (Combo with artichoke)	400 mg Bergamot + 100 mg artichoke	↓ Weight, waist circumference in 60 days

Useful nutritional supplement combinations

Scientifically proven and synergistically combined:

With artichoke extract (Cynara scolymus)
→ Supplement for liver & lipid metabolism
→ Dosage: 400 mg Cynara + 300 mg Bergamot täshow 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 & triglyceride reduction
With piperine (as contained 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 discomfort (myalgia).

· Blood pressure or diabetes medication

O Bergamot works moderately antihypertensive and improves blood sugar levels – therefore medical blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring is necessary to avoid risks.

Further Sources:

Buchholz in June 2025

Citrus Bergamot plus piperine - possible therapeutic use

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