What does the evidence show about Citrus bergamot's effects?

Read Off Label rates the evidence for Citrus bergamot as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as moderate, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.1/10). Italian research tradition produced most trials.

What safety findings are reported for Citrus bergamot?

Citrus bergamot has a low risk profile in the database. Low (rare GI upset) Legal status: OTC.

What doses or routes are reported for Citrus bergamot?

500-1000 mg/day standardized extract (BPF — Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction) This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.

Rankings / Metabolic Health

Citrus bergamot

Metabolic Health · Polyphenol extract

Tier B+

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed Jul 16, 2026 · How we grade

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7.1 / 10

Tier B+

Ev 6 Bn 5 Sf 9

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Citrus bergamot as B+ (7.1/10) based on moderate evidence, moderate benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.

Italian research tradition produced most trials.

Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 500-1000 mg/day standardized extract (BPF — Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction) — OTC; not individualized guidance.

What the evidence says

Italian research tradition produced most trials. Mollace 2011 and follow-ups consistent for moderate lipid effects. Small trials report lipid changes; cardiovascular outcome evidence is absent. Product standardization varies; cited trials used standardized bergamot polyphenolic fractions, including preparations reporting ≥38% polyphenols.

Mechanism

Standardized flavonoid extract (naringin, neohesperidin, melitidin, brutieridin); proposed HMG-CoA reductase modulation and AMPK activation; moderate lipid-lowering

Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route

500-1000 mg/day standardized extract (BPF — Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction)

This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.

Citations

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Common questions

What does the evidence show about Citrus bergamot's effects?: Read Off Label rates the evidence for Citrus bergamot as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as moderate, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.1/10). Italian research tradition produced most trials.
What safety findings are reported for Citrus bergamot?: Citrus bergamot has a low risk profile in the database. Low (rare GI upset) Legal status: OTC.
What doses or routes are reported for Citrus bergamot?: 500-1000 mg/day standardized extract (BPF — Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction) This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
How does Citrus bergamot work?: Standardized flavonoid extract (naringin, neohesperidin, melitidin, brutieridin); proposed HMG-CoA reductase modulation and AMPK activation; moderate lipid-lowering

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.