A clinical study published in the journal Foods utilizing BERGAVIT (from Sicily-based Bionap), a standardized bergamot extract of Citrus bergamia, showed benefits to support healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.

The study showed that BERGAVIT significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) levels by 8.8% and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) by 11.5%. Other measures were also positive demonstrating that BERGAVIT offers a natural approach for cholesterol and lipid metabolism management, the company said.

“This recent clinical study aimed to investigate the short- and longer-term beneficial effect of BERGAVIT and confirm the results of the first clinical trial,” said Vincenzo Zaccaria, PhD, R&D manager for Bionap. “There was a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels along with further results indicating that BERGAVIT is a natural way to manage healthy cholesterol levels.”

The study’s objective was to demonstrate the effectiveness of BERGAVIT on cholesterol and lipid management. The study was randomized, double blind and placebo-controlled where participants received either a dietary supplement containing 150 mg/day of BERGAVIT or a placebo daily for 4 months with checkpoints at 1-month intervals.

BERGAVIT is a standardized and upcycled extract produced from the juice of bergamot citrus which has a long history of use in Italian remedies for cholesterol and cardiovascular health. Cultivated primarily on the Italian coast, it is widespread in Calabria where it is grown and sourced by Bionap. Bergamot juice is a co-product of essential oil production.