Bergamot Extract Enhances Statin's Effects

BRADENTON, Flor.Supplementation with bergamot polyphenolic extract enhanced effects of rosuvastatin, a common cholesterol-lowering statin drug. According to the new research published in International Journal of Cardiology, bergamont extract exhibits antilipidemic and vasoprotective effects beneficial to patients with high cholesterol (Int J Cardiol. 2013 Dec 10;170).

In the 30-day, open-label, placebo-controlled study, 77 patients with serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides were separated into one of five groups: a placebo group, two groups taking rosuvastatin (10 and 20 mg/daily), a group receiving Bergamonte extact (from HP Ingredients) alone orally (1000 mg/daily) and a group receiving Bergamonte extract (1000 mg/daily) plus rosuvastatin (10 mg/daily).

Administration of rosuvastatin and Bergamonte reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and the LDL/HDL (high-density lipoprotein) ratio in hyperlipidemic patients compared to the control group. Researchers noted 1000 mg of Bergamonte improved HDL cholesterol and reduced triglycerides better than 10 mg of rovustatin.

"For millions of adults living with elevated cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia), statins are the pharmaceutical protocol to try to lower those levels into healthy ranges," explains Annie Eng, CEO of HP Ingredients. "However, patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome do not achieve the recommended cholesterol target with statins alone."