Native to Italy, bergamot’s growing popularity in supplements is driven by promising, yet inconclusive, studies on its role in improving cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and controlling blood sugar, while safety concerns warrant caution.
Bergamot, the citrus fruit best known for giving Earl Grey tea its distinctive aroma, is drawing renewed interest as researchers examine its possible role in supporting heart health and metabolic function. Native to southern Italy, the fruit is too bitter to eat fresh, but its juice, peel and oils are increasingly used in supplements and extracts. According to Health and other medical outlets, the appeal lies in bergamot’s polyphenols and flavonoids, compounds that have been linked to changes in cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Those possible benefits are most often discussed in relation to blood lipids. Healthline says bergamot may help reduce total cholesterol and LDL, often called “bad” cholesterol, while potentially increasing HDL, or “good” cholesterol. A review of clinical studies published on PubMed found that oral bergamot has repeatedly shown cholesterol-lowering effects in trials lasting from about a month to three months, although researchers noted that the exact form and dose remain unsettled. Cleveland Clinic has been more cautious, saying the evidence is still too limited to recommend bergamot as a reliable treatment for lowering LDL.
Researchers are also exploring whether bergamot may help with inflammation and glucose control. Medical News Today reported that some studies suggest it could reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar and possibly reduce cardiovascular risk, but larger human trials are still needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. That caution matters because supplements are not regulated in the same way as medicines, meaning products can vary widely in strength and composition.
Safety is another consideration. Healthline and WebMD both warn that bergamot may increase sensitivity to sunlight when applied to the skin, which can raise the risk of irritation or burns. WebMD also notes that the supplement’s effects are not fully defined and that it can interact with other medicines. For that reason, people taking diabetes or cholesterol drugs, or anyone with an existing medical condition, are generally advised to speak with a clinician before using bergamot supplements.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
