Bergamot Oil

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Bergamot oil is extracted from the peel of bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). In supplements, the polyphenol-rich juice and peel fraction (BPF, bergamot polyphenolic fraction) is more commonly used than the essential oil, particularly for lipid and cardiovascular support.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

LDL cholesterol reduction

Good Evidence

Multiple randomized trials have shown LDL and triglyceride reductions with BPF, with effect sizes that are modest but consistent.

How it works

Citrus bergamia contains a distinctive polyphenol profile including brutieridin and melitidin, which are structurally similar to statins and may inhibit HMG-CoA reductase. Multiple randomized trials have studied bergamot polyphenols for cholesterol reduction. The essential oil itself, used in aromatherapy, contains limonene, linalool, and linalyl acetate. Aromatherapy uses target stress and mood; oral use of pure essential oil should be carefully distinguished from the polyphenolic fraction.

Dosage

Bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) studies typically use 500 to 1,500 mg/day.

When and how to take it

BPF studies typically use once or twice daily with meals.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF)

Most clinical evidence is for this fraction, not the essential oil.

Standardized to specific flavonoids and statin-like compounds.

Bergamot essential oil

Photosensitizing; not interchangeable with BPF.

Used in aromatherapy; oral use is less studied.

Safety

BPF capsules are generally well tolerated. Essential oil contains bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen), which causes photosensitivity; topical use requires sun precautions. Oral bergamot essential oil at high doses can cause GI upset and photosensitivity.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. People on statins should discuss BPF use with a clinician. Caution with photosensitizing medications.

Interactions

Bergamot polyphenols may interact with statin medications by adding to HMG-CoA inhibition. Furanocoumarins can inhibit CYP3A4 similar to grapefruit, affecting medication levels.

Frequently asked questions

Does bergamot lower cholesterol?⌄

Yes, the bergamot polyphenolic fraction has shown modest LDL reductions in clinical trials. Effects are smaller than statins.

Is bergamot oil the same as bergamot extract?⌄

No. The essential oil and the BPF are different products with different evidence and safety profiles.

References

Bergamot Oil on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Bergamot Oil on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Bergamot Oil (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.