Exploratory Study on Citrus Bergamia Extract for Older Adults
Understanding Dyslipidemia and Its Risks
A recent exploratory study aimed to examine the benefits of Citrus bergamia extract supplementation for older adults suffering from dyslipidemia and obesity. Dyslipidemia is characterized by abnormal levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, or fat phospholipids in the bloodstream. Being overweight, coupled with an elevated lipid profile, presents a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This condition contributes to vascular injury through inflammation and oxidative stress.
Treatment Approaches for Dyslipidemia
Current treatments focus on normalizing cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis and mitigating vascular damage. Statins are the most commonly prescribed medications for managing dyslipidemia. However, for individuals with high blood pressure and glucose levels, statin therapy may not suffice in normalizing lipid profiles. Furthermore, statins can lead to side effects, including muscle weakness and liver complications, which highlights the need for alternative treatment options.
Non-Pharmacological Nutritional Treatments
Nutritional treatments and supplements are increasingly recognized as effective and safe methods for managing various health conditions. These interventions often carry fewer side effects and can simultaneously address multiple health issues. Research has indicated that nutritional treatments for dyslipidemia can improve blood lipid profiles while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Citrus Bergamia: A Promising Supplement
Citrus bergamia, commonly known as bergamot, is a citrus fruit native to China and Calabria, Italy. Rich in flavonoids, bergamot has demonstrated the ability to lower blood lipid levels while offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
The Recent Study on Citrus Bergamia Extract
A recent study published in *Lipids in Health and Disease* assessed the safety and efficacy of Citrus bergamia extract supplementation on cholesterol levels in older adults with high blood pressure and glucose. Conducted in Shanghai, China, the study involved 98 male and female participants, averaging 65 years of age, all presenting elevated blood lipid levels at the study’s outset.
Participants were randomly divided into either the treatment or placebo groups. The treatment group received CitriCholess, a formulation containing 500 mg of Citrus bergamia juice extract daily, while the placebo group was given capsules with vegetable oil. The trial was double-blinded, ensuring that neither participants nor researchers were aware of the assigned treatments. Participants underwent physical examinations and blood analyses to assess total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and fasting glucose levels. Measurements of body weight, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index (BMI) were also taken at the start and after a 12-week follow-up.
Effects of Citrus Bergamia Supplementation
Results indicated that after 12 weeks of supplementation with CitriCholess, participants experienced a significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels compared to the placebo group. Additionally, those receiving CitriCholess showed decreases in body weight, waist circumference, and BMI.
Previous Research on Bergamot
Numerous animal studies have previously highlighted the lipid-reducing effects of bergamot. A handful of clinical studies in recent years have also explored its impact on dyslipidemia and blood glucose reduction.
Mechanism of Action of Bergamot
The precise mechanisms by which bergamot lowers cholesterol and lipids remain unclear. It is hypothesized that flavonoids such as buteridine, naringin, and melitidine in bergamot juice extract may inhibit enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis. These compounds may also bind to bile acids, enhancing the turnover rate of cholesterol in the blood and liver, thereby reducing triglyceride accumulation.
Moreover, bergamot flavonoids may decrease hepatic triglyceride accumulation by inhibiting triglyceride synthesis enzymes. The potential for bergamot to reduce glucose levels could arise from its ability to enhance glucose uptake in the liver and muscles while increasing insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
Conclusions and Future Directions
While the study’s findings are promising, the authors emphasize the necessity for further research to confirm these results. Limitations such as the small participant pool and short follow-up duration, along with the lower dosage of CitriCholess compared to previous studies, warrant attention.
In summary, the study supports the beneficial effects of Citrus bergamia in decreasing blood cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, glucose, waist circumference, body weight, and BMI in older adults. Nutritional treatment using Citrus bergamia extract may offer significant advantages for individuals with dyslipidemia and assist in weight management for older populations.
Written by Preeti Paul, MS Biochemistry
Reference: Yong Cai et al., Effects of 12-week supplementation of Citrus bergamia extracts-based formulation CitriCholess on cholesterol and body weight in older adults with dyslipidemia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. BioMed Central, Lipids in Health and Disease (2017) 16:251