Hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenols: from animal models to human studies

Fitoterapia. 2011 Apr;82(3):309-16. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2010.10.014. Epub 2010 Nov 4.

Abstract

Bergamot juice produces hypolipemic activity in rats though the mechanism remains unclear. Here we investigated on the effect of bergamot extract (BPF) in diet-induced hyperlipemia in Wistar rats and in 237 patients suffering from hyperlipemia either associated or not with hyperglycaemia. BPF, given orally for 30 days to both rats and patients, reduces total and LDL cholesterol levels (an effect accompanied by elevation of cHDL), triglyceride levels and by a significant decrease in blood glucose. Moreover, BPF inhibited HMG-CoA reductase activity and enhanced reactive vasodilation thus representing an efficient phytotherapeutic approach in combating hyperlipemic and hyperglycaemic disorders.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Citrus / chemistry*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases / metabolism
  • Hyperglycemia / complications
  • Hyperglycemia / drug therapy*
  • Hyperlipidemias / complications
  • Hyperlipidemias / drug therapy*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Lipids / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Vasodilation / drug effects

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Lipids
  • Plant Extracts
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases