What is Bergacyn?
Liver health is an area of wellness consumers do not consider when building a supplement regimen. But they should – and Bergacyn® is a powerful new liver support compound with research demonstrating its abilities.
Bergacyn® is a patented formula of Italian citrus bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) extract and wild Calabrian artichoke thistle, commonly known as cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) extract. Bergamot is a citrus plant that grows almost exclusively in the narrow coastal Reggio Calabria region in Southern Italy, due to sensitivity to the weather and soil conditions. Bergamot juice is rich in flavonoids and was traditionally recognized by the local population as a remedy for supporting healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.*
Cynara cardunculus has been cultivated in the Mediterranean since medieval times as a vegetable and for its medicinal benefits. The wild Calabrian artichoke thistle contains a unique combination of active compounds: cynaropicrin, silibinin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, and other essential nutrients and minerals.
Traditionally, cardoon has been used for liver health, digestive health, cholesterol management, and blood sugar regulation. It is also used for headaches, cognitive health, lower GI insufficiencies, and as a liver tonic to promote a healthy digestive cycle.*
Johns Hopkins Medicine: www.HopkinsMedicine.org
Abnormal accumulation of LDs leads to lipotoxicity and is a factor in metabolic dysfunction. LDs are usually <1 μm in size; when liver gains more fat this is usually associated with the accumulation of larger LDs. BPF® can reduce fat amount in CAF rats by significantly decreasing total lipid content (−41.3%#), total LD area in the liver (-48.5%#), and LDs size in CAF livers. (# Statistically significant difference p<0.05, ## p<0.01)
The typical Western diet can impact liver structure and function. In a study published in Nutrients (Nov 2018), 21 rats were fed with CAF diet for 16 weeks to induce NASH. One group continued with CAF diet (CAF/CAF); two groups switched to SC diet, supplemented with or without BPF®. Diet change alone resulted in improved insulin sensitivity as reflected in reduction in HOMA-IR, reduction in body weight (-15%), steatosis, ballooning of hepatocytes and NAFLD score, but did not reduce inflammation. Supplementation of BPF® reduced hepatic lipid droplets (-70%), reduced blood triglycerides, and significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines IL-6. (# p>0.5 ## p<0.01 ### p<0.001)
The decreased WAT levels were triggered by the up-regulation of PPARγ, and reduced NF-kB, the key regulator of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, involved in FFA secretion, through adipocyte lipolysis, and insulin resistance. Bergacyn® increased weight of BAT tissue, antagonizing the whitening process through the suppressed expression of PPARγ.
In the sub-group analysis, CAP score was significantly reduced in those >50 years old, with android obesity, and overweight/obesity. The percentage CAP score reduction was statistically significant only in those over 50 years (44% vs. 78%, p = 0.007).