At HP Ingredients, we know that supplements do work and some work better than others in specific conditions. Besides quantifying their efficacy in human clinical studies, a greater picture can emerge when comparing them to other compounds widely recognized to exert the same effect.
And in comparing, the victor often does more. In the case of Bergamonte® bergamot BPF, it was shown to do more for cholesterol health than a close competitor.
So, our esteemed researchers wanted to see how Bergamonte bergamot polyphenolic fraction compared with red yeast rice extract in impacting cholesterol profiles in subjects that were already hyperlipidemic (having unfavorable cholesterol numbers).
In this study, published earlier this year, not only was Bergamonte shown to be superior to RYR in managing cholesterol, the authors found a mechanism of action responsible.
Dietary supplements are increasingly seen as providing a viable alternative solution to counteract cardiometabolic risk, due to the occurrence of side effects with the use of statins, the leading drugs for treating hyperlipidemias. One supplement, red yeast rice (RYR), a monacolin K-rich natural extract, has been found to be effective in counteracting high cholesterol, however, its use is warned against by regulatory authorities based on the potential detrimental responses accompanying its statin-like chemical characteristics.
The researchers in this study compared the effects of RYR with those produced by bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF), which has been proven to be effective in helping to reduce both serum cholesterol and triglycerides in subjects fed a hyperlipidemic diet. BPF consumption for 30 days counteracted the diet-induced elevation of serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while also helping to raise good cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein. This effect was accompanied by significant reductions of oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase.
Additionally, the BPF was associated with a strong reduction of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels, an enzyme involved in cholesterol removal, which were found to be higher in hyperlipidemic subjects.
In contrast, RYR produced only significant reduction of LDL with very poor effects on triglycerides, HDL, glutathione peroxidase, MDA and PCSK9 expression. According to the researchers, “This indicates that while BPF and RYR both produce serum cholesterol-lowering benefits, BPF produces additional effects on triglycerides and HDL cholesterol compared to RYR at the doses used throughout the study.”
They added, “these additional effects of BPF appear to be related to the reduction of PCSK9 expression and to the antioxidant properties of this extract compared to RYR, thereby suggesting a more complete protection from cardiometabolic risk.”
Why This Study is Important
Elevated serum cholesterol levels, either associated or not with increased triglycerides, represent a risk of developing vascular injury, mostly leading to atherothrombosis-related diseases including myocardial infarction and stroke.
This is important because unlike RYR, which has only one action, Bergamonte® tackles the cholesterol problem in several ways, providing a strong and more encompassing solution.
Why Bergamonte®?
Bergamonte bergamot BPF, which is GRAS, is produced sustainably and vertically — so transparency is clearly evident.
Bergamonte® also hits all the right notes with today’s discerning socially conscious consumer. Our bergamot fruits are harvested using traditional sustainable farming techniques handed down by generations of local farmers in Calabria.
It is non-GMO, vegan, non-irradiated, certified kosher and halal and available in organic and conventional.
Fore more information, watch our engaging, short film here.
Reference:
Mollace R, et al. “Comparative Effect of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction and Red Yeast Rice Extract in Rats Fed a Hyperlipidemic Diet: Role of Antioxidant Properties and PCSK9 Expression” Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 477;
