The consumption of 2 grams of plant sterols per day has been demonstrated to positively
affect total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as supported by
various clinical guidelines. These compounds do not exhibit any adverse side effects. The
European Society of Cardiology's Dyslipidemia Guidelines indicate that among lifestyle
modifications aimed at reducing total cholesterol and LDL, the consumption of functional
foods enriched with phytosterols should be included as a high-level recommendation.
Bergamot is a citrus fruit rich in flavonoids. Research on bergamot fruit extract has
indicated its ability to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride
levels while increasing high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol levels. Furthermore,
evidence suggests that it may help reduce high serum uric acid levels, which can pose a
risk for cardiovascular diseases. The flavonoids in bergamot fruit extract contribute to
the reduction of cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Additionally, it has a high capacity
to prevent LDL oxidation. A study on individuals with metabolic syndrome observed
significant and sustained reductions in serum cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and
glucose in those consuming bergamot. This effect was accompanied by significant
improvements in vascular reactivity in patients with hyperlipidemia and elevated serum
glucose levels.
Bergamot also exhibits the ability to inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A
(HMG-CoA) reductase. Due to their structural similarity to cholesterol, plant sterols
help block the intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol. They provide benefits at the
absorption level and increase cholesterol excretion via bile and fecal pathways. The
existence of known side effects associated with cholesterol-lowering medications, such as
statins- including muscle cramps, myopathy, increased risk of muscle toxicity, liver
damage, and neuropathy-has created a need for complementary or alternative approaches to
treating dyslipidemia. This research will consider the potential of both plant sterols
and bergamot as dietary supplements.
While cholesterol-lowering diets assist in reducing LDL, glucose, total cholesterol, and
triglyceride levels, they do not enhance HDL levels. Because bergamot is known to
increase HDL, it could provide an additional benefit in lipid profile regulation. A
meta-analysis that studied various phytochemical supplements found that bergamot was the
most effective in reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels while
increasing HDL levels. This study examines the effects of dietary supplementation
containing plant sterols and bergamot on blood lipid profiles.