
Berberine Vs Citrus Bergamot: Which Is Better For Cholesterol?
Berberine and Citrus bergamot are well-known for supporting healthy cholesterol levels, which may contribute to overall heart health. So, what potential health benefits do these compounds offer, and how do their mechanisms of action differ? Join me in exploring the details of each and comparing their effects on cholesterol to determine which compound is the best choice.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
Key Takeaways
- Berberine and Citrus Bergamot are two natural compounds that help improve cholesterol and heart health.
- Berberine supports healthy cholesterol levels by promoting LDL receptor activity.
- Citrus Bergamot may help support healthy cholesterol levels by reducing production in the liver and limiting absorption in the intestines.
- Your choice of which to use should depend on your health condition and personal needs.
About Berberine
What Is Berberine?
Berberine is a natural alkaloid compound extracted from various herbal sources. It has been traditionally used in Chinese and Indian wellness practices to support overall health, including cholesterol balance and cardiovascular wellness.
How Does Berberine Work?
Berberine works by enhancing the expression of LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells. More specifically, berberine helps stabilize the mRNA of LDLR, which maintains and increases the number of LDL receptors. This allows the liver to more effectively maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the blood.
In a study on hamsters fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet, berberine clearly demonstrated this mechanism. It helped reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in the test animals when administered at a dosage of 100 mg/kg over 10 days [1].
Additionally, berberine has the benefit of lowering blood pressure and enhancing cardiac contractility. It acts as a class III antiarrhythmic agent, making berberine quite useful in improving cardiovascular issues [1].
About Citrus Bergamot

What Is Citrus Bergamot?
Citrus Bergamot is a citrus fruit that is distinctive to southern Italy and is particularly well-known in the Calabria region. The extract from this fruit is known for its potential to support cholesterol management, making it a popular choice in natural wellness.
How Does Citrus Bergamot Work?
The phenolic compounds found in Citrus bergamot have a structure similar to that of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors, which play a crucial role in cholesterol synthesis. However, they do not directly inhibit the activity of HMGCR but instead act through several indirect mechanisms.
The extract from Citrus bergamot may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels by influencing HMGCR in liver cells. Notably, in Caco-2 cells, which are representative of human intestinal tissue, these compounds show significant potential in reducing cholesterol absorption and decreasing levels of NPC1L1, an important cholesterol transporter in the intestine [2].
Berberine Vs Citrus Bergamot For Cholesterol
Both Berberine and Citrus Bergamot have the potential to support cholesterol management; however, their mechanisms of action differ as follows:
Berberine: It enhances the expression of LDL receptors in liver cells, helping to more effectively remove LDL (bad) cholesterol from the blood.
Citrus Bergamot: It reduces cholesterol through two mechanisms: first, by decreasing cholesterol synthesis in the liver by reducing the expression of the HMGCR enzyme, and second, by inhibiting NPC1L1 to decrease cholesterol absorption from the intestine.
Berberine Vs Citrus Bergamot: A Comparison Table
Criteria |
Berberine |
Citrus Bergamot |
Mechanism of Action |
Enhances the expression of LDL receptors in liver cells |
Reduces cholesterol synthesis in the liver and intestine |
Reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol |
Highly effective |
Effective but less powerful than Berberine |
Increases HDL (good) cholesterol |
No significant effect |
Significant effectiveness [3] |
Other Benefits |
Supports blood sugar control, anti-inflammatory |
Antioxidant, protects blood vessels, anti-inflammatory |
Side Effects |
Diarrhea, nausea, bloating |
Nausea, stomach pain, or drug interactions |
How To Take Bergamot Or Berberine For Cholesterol?

Citrus Bergamot: The typical recommended dosage is between 500 to 1000 mg of citrus bergamot extract per day, taken before meals [4]. However, this dosage can be adjusted up or down depending on an individual's health condition. To enhance effectiveness, it is advisable to use it continuously for several months, combined with a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
Berberine: The recommended dosage for adults is 500 mg, taken before meals, and can be adjusted based on individual needs and health status [5]. To ensure effectiveness, it is important to maintain use for at least three months, along with a diet plan and regular exercise to optimize results.
Potential Side Effects
Citrus Bergamot: Common side effects include digestive issues, bloating, and nausea. If you are taking blood pressure medications or other drugs that may interact with bergamot, it's important to consult your doctor before using it.
Berberine: When first using berberine, you may experience bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. If you are taking blood sugar-lowering medications or diabetes treatments, it is essential to consult your doctor before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Bergamot And Berberine Together?
The answer is yes. In general, both compounds have similar effects, so they can be combined if recommended by a doctor or specialist.
When Should I Take A Berberine Supplement?
You should take berberine supplements 30 minutes before meals to enhance blood sugar control, optimize its mechanism of action, and reduce cholesterol.
Can I Take A Berberine Supplement With A Prescription Medication?
The use of berberine supplements alongside prescription medications should be done carefully under a doctor’s supervision. This is because berberine may interact with certain diabetes medications or antibiotics.
Who Should Not Take Citrus Bergamot?
People who should avoid using Citrus Bergamot include: those with low blood pressure, individuals taking cholesterol-lowering medications, people with stomach conditions, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Both berberine and citrus bergamot are potential options for lowering cholesterol, each with its own distinct benefits. To achieve the best results and avoid side effects, be sure to consult your doctor and use the correct dosage to optimize the benefits they offer.
References
- [1] Berberine – a novel approach to cholesterol lowering KONG W, WEI J, ABIDI P et al.: Berberine is a novel cholesterol-lowering drug working through a unique mechanism distinct from statins. Nat. Med. (2005) 12:1344-1351.
- [2] Defining the Cholesterol Lowering Mechanism of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Extract in HepG2 and Caco-2 Cells Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3156; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093156 Submission received: 17 June 2021 / Revised: 12 August 2021 / Accepted: 26 August 2021 / Published: 10 September 2021
- [3] Recapsoma®: A Novel Mixture Based on Bergamot, Ipomoea Batatas, Policosanol Extracts and Liposomal Berberine for the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia Life (Basel). 2022 Aug; 12(8): 1162. Published online 2022 Jul 30. doi: 10.3390/life12081162 PMCID: PMC9409730PMID: 36013341
- [4] Effect of bergamot on lipid profile in humans: A systematic review https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2019.1677554
- [5] The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity indices: A dose– response meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101113
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