Bergamot extract and lipid metabolism: New clinical evidence in an asian population
A new clinical trial conducted at Complife Group’s subsidiary in Beijing provides further evidence on the effects of a standardized bergamot extract on lipid parameters, extending the available clinical evidence to an East Asian population.
The study, entitled “Lipid Metabolism Modulation by a Flavonoid-Standardized Citrus Bergamia Extract in an Asian Population: Findings From a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial”, was published in the Journal of Experimental Pharmacology in August 2026.
Why study bergamot in an Asian population?
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is naturally rich in flavonoids such as naringin, naringenin, neohesperidin and neoeriocitrin, compounds that have been investigated for their potential role in lipid metabolism.
Previous clinical studies investigating standardized bergamot extracts had been conducted in predominantly Caucasian populations. However, individual responses to supplementation may vary depending on several factors, including genetic background, dietary habits and lifestyle.
The new study was therefore designed to address this gap and investigate whether the previously observed lipid-modulating effects could also be observed in an Asian population.
Study design
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted at Complife Group in Beijing between September 2022 and October 2024.
A total of 108 East Asian adults, aged 40–70 years, with LDL-cholesterol levels between 100 and 159 mg/dL were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the standardized bergamot extract or placebo for four months.
The active treatment consisted of 375 mg/day of a standardized bergamot extract, corresponding to approximately 150 mg/day of flavonoids. The placebo contained an equivalent amount of maltodextrin.
Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and after 2, 3 and 4 months to evaluate lipid parameters and monitor safety.
Key results
After four months of supplementation, the study reported:
- −7.3% in total cholesterol
- −7.0% in LDL-cholesterol
No clinically relevant safety changes were observed in hepatic or renal biochemistry, body weight or blood pressure.
These findings provide new clinical evidence supporting the lipid-modulating potential of standardized bergamot extract in an East Asian population.
From clinical research to evidence-based innovation
The study represents an important addition to the existing clinical evidence on standardized bergamot extracts. By investigating a population that had not previously been adequately represented in clinical trials, it contributes to a broader understanding of how supplementation may perform across different populations.
For companies developing nutraceutical products, generating robust clinical evidence in the target population can be an important step in supporting product development and substantiating physiological benefits.
Complife Group contributed to this research through the clinical trial conducted in Beijing, together with the multidisciplinary team of academic and industry researchers.
Our international volunteer portfolio
At Complife, clinical research goes beyond the study protocol itself, and having access to a broad and diverse international volunteer portfolio is an essential element in designing clinical studies that accurately reflect the characteristics of the target population. Complife’s own volunteer portfolio enables the identification and recruitment of participants according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, including age, skin and physiological characteristics, lifestyle and other requirements defined by the study protocol.
This allows us to support studies targeting specific populations and contribute to the generation of clinical evidence that is increasingly relevant and tailored to the product and its intended consumers.
Discover the complete study
Read the full publication to explore the complete methodology, statistical analyses and detailed clinical results.
Download the full PDF of the study to explore the research in detail.
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