Allaes Citrus bergamot

Citrus Bergamot — peel extract for vascular protection, cholesterol control, and stress resilience

Citrus bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a unique citrus fruit grown in southern Italy, with its peel containing a high concentration of powerful polyphenols. Traditionally, bergamot was used to support digestion, detoxification, and immune function. Modern research has expanded this view: we now know that bergamot polyphenols can significantly influence lipid metabolism, lower levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL), reduce inflammation, protect blood vessels from damage, and even enhance stress resilience.

Bergamot peel extract helps normalize cholesterol levels, supports cardiovascular health, reduces oxidative stress, and may also improve mood and reduce anxiety through its effects on cortisol and neurotransmitters. Its properties are particularly relevant for those facing high physical or emotional demands — whether due to intense training, chronic stress, metabolic imbalance, or medication use.

Who can benefit from Citrus Bergamot?

✔ If you want to lower cholesterol and support heart health — Citrus bergamot helps balance the lipid profile by reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol, increasing “good” HDL cholesterol, and maintaining vascular elasticity.

✔ If you live under chronic stress — Citrus bergamot reduces activity of the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system), helps regulate cortisol levels, and may increase GABA — the brain’s primary calming neurotransmitter — promoting relaxation and emotional balance.

✔ If you train regularly or are recovering from physical exertion — Citrus bergamot helps reduce inflammation, supports faster recovery, and promotes healthy circulation — essential under high physical stress.

✔ If you aim to normalize body weight and improve insulin sensitivity — the flavonoids in Citrus bergamot may help lower blood sugar and suppress visceral fat accumulation, supporting metabolic balance.

✔ If you want to support overall health — Citrus bergamot is rich in potent antioxidants that reduce chronic inflammation, strengthen blood vessels, and help protect cells under physical or metabolic stress.

How to take Citrus Bergamot correctly?

Recommended dosage: 500–1000 mg per day (1–2 capsules)

Maximum dosage: Up to 1500 mg per day (depending on individual tolerance)

When to take: In the morning or during the day, with food. This supports better absorption and helps stabilize metabolism throughout the day.

How long to take: At least 30 days. Optimal effects are typically observed after 8–12 weeks of consistent use.

How does Citrus Bergamot work?

The peel extract of Citrus bergamia contains specific natural compounds — flavonoids such as neoeriocitrin, naringin, and brutieridin. These are responsible for the systemic health benefits of bergamot. One of its key effects is the activation of the AMPK enzyme, which acts as a “metabolic switch” in the body. When AMPK is active, the liver produces less LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, its clearance increases, and cholesterol absorption from food is reduced. This happens in part by inhibiting another enzyme, pCEH, which is involved in cholesterol transport in the intestine.

These mechanisms result in a comprehensive improvement of the lipid profile: total cholesterol and triglycerides go down, while HDL (“good”) cholesterol increases. These effects are beneficial not only for correcting existing imbalances but also for preventing cardiovascular diseases, particularly under stress or heavy physical strain.

In addition, bergamot extract supports vascular health by strengthening blood vessel walls, reducing inflammation, and helping to maintain normal blood pressure — especially important during periods of high physical or emotional stress.

Finally, Citrus bergamot provides a mild but noticeable anti-stress effect. It helps lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and improves the balance of neurotransmitters, including GABA, which promotes calmness and emotional stability. This makes the supplement beneficial not only for physical health but also for mental and emotional well-being.

What problems does Citrus Bergamot help solve?

Supports healthy cholesterol levels

Citrus bergamot effectively reduces total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides, while simultaneously increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. This effect is achieved through the action of bergamot flavonoids (such as brutieridin and melitidin), which activate AMPK — an enzyme that regulates fat metabolism — and inhibit pCEH, a key enzyme involved in cholesterol absorption in the gut. This makes bergamot a promising natural alternative for mild hypercholesterolemia or in cases of statin intolerance.

Study: A series of clinical trials reviewed in this publication confirmed that different forms of orally administered bergamot consistently reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in patients with hypercholesterolemia. These studies also showed excellent safety and tolerance across treatment durations ranging from 30 days to 12 weeks.

PMC, 2019

Reduces visceral fat and supports metabolic syndrome management

Citrus bergamot helps reduce abdominal fat, decreases waist circumference, and improves insulin sensitivity. This effect is especially relevant for people with metabolic syndrome or a tendency to store fat in the abdominal area. The mechanism involves modulation of PPAR-γ, a receptor involved in fat tissue regulation.

Study: A 12-week clinical trial found that daily supplementation with bergamot extract led to statistically significant reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and BMI compared to placebo in older adults with dyslipidemia.

PMC, 2018

Improves mood and reduces anxiety

Bergamot essential oil fractions influence neurotransmitter systems by increasing GABA levels (a calming neurotransmitter), reducing glutamate neuron activity, and lowering cortisol — the stress hormone. This results in a pronounced yet gentle relaxation effect, improved emotional balance, and better adaptation to chronic stress.

Study: Inhaling bergamot essential oil for just 15 minutes led to a 17% increase in positive mood compared to a control group, as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). The findings suggest that bergamot aromatherapy may serve as a fast-acting and accessible tool to support emotional well-being in clinical settings.

Phytotherapy Research, 2017

In a more recent double-blind randomized trial, bergamot essential oil inhalation significantly reduced salivary cortisol levels and improved both negative emotions and fatigue scores after just 10 minutes of exposure, reinforcing its anxiolytic and mood-balancing potential.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2023

Protects cardiovascular health

By reducing vascular endothelial inflammation, improving the lipid profile, and regulating blood pressure, bergamot supports cardiovascular protection. It improves vascular elasticity, reduces oxidative damage to arterial walls, and may help prevent atherosclerosis.

Study: In a clinical study, taking 150 mg of bergamot extract daily for 4 months helped lower "bad" cholesterol, raise "good" cholesterol, and improved blood vessel protection — with no side effects reported.

Foods, 2023

Benefits for PEDs Users

The use of anabolic steroids, stimulants, and other performance-enhancing substances can significantly impact cardiovascular health, lipid metabolism, hormonal balance, and stress levels. Bergamot may help normalize lipid profiles, counteracting the negative effects many compounds have on cholesterol. AAS and hormonal agents often lower HDL ("good" cholesterol) and raise LDL ("bad" cholesterol), increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Clinical data show that Citrus bergamot extract can lower LDL by 30–38% and raise HDL by up to 39%, working through mechanisms similar to low-dose statins — but without their side effects.

Citrus bergamot also reduces inflammatory markers (such as CRP and TNF-α), helps stabilize blood pressure, and protects blood vessels from damage — which is especially important when using stimulants or vasoactive substances like clenbuterol or ephedrine. It also activates AMPK, an enzyme that supports healthy metabolism and insulin sensitivity — relevant for those dealing with insulin resistance from high-dose hormone use or heavy cycles.

During periods of physical and chemical stress — from intense training and PED use — the anti-stress potential of Citrus bergamot becomes especially valuable. It helps regulate the HPA axis (the system that controls your body’s stress response), lowers cortisol (the main stress hormone), and boosts GABA activity — a calming brain chemical that promotes relaxation and recovery. This makes bergamot a powerful ally during post-cycle recovery, especially when facing mood swings after coming off stimulants or androgens.