Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) is a small, fragrant citrus fruit grown almost exclusively along the Ionian coast of Calabria in southern Italy. While it has long been prized for its essential oil, used in Earl Grey tea and perfumery, it is the unique flavonoid profile of bergamot fruit juice that has attracted significant scientific attention for its effects on metabolic health.
Unlike other citrus fruits, bergamot contains a distinctive combination of flavonoids, including neoeriocitrin, naringin, neohesperidin, brutieridin and melitidin, that have been shown to interact with key metabolic pathways in ways that support cholesterol balance, blood sugar regulation, fat metabolism and liver health.
The primary mechanism is the activation of AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), often described as the body's master metabolic switch. AMPK activation helps regulate cholesterol synthesis in the liver, improves cellular glucose uptake and promotes fat oxidation, making bergamot one of the most clinically relevant natural ingredients for comprehensive metabolic support.
Bergamot Phytosome: Enhanced Bioavailability
One of the key limitations of standard bergamot extracts is their relatively poor oral bioavailability. The active flavonoids are not easily absorbed across the gut lining in their natural form, which limits the amount that reaches systemic circulation and target tissues.
Bergamot Phytosome addresses this through patented phytosome technology, which binds the bergamot flavonoids to phosphatidylcholine, a phospholipid naturally found in cell membranes. This lipid-compatible complex is significantly better absorbed than standard bergamot extract, ensuring the active compounds are delivered effectively to the liver, blood vessels and metabolic tissues where they exert their benefits.
Hydroxytyrosol: The Mediterranean Longevity Polyphenol
Hydroxytyrosol is the primary polyphenol responsible for the cardiovascular and antioxidant benefits associated with extra virgin olive oil and the Mediterranean diet. It has one of the highest ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) values of any natural compound, with antioxidant activity significantly greater than resveratrol, vitamin C or vitamin E.
Beyond its antioxidant properties, hydroxytyrosol has been shown to support healthy lipid metabolism, protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, support healthy inflammatory balance and complement the cholesterol-modulating and metabolic effects of bergamot through complementary but distinct pathways.
Each serving of this formula provides 10mg of hydroxytyrosol from a 250:1 olive extract, equivalent to approximately 30ml of extra virgin olive oil, in a highly concentrated and standardised form.
