Bergamot citrus plus wild cardoon may help support liver health

By Stephen Daniells

- Last updated on GMT

Bergacyn FF combines Bergamot citrus (pictured) and wild cardoon, the wild ancestor of the globe artichoke.    Image © ChiccoDodiFC / Getty Images
Bergacyn FF combines Bergamot citrus (pictured) and wild cardoon, the wild ancestor of the globe artichoke. Image © ChiccoDodiFC / Getty Images
A combination of Bergamot citrus and wild cardoon may reduce fat build-up in the livers of people with Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL or steatosis), says a new study from the University Magna Grecia in Italy.

Using DolCas Biotech, LLC’s Bergacyn FF ingredient, the Italy-based researchers report that 12 weeks of supplementation with the polyphenol fraction of Bergamot and an extract of wild cardoon led to reductions in the liver fat content of in people over 50.

Data published in Frontiers in Endocrinology​ also found that the supplement led to statistically significant reductions in weight for the over 50s.

“An unexpected outcome of the study was Bergacyn’s impact on weight loss,” ​said Dr Shavon Jackson-Michel, Director of Medical & Scientific Affairs of DolCas Biotech.

“The absolute difference made by Bergacyn FF for body weight reductions over placebo was approximately 4 lbs. The total weight loss in the Bergacyn FF group over 12 weeks fell just under 10 lbs. The new research supports the traditional wisdom of botanical synergism and how standardized ingredient formulations could be the best way forward for multifactorial processes such as NAFL.”

Bergacyn FF

Bergacyn FF combines extracts derived from the Italian bergamot citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia​) and wild cardoon (Cynara cardunculus sylvestris​), also known as wild Italian artichoke thistle leaf.

The manufacturer and patent-holder of Bergacyn FF is Herbal and Antioxidant Derivatives, Srl. Dolcas Biotech, LLC is the exclusive, global distributor of Bergacyn FF and the exclusive licensee of the trademark.

Study details

Cardoon © Goldfinch4ever  Getty Images
Wild cardoon (Cynara cardunculus). Image © Goldfinch4ever / Getty Images

The new study included 102 people with liver steatosis (aged between 35 and 70) and randomly assigned them to receive either 600 mg/d of Bergacyn FF or a maltodextrin-based placebo for 12 weeks. Overweight and obese subjects in both groups also had to reduce their intake by 400-500 calories per day. Eighty-six subjects completed the study.

Results of the double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial indicated that liver fat accumulation was reduced by 9% in the active supplement group, compared to placebo. When the researchers focused their analysis on people over 50, they found that the reduction in liver fat was 15%.

The researchers also noted that, compared to placebo, Bergacyn FF was associated with a significant reduction in body weight.

“[The Bergamot-wild cardoon combination] was well-tolerated and was not associated with an increased risk for adverse events. [Bergacyn FF] would constitute a promising complement to non-pharmacological measures that are commonly used to counteract the onset and progression of NAFLD, at least in individuals over 50 years,” ​wrote the researchers.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

NAFLD is the most prevalent liver abnormality in Western countries and parallels the epidemic of metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes.  Frequently disabling and occasionally leading to cirrhosis, fatty liver disease has currently costs the US health care system about $32 billion annually

Source:Frontiers in Endocrinology
doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00494
“Randomized Clinical Trial: Bergamot Citrus and Wild Cardoon Reduce Liver Steatosis and Body Weight in Non-diabetic Individuals Aged Over 50 Years”
Authors: Y. Ferro et al.

Related news

Related products

show more

Fueling Athletes with Nature for Peak Performance

Fueling Athletes with Nature for Peak Performance

Content provided by SEPPIC INC | 07-Oct-2024 | White Paper

For many years, pine bark extracts have been harnessed for their potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, delivering a wide array of health...

ACTRISAVE™ NATURAL SUPPORT FOR SKIN AND MALE HAIR

ACTRISAVE™ NATURAL SUPPORT FOR SKIN AND MALE HAIR

Content provided by BIONAP BIOACTIVE NATURAL PRODUCTS | 30-Sep-2024 | Product Brochure

ACTRISAVE™ is a powdered extract obtained from the patented association between black rice (Oryza sativa L.) and the flowers of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica...

Perfect skin radiance & uniformity

Perfect skin radiance & uniformity

Content provided by Robertet Health & Beauty | 30-Sep-2024 | Product Brochure

As a leading expert in the nutricosmetics industry, Robertet presents a brand-new ingredient. This new product will be our 5th nutricosmetic ingredient,...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars