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Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) preserves cardiac structure and function and modulates myocardial redox and metabolic

Matheus Antonio Filiol Belin1, Jordanna Cruzeiro2, Aline Nunes3

  • 1Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18618-687, Brazil; School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Human Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, 58105, United States.

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|August 5, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Bergamot supplementation improved cardiac function and reduced oxidative stress in obese rats, despite persistent obesity. This suggests potential benefits for heart health in metabolic disease, independent of weight loss.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Nutraceuticals

Background:

  • Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.
  • Oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances are key mechanisms linking obesity to heart disease.
  • Citrus bergamia (bergamot) shows promise for cardiometabolic risk factors, but its direct cardiac effects require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of bergamot supplementation on cardiac structure, function, and metabolic status in a rat model of diet-induced obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Wistar rats were randomized into Control, Obese, and Obese+Bergamot groups for 20 weeks.
  • Bergamot was administered orally at 250 mg/kg/day to the Obese+Bergamot group.
  • Cardiac structure and function, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and cardiac metabolites were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Bergamot attenuated cardiac remodeling and preserved systolic and diastolic function in obese rats.
  • Supplementation reduced oxidative damage markers (malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls) and cardiac inflammation (TNF-α, IL-10).
  • Metabolic profiling revealed alterations in polyamines, fatty acids, and purine metabolism, with increased spermine and inosine.

Conclusions:

  • Bergamot supplementation offers cardiac protection in diet-induced obesity, improving cardiac function and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • These benefits occur independently of significant weight loss or restoration of NRF2 pathway and NAD+/NADP+ levels.
  • Specific metabolic changes, including elevated spermine and inosine, may be associated with bergamot's cardioprotective effects.

Keywords:
Biogenic aminesFatty acid profilingInflammationMyocardial metabolomicsOxidative stressPolyamine metabolismPurine metabolism

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