Vascular Strength™ - Ingredients Research

Bergamonte® contains bioactive compounds of extract of the juice and albedo of citrus bergamia risso, standardized to > 30% polyphenolic flavanoids consisting of Naringin, Neohesperidin, Neoeriocitrin, 1% Melitidine, and 2% Brutelidine. Bergamonte® is produced using patented extraction technology through collaborative works of various Universities and research institutions in Italy. These flavanoids are clinically proven to help maintain healthy cholesterol level, healthy blood glucose level, increase HDL-cholesterol, and promoting healthy weight management.1

Cholesterol. Studies show that Bergamonte® positively affects important serum indicators for vascular health. Specifically, the Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction group showed significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose, rotal cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and increase of HDL cholesterol. Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction decrease IDL particles by 51%, increase large LDL by 38%, decrease small LDL by 35%, and 20% increase of total HDL particles. Significantly, the dangerous small LDL is reduced. It is believed that the small LDL is the most critical factor in the progression of atherosclerosis. The reason appear to be that due to the small size it is more easily embedded in the walls of the artery, damaging the artery. Current thought on larger LDL is that it does not pose a problem for cardiovascular health. In fact, this type of LDL is considered to play an important role in meeting the cholesterol needs of the body. Cholesterol plays an essential function in the biology of the body, including the formation of cellular membranes and hormones. When cholesterol levels are lowered too much, the liver will respond by producing more LDL cholesterol. HDL removes excessive LDL from the blood stream.

Conclusions from a study evaluating the cardiovascular effects of Bergamot polyphenolic fraction showed "reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and urinary mevalonate in hyperlipidemic patients, compared to control group. The cholesterol lowering effect was accompanied by reductions of malondialdehyde, oxyLDL receptor LOX-1 and phosphoPKB, which are all biomarkers of oxidative vascular damage, in peripheral polymorphonuclear cells2  . Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque formation. LOX-1 is a receptor for oxyLDL in the endothelium wall. Over expression of the number of LOX-1 receptors is correlated with accelerated plaque formation.3  As indicated by the research, Bergamont polphenolic fraction reduced BOTH oxyLDL and LOX-1 receptors.

 

 

REFERENCES:

(1) HP Ingredients Research Notes. 2015

(2) Gliozzi M, et al. Bergamot polyphenolic fraction enhances rosuvastatin-induced effect on LDL-cholesterol, LOX-1 expression and protein kinase B phosphorylation in patients with hyperlipidemia. Int J Cardiol. 2013 Dec 10

(3) Pirillo A, et al. LOX-1, OxLDL, and atherosclerosis. Mediators Inflamm. 2013