DyslipidemiaNCT06929403
Effect of Bergamot and Plant Sterols Extract on Serum Lipid Profile
A study testing Diet and Diet supplementation in people with Dyslipidemia and Cardiac Disease, run by Istanbul Bilgi University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The consumption of 2 grams of plant sterols per day has been demonstrated to positively affect total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as supported by various clinical guidelines. These compounds do not exhibit any adverse side effects. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Dyslipidemia, Cardiac Disease, Cardiovascular Diseases
- What is being tested?
- Diet and Diet supplementation
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 61 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 4 Jan 2024to 30 May 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults individuals who were diagnosed hyperlipidemia
- Individuals suitable for taking supplement
Who cannot join
- Chronic liver disease,
- Chronic kidney disease,
- Heart failure, infarction or cerebrovascular disease,
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women,
- Severe psychiatric disorders,
- Oncological diseases,
Show all 14Show fewer
- People using medications that may interact with black seed oil (anticoagulant, antihypertensive, etc.)
- People using antilipidemic or anticholesterolemic medications in the last 3 months
- People with citrus allergies
- People who do not do heavy exercise
- People using any dietary supplements
- People with a known history of allergies
- People who do not regularly consume alcohol
- People with special dietary requirements
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effect of Dietary Supplement Containing Bergamot and Plant Sterols Extract on Serum Lipid Profile
The consumption of 2 grams of plant sterols per day has been demonstrated to positively affect total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as supported by various clinical guidelines. These compounds do not exhibit any adverse side effects. The European Society of Cardiology's Dyslipidemia Guidelines indicate that among lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing total cholesterol and LDL, the consumption of functional foods enriched with phytosterols should be included as a high-level recommendation.
Bergamot is a citrus fruit rich in flavonoids. Research on bergamot fruit extract has indicated its ability to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels while increasing high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol levels. Furthermore, evidence suggests that it may help reduce high serum uric acid levels, which can pose a risk for cardiovascular diseases. The flavonoids in bergamot fruit extract contribute to the reduction of cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Additionally, it has a high capacity to prevent LDL oxidation. A study on individuals with metabolic syndrome observed significant and sustained reductions in serum cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and glucose in those consuming bergamot. This effect was accompanied by significant improvements in vascular reactivity in patients with hyperlipidemia and elevated serum glucose levels.
Read more
Bergamot also exhibits the ability to inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Due to their structural similarity to cholesterol, plant sterols help block the intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol. They provide benefits at the absorption level and increase cholesterol excretion via bile and fecal pathways. The existence of known side effects associated with cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins- including muscle cramps, myopathy, increased risk of muscle toxicity, liver damage, and neuropathy-has created a need for complementary or alternative approaches to treating dyslipidemia. This research will consider the potential of both plant sterols and bergamot as dietary supplements.
While cholesterol-lowering diets assist in reducing LDL, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, they do not enhance HDL levels. Because bergamot is known to increase HDL, it could provide an additional benefit in lipid profile regulation. A meta-analysis that studied various phytochemical supplements found that bergamot was the most effective in reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL levels. This study examines the effects of dietary supplementation containing plant sterols and bergamot on blood lipid profiles.
Read the detailed description
This randomised clinical study, which aims to recruit 69 participants, will include individuals with abnormalities in their blood lipid profiles. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group 1 will receive a cholesterol-lowering diet; Group 2 will take bergamot with phytosterol/stanol supplements; and Group 3 will follow both a cholesterol-lowering diet and consume bergamot with phytosterol/stanol supplements. Participation in the study is voluntary and ethics committee approval has been obtained. Participants will take 2 tablets of bergamot and phytosterol/stanol supplements daily for 12 weeks, either on an empty stomach or with meals. Each 2-tablet dose will contain 375 mg of bergamot fruit extract containing 150 mg of flavonoids and 800 mg of plant sterols obtained from coniferous trees. Participants will be given detailed information about the study at the beginning and those who wish to participate will be asked to sign an informed consent form. Sample Size The sample size for the study was calculated using G*Power 3.1.9.7 software. Considering the research design, sample calculations were performed using ANOVA F test for group differences. Based on Cohen's medium effect size (d=0.5), 0.05 significance level (α=0.05) and desired power of 0.95, the minimum sample size required for inclusion in the study was determined as 66.
Statistical Analyses The findings of the study will be analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) version 25. In the thesis, categorical variables will be summarized using frequency distributions, while quantitative variables will be defined using mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values. In order to reveal the relationships between variables and the differences between variable levels, both parametric and nonparametric methods will be used depending on the normality of the data. The normality of quantitative variables will be evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Parametric methods will be used for variables that show a normal distribution, and nonparametric alternatives will be used for variables that do not conform to a normal distribution. Significance will be determined at the p<0.05 level.
- Conditions
- Dyslipidemia, Cardiac Disease, Cardiovascular Diseases
- Being tested
- Diet, Diet supplementation
- Keywords
- dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, plant sterols, Bergamot, complementary therapy
- Medical subject headings
- Dyslipidemias, Heart Diseases, Cardiovascular Diseases, Hyperlipidemias
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
DietBehavioural
Also called Low-fat, low-cholesterol heart-protective diet
Low-fat, low-cholesterol heart-protective diet
Diet supplementationDietary supplement
2 tablets/daily bergamot and plant sterol/stanol supplement (375 mg bergamot fruit extract, 800 mg plant sterols and 150 mg flavonoids) for 12 weeks
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Diet Group | Active comparator | Low-fat, low-cholesterol heart-protective diet Receives: Behavioral: Diet |
| Supplement Group | Experimental | Plant sterol/stanol supplement with bergamot Receives: Dietary Supplement: Diet supplementation |
| Diet and Supplement Group | Experimental | Plant sterol/stanol supplement with bergamot and Low-fat, low-cholesterol heart-protective diet Receives: Behavioral: Diet; Dietary Supplement: Diet supplementation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Biochemical Measurements - Fasting blood glucose
Fasting blood sugar (mg/dL) will be analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods from blood samples taken by a nurse at the beginning and end of the study.
Measured: 12 weeks
Biochemical Measurement - Lipid Profile
Participants' biochemical tests (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, (mg/dL) will be analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
Measured: 12 weeks
Biochemical Measurements - Liver Enzymes
Participants' liver enzymes tests (ALT and AST) (IU) will be analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
Measured: 12 weeks
Biochemical Measurements - CRP
Participants' c-reactive protein tests (CRP) (mg/L) will be analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
Measured: 12 weeks
Biochemical Measurements - Uric Acid Levels
Participants' serum uric acid tests (mg/dL) will be analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
Measured: 12 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Body weight (kg)
At the beginning and end of the study, body weights (kg) will be measured using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device with a sensitivity of 50 grams in accordance with the measurement standards.
Measured: 12 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Height
Height (cm) will be measured with a stadiometer in the Frankfort plane, standing and with the head upright.
Measured: 1 week
Body Mass Index
The body mass index (BMI) of the participants will calculated according to the body weight (kg) / height (m)2 formula.
Measured: 12 weeks
Body Mass Index Classification
The body mass index (BMI) of the participants is classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. BMI ≤ 18.5 kg/m2 is underweight, between 18.5-24.99 kg/m2 is normal, ≥ 25 kg/m2 is overweight, and ≥ 30 kg/m2 is obese.
Measured: 12 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat Mass
At the beginning and end of the study, body fat mass (kg) analysis will be performed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, paying attention to measurement standards.
Measured: 12 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat ratio calculation
At the beginning and end of the study, body composition analyses will be performed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device with measurement standards. According to the BIA analysis, fat percentage (%) will be calculated as the ratio of total body fat weight to total body weight.
Measured: 12 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat-free mass
At the beginning and end of the study, fat-free mass (kg) will be analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, paying attention to measurement standards.
Measured: 12 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Muscle mass
At the beginning and end of the study, lean muscle mass (kg) will be analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, paying attention to measurement standards.
Measured: 12 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Total body water
At the beginning and end of the study, total body water (kg) will be analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, paying attention to measurement standards.
Measured: 12 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist circumference
At the beginning and end of the study, waist circumference will be measured with a non-flexible tape measure at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the crystalline prominence.
Measured: 12 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Hip circumference
At the beginning and end of the study, the individual will be asked to stand upright with their arms at their sides and their feet side by side when measuring hip circumference. The Frankfort plane will be provided. The individual will be measured with a tape measure from the right side, determining the highest point of the hip (from the side).
Measured: 12 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist/Height Ratio
Waist/height ratio will be obtained by dividing waist circumference by height at the beginning and end of the study.
Measured: 12 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist/Hip Ratio
Waist/hip ratio will be obtained by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference.
Measured: 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (5)
Physical Activity Levels
The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form, developed by Craig et al. and whose Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Öztürk, will be used to assess the physical activity levels of the participants. In the IPAQ short form (7 questions) assessment, the energy required for activities will be calculated with the Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes per week (MET-minutes) score. The calculation of the total score includes the sum of the duration (minutes) and frequency (days) of walking, moderate-intensity activity and vigorous activity. The physically inactive group is determined as those below 600 MET-min/week, moderately active between 600-3000 MET-min/week, active above 3000 MET-min/week, very active above 1500 MET-min/week and at least 3 days of vigorous activity or above 3000 MET-min/week and at least 7 days of walking.
Measured: 1 week
Food Consumption Record
The food consumption record will be taken to evaluate the nutritional status of the participants. Food consumption records will be evaluated in the BeBIS (Nutrition Information System) program and the daily energy (kcal) intake will be calculated.
Measured: 3 days
Food Consumption Record
The food consumption record will be taken to evaluate the nutritional status of the participants. Food consumption records will be evaluated in the BeBIS (Nutrition Information System) program and the daily carbohydrate (g), protein (g), fat (g), saturated fat (g), monounsaturated fatty acid (g), polyunsaturated fatty acid (g), omega-3 fatty acids (g), omega-6 fatty acids (g), and fiber (g) intake will be calculated.
Measured: 3 days
Food Consumption Record
The food consumption record will be taken to evaluate the nutritional status of the participants. Food consumption records will be evaluated in the BeBIS (Nutrition Information System) program and the daily vitamin A (µg), vitamin D (µg), vitamin K (µg), folate (µg), and vitamin B12 (µg) intake will be calculated.
Measured: 3 days
Food Consumption Record
The food consumption record will be taken to evaluate the nutritional status of the participants. Food consumption records will be evaluated in the BeBIS (Nutrition Information System) program and the daily vitamin E (mg), thiamine (mg), riboflavine (mg), niacin (mg), vitamine B5 (mg), vitamin B6 (mg), vitamin C, sodium (mg), potassium (mg), calcium (mg), magnesium (mg), phosphor (mg), iron (mg), zinc (mg), copper (mg), cholesterol (mg) intake will be calculated.
Measured: 3 days
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Apr 2025
- Study start4 Jan 2024
- Primary completion20 May 2025
- Study completion30 May 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (12)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for DyslipidemiaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 61 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Bilgi University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hande Seven Avuk, Istanbul Bilgi University
- Investigators
- Hande Seven Avuk, Principal investigator, İstanbul Bilgi University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06929403
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BERGAMIAPLANTSTEROLSTUDY
- Status last verified
- Apr 2025
- First submitted
- 6 Apr 2025
- Last updated
- 3 Aug 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Norgan NG. Laboratory and field measurements of body composition. Public Health Nutr. 2005 Oct;8(7A):1108-22. doi: 10.1079/phn2005799.
PubMed 16277823Craig CL, Marshall AL, Sjostrom M, Bauman AE, Booth ML, Ainsworth BE, Pratt M, Ekelund U, Yngve A, Sallis JF, Oja P. International physical activity questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003 Aug;35(8):1381-95. doi: 10.1249/01.MSS.0000078924.61453.FB.
PubMed 12900694Faul F, Erdfelder E, Lang AG, Buchner A. G*Power 3: a flexible statistical power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. Behav Res Methods. 2007 May;39(2):175-91. doi: 10.3758/bf03193146.
PubMed 17695343Guasch-Ferre M, Babio N, Martinez-Gonzalez MA, Corella D, Ros E, Martin-Pelaez S, Estruch R, Aros F, Gomez-Gracia E, Fiol M, Santos-Lozano JM, Serra-Majem L, Bullo M, Toledo E, Barragan R, Fito M, Gea A, Salas-Salvado J; PREDIMED Study Investigators. Dietary fat intake and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in a population at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Dec;102(6):1563-73. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.116046. Epub 2015 Nov 11.
PubMed 26561617Osadnik T, Golawski M, Lewandowski P, Morze J, Osadnik K, Pawlas N, Lejawa M, Jakubiak GK, Mazur A, Schwingschackl L, Gasior M, Banach M. A network meta-analysis on the comparative effect of nutraceuticals on lipid profile in adults. Pharmacol Res. 2022 Sep;183:106402. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106402. Epub 2022 Aug 18.
PubMed 35988871Racette SB, Lin X, Lefevre M, Spearie CA, Most MM, Ma L, Ostlund RE Jr. Dose effects of dietary phytosterols on cholesterol metabolism: a controlled feeding study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Jan;91(1):32-8. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.28070. Epub 2009 Nov 4.
PubMed 19889819Ferro Y, Maurotti S, Mazza E, Pujia R, Sciacqua A, Musolino V, Mollace V, Pujia A, Montalcini T. Citrus Bergamia and Cynara Cardunculus Reduce Serum Uric Acid in Individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Nov 26;58(12):1728. doi: 10.3390/medicina58121728.
PubMed 36556930Gliozzi M, Walker R, Muscoli S, Vitale C, Gratteri S, Carresi C, Musolino V, Russo V, Janda E, Ragusa S, Aloe A, Palma E, Muscoli C, Romeo F, Mollace V. 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;170(2):140-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.08.125. Epub 2013 Sep 8.
PubMed 24239156Toth PP, Patti AM, Nikolic D, Giglio RV, Castellino G, Biancucci T, Geraci F, David S, Montalto G, Rizvi A, Rizzo M. Bergamot Reduces Plasma Lipids, Atherogenic Small Dense LDL, and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Subjects with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia: A 6 Months Prospective Study. Front Pharmacol. 2016 Jan 6;6:299. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00299. eCollection 2015.
PubMed 26779019Gylling H, Plat J, Turley S, Ginsberg HN, Ellegard L, Jessup W, Jones PJ, Lutjohann D, Maerz W, Masana L, Silbernagel G, Staels B, Boren J, Catapano AL, De Backer G, Deanfield J, Descamps OS, Kovanen PT, Riccardi G, Tokgozoglu L, Chapman MJ; European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel on Phytosterols. Plant sterols and plant stanols in the management of dyslipidaemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis. 2014 Feb;232(2):346-60. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2013.11.043. Epub 2013 Nov 23.
PubMed 24468148Catapano AL, Graham I, De Backer G, Wiklund O, Chapman MJ, Drexel H, Hoes AW, Jennings CS, Landmesser U, Pedersen TR, Reiner Z, Riccardi G, Taskinen MR, Tokgozoglu L, Verschuren WMM, Vlachopoulos C, Wood DA, Zamorano JL, Cooney MT; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2016 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias. Eur Heart J. 2016 Oct 14;37(39):2999-3058. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw272. Epub 2016 Aug 27. No abstract available.
PubMed 27567407Expert Dyslipidemia Panel of the International Atherosclerosis Society Panel members. An International Atherosclerosis Society Position Paper: global recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia--full report. J Clin Lipidol. 2014 Jan-Feb;8(1):29-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2013.12.005. Epub 2013 Dec 17.
PubMed 24528685
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Aug 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Dietary Supplement Containing Bergamot and Plant Sterols Extract on Serum Lipid Profile
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06929403
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BERGAMIAPLANTSTEROLSTUDY
- Conditions
- Dyslipidemia, Cardiac Disease, Cardiovascular Diseases
- Keywords
- dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, plant sterols, Bergamot, complementary therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 61 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Bilgi UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 4 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 May 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 May 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The consumption of 2 grams of plant sterols per day has been demonstrated to positively affect total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as supported by various clinical guidelines. These compounds do not exhibit any adverse side effects. The European Society of Cardiology's Dyslipidemia Guidelines indicate that among lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing total cholesterol and LDL, the consumption of functional foods enriched with phytosterols should be included as a high-level recommendation.
Bergamot is a citrus fruit rich in flavonoids. Research on bergamot fruit extract has indicated its ability to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels while increasing high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol levels. Furthermore, evidence suggests that it may help reduce high serum uric acid levels, which can pose a risk for cardiovascular diseases. The flavonoids in bergamot fruit extract contribute to the reduction of cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Additionally, it has a high capacity to prevent LDL oxidation. A study on individuals with metabolic syndrome observed significant and sustained reductions in serum cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and glucose in those consuming bergamot. This effect was accompanied by significant improvements in vascular reactivity in patients with hyperlipidemia and elevated serum glucose levels.
Bergamot also exhibits the ability to inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Due to their structural similarity to cholesterol, plant sterols help block the intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol. They provide benefits at the absorption level and increase cholesterol excretion via bile and fecal pathways. The existence of known side effects associated with cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins- including muscle cramps, myopathy, increased risk of muscle toxicity, liver damage, and neuropathy-has created a need for complementary or alternative approaches to treating dyslipidemia. This research will consider the potential of both plant sterols and bergamot as dietary supplements.
While cholesterol-lowering diets assist in reducing LDL, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, they do not enhance HDL levels. Because bergamot is known to increase HDL, it could provide an additional benefit in lipid profile regulation. A meta-analysis that studied various phytochemical supplements found that bergamot was the most effective in reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL levels. This study examines the effects of dietary supplementation containing plant sterols and bergamot on blood lipid profiles.
Detailed description
This randomised clinical study, which aims to recruit 69 participants, will include individuals with abnormalities in their blood lipid profiles. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group 1 will receive a cholesterol-lowering diet; Group 2 will take bergamot with phytosterol/stanol supplements; and Group 3 will follow both a cholesterol-lowering diet and consume bergamot with phytosterol/stanol supplements. Participation in the study is voluntary and ethics committee approval has been obtained. Participants will take 2 tablets of bergamot and phytosterol/stanol supplements daily for 12 weeks, either on an empty stomach or with meals. Each 2-tablet dose will contain 375 mg of bergamot fruit extract containing 150 mg of flavonoids and 800 mg of plant sterols obtained from coniferous trees. Participants will be given detailed information about the study at the beginning and those who wish to participate will be asked to sign an informed consent form. Sample Size The sample size for the study was calculated using G*Power 3.1.9.7 software. Considering the research design, sample calculations were performed using ANOVA F test for group differences. Based on Cohen's medium effect size (d=0.5), 0.05 significance level (α=0.05) and desired power of 0.95, the minimum sample size required for inclusion in the study was determined as 66.
Statistical Analyses The findings of the study will be analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) version 25. In the thesis, categorical variables will be summarized using frequency distributions, while quantitative variables will be defined using mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values. In order to reveal the relationships between variables and the differences between variable levels, both parametric and nonparametric methods will be used depending on the normality of the data. The normality of quantitative variables will be evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Parametric methods will be used for variables that show a normal distribution, and nonparametric alternatives will be used for variables that do not conform to a normal distribution. Significance will be determined at the p<0.05 level.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Diet Group | Active comparator | Behavioral: DietLow-fat, low-cholesterol heart-protective diet |
| Supplement Group | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Diet supplementationPlant sterol/stanol supplement with bergamot |
| Diet and Supplement Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Diet, Dietary Supplement: Diet supplementationPlant sterol/stanol supplement with bergamot and Low-fat, low-cholesterol heart-protective diet |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Adults individuals who were diagnosed hyperlipidemia
- Individuals suitable for taking supplement
Key exclusion criteria (14 listed)
- Chronic liver disease,
- Chronic kidney disease,
- Heart failure, infarction or cerebrovascular disease,
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women,
- Severe psychiatric disorders,
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| DietAlso: Low-fat, low-cholesterol heart-protective dietLow-fat, low-cholesterol heart-protective diet | Behavioural | Diet Group, Diet and Supplement Group |
| Diet supplementation2 tablets/daily bergamot and plant sterol/stanol supplement (375 mg bergamot fruit extract, 800 mg plant sterols and 150 mg flavonoids) for 12 weeks | Dietary supplement | Diet and Supplement Group, Supplement Group |
Primary outcome
Biochemical Measurements - Fasting blood glucose
Time frame: 12 weeks
Fasting blood sugar (mg/dL) will be analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods from blood samples taken by a nurse at the beginning and end of the study.
Biochemical Measurement - Lipid Profile
Time frame: 12 weeks
Participants' biochemical tests (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, (mg/dL) will be analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
Biochemical Measurements - Liver Enzymes
Time frame: 12 weeks
Participants' liver enzymes tests (ALT and AST) (IU) will be analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
Biochemical Measurements - CRP
Time frame: 12 weeks
Participants' c-reactive protein tests (CRP) (mg/L) will be analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
Biochemical Measurements - Uric Acid Levels
Time frame: 12 weeks
Participants' serum uric acid tests (mg/dL) will be analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
Anthropometric Measurements - Body weight (kg)
Time frame: 12 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, body weights (kg) will be measured using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device with a sensitivity of 50 grams in accordance with the measurement standards.
Anthropometric Measurements - Height
Time frame: 1 week
Height (cm) will be measured with a stadiometer in the Frankfort plane, standing and with the head upright.
Body Mass Index
Time frame: 12 weeks
The body mass index (BMI) of the participants will calculated according to the body weight (kg) / height (m)2 formula.
Body Mass Index Classification
Time frame: 12 weeks
The body mass index (BMI) of the participants is classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. BMI ≤ 18.5 kg/m2 is underweight, between 18.5-24.99 kg/m2 is normal, ≥ 25 kg/m2 is overweight, and ≥ 30 kg/m2 is obese.
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat Mass
Time frame: 12 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, body fat mass (kg) analysis will be performed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, paying attention to measurement standards.
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat ratio calculation
Time frame: 12 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, body composition analyses will be performed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device with measurement standards. According to the BIA analysis, fat percentage (%) will be calculated as the ratio of total body fat weight to total body weight.
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat-free mass
Time frame: 12 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, fat-free mass (kg) will be analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, paying attention to measurement standards.
Anthropometric Measurements - Muscle mass
Time frame: 12 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, lean muscle mass (kg) will be analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, paying attention to measurement standards.
Anthropometric Measurements - Total body water
Time frame: 12 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, total body water (kg) will be analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, paying attention to measurement standards.
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist circumference
Time frame: 12 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, waist circumference will be measured with a non-flexible tape measure at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the crystalline prominence.
Anthropometric Measurements - Hip circumference
Time frame: 12 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, the individual will be asked to stand upright with their arms at their sides and their feet side by side when measuring hip circumference. The Frankfort plane will be provided. The individual will be measured with a tape measure from the right side, determining the highest point of the hip (from the side).
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist/Height Ratio
Time frame: 12 weeks
Waist/height ratio will be obtained by dividing waist circumference by height at the beginning and end of the study.
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist/Hip Ratio
Time frame: 12 weeks
Waist/hip ratio will be obtained by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference.
5 secondary outcomes
Physical Activity Levels
Time frame: 1 week
Food Consumption Record
Time frame: 3 days
Food Consumption Record
Time frame: 3 days
Food Consumption Record
Time frame: 3 days
Food Consumption Record
Time frame: 3 days
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Aug 2025.
- Background: PubMed 16277823Norgan NG. Laboratory and field measurements of body composition. Public Health Nutr. 2005 Oct;8(7A):1108-22. doi: 10.1079/phn2005799.
- Background: PubMed 12900694Craig CL, Marshall AL, Sjostrom M, Bauman AE, Booth ML, Ainsworth BE, Pratt M, Ekelund U, Yngve A, Sallis JF, Oja P. International physical activity questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003 Aug;35(8):1381-95. doi: 10.1249/01.MSS.0000078924.61453.FB.
- Background: PubMed 17695343Faul F, Erdfelder E, Lang AG, Buchner A. G*Power 3: a flexible statistical power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. Behav Res Methods. 2007 May;39(2):175-91. doi: 10.3758/bf03193146.
- Background: PubMed 26561617Guasch-Ferre M, Babio N, Martinez-Gonzalez MA, Corella D, Ros E, Martin-Pelaez S, Estruch R, Aros F, Gomez-Gracia E, Fiol M, Santos-Lozano JM, Serra-Majem L, Bullo M, Toledo E, Barragan R, Fito M, Gea A, Salas-Salvado J; PREDIMED Study Investigators. Dietary fat intake and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in a population at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Dec;102(6):1563-73. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.116046. Epub 2015 Nov 11.
- Background: PubMed 35988871Osadnik T, Golawski M, Lewandowski P, Morze J, Osadnik K, Pawlas N, Lejawa M, Jakubiak GK, Mazur A, Schwingschackl L, Gasior M, Banach M. A network meta-analysis on the comparative effect of nutraceuticals on lipid profile in adults. Pharmacol Res. 2022 Sep;183:106402. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106402. Epub 2022 Aug 18.
- Background: PubMed 19889819Racette SB, Lin X, Lefevre M, Spearie CA, Most MM, Ma L, Ostlund RE Jr. Dose effects of dietary phytosterols on cholesterol metabolism: a controlled feeding study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Jan;91(1):32-8. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.28070. Epub 2009 Nov 4.
- Background: PubMed 36556930Ferro Y, Maurotti S, Mazza E, Pujia R, Sciacqua A, Musolino V, Mollace V, Pujia A, Montalcini T. Citrus Bergamia and Cynara Cardunculus Reduce Serum Uric Acid in Individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Nov 26;58(12):1728. doi: 10.3390/medicina58121728.
- Background: PubMed 24239156Gliozzi M, Walker R, Muscoli S, Vitale C, Gratteri S, Carresi C, Musolino V, Russo V, Janda E, Ragusa S, Aloe A, Palma E, Muscoli C, Romeo F, Mollace V. 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;170(2):140-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.08.125. Epub 2013 Sep 8.
- Background: PubMed 26779019Toth PP, Patti AM, Nikolic D, Giglio RV, Castellino G, Biancucci T, Geraci F, David S, Montalto G, Rizvi A, Rizzo M. Bergamot Reduces Plasma Lipids, Atherogenic Small Dense LDL, and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Subjects with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia: A 6 Months Prospective Study. Front Pharmacol. 2016 Jan 6;6:299. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00299. eCollection 2015.
- Background: PubMed 24468148Gylling H, Plat J, Turley S, Ginsberg HN, Ellegard L, Jessup W, Jones PJ, Lutjohann D, Maerz W, Masana L, Silbernagel G, Staels B, Boren J, Catapano AL, De Backer G, Deanfield J, Descamps OS, Kovanen PT, Riccardi G, Tokgozoglu L, Chapman MJ; European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel on Phytosterols. Plant sterols and plant stanols in the management of dyslipidaemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis. 2014 Feb;232(2):346-60. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2013.11.043. Epub 2013 Nov 23.
- Background: PubMed 27567407Catapano AL, Graham I, De Backer G, Wiklund O, Chapman MJ, Drexel H, Hoes AW, Jennings CS, Landmesser U, Pedersen TR, Reiner Z, Riccardi G, Taskinen MR, Tokgozoglu L, Verschuren WMM, Vlachopoulos C, Wood DA, Zamorano JL, Cooney MT; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2016 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias. Eur Heart J. 2016 Oct 14;37(39):2999-3058. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw272. Epub 2016 Aug 27. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 24528685Expert Dyslipidemia Panel of the International Atherosclerosis Society Panel members. An International Atherosclerosis Society Position Paper: global recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia--full report. J Clin Lipidol. 2014 Jan-Feb;8(1):29-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2013.12.005. Epub 2013 Dec 17.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Hande Seven Avuk principal investigator
İstanbul Bilgi University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Diet and Diet supplementation in people with Dyslipidemia and Cardiac Disease, run by Istanbul Bilgi University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 14 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Aug 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Biochemical Measurements - Fasting blood glucose (time frame: 12 weeks). The study lists 18 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06929403, which also lists 12 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Aug 2025.