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Dietary supplement

Bergamot Extract 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bergamot Extract 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, heart and metabolic health, anxiety and stress (aromatherapy).Based on those ingredients, 410 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bergamot Fruit Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bergamot Extract 500 mg by Swanson

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: bergamot fruit extract, supplied at 500 mg per capsule. Bergamot is a citrus fruit, and the extract is what's used here rather than the essential oil or whole fruit.

The capsule also includes several inactive ingredients—maltodextrin, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, rice extract, and silica—which serve as fillers and binders to hold the capsule together.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Promotes healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hyperlipidemia, Metabolic syndrome, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Dyslipidemia, Atherosclerosis prevention.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Bergamot is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hyperlipidemia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bergamot is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Metabolic syndrome.

Bergamot extract is possibly effective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), based on available evidence. For mental alertness, the data suggests it's possibly ineffective.

For nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and autism spectrum disorder, there isn't enough reliable evidence in the data we hold to rate how well it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bergamot

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Oral bergamot extract appears generally well tolerated when used short-term, though one person in clinical research reported heartburn. The essential oil form is a different story—swallowing it can be toxic and cause sun-related skin reactions, and topical use may cause blisters, redness, photosensitivity, and skin lesions, especially in fair-skinned people.

The safety data advises against bergamot during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe in either situation.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bergamot

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Bergamot.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 410 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your medications before starting this product. Most important: if you take diabetes drugs (any medication that lowers blood sugar), bergamot may increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Also double-check if you're on photosensitizing drugs—those that make your skin more light-sensitive—as bergamot may worsen that effect.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you have high cholesterol and don't take diabetes medications or photosensitizing drugs, bergamot extract might be worth discussing with your doctor. Anyone on blood sugar medications or drugs that increase sun sensitivity should check their specific medications before taking this—the risk of low blood sugar or sun-related skin problems could be real.

Talk with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any regular medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Bergamot Extract 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614142609
Net contents 30 Veggie Cap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 265028
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Bergamot Extract 500 mg by Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
087614142609
IngredientAmount% DV
Bergamot Fruit Extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: Maltrodextrin, Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rice extract, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

swanson.com or call 1-800-437-4148

Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Formulation

Promotes healthy cholesterol levels Multidimensional support for cardiovascular health Preserves arterial health and elasticity

Cardiovascular Health

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one veggie capsule per day with water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Consult your healthcare provider before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formula

500 mg per capsule 25% Flavonoids

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

See for yourself

Bergamot Extract 500 mg by Swanson label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bergamot Extract 500 mg by Swanson

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Bergamot Fruit Extract

Interacts with
410 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Flavonoids

Bergamot is a Mediterranean citrus fruit, and its standardized extract is most often used to support cholesterol and heart health, with some early but...

Bergamot Fruit Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Maltrodextrin, Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rice extract, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bergamot Extract 500 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bergamot Extract 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
410Drugs
410 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bergamot Extract 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Bergamot Fruit Extract2 drug types · 410 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking bergamot with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that bergamot juice has hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, topical bergamot essential oil might increase the risk of side effects when used along with photosensitizing drugs.
Bergamot contains bergapten, which has photosensitizing effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bergamot Extract 500 mg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bergamot Extract 500 mg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Bergamot Extract 500 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bergamot Extract 500 mg has a known interaction with 410 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bergamot Extract 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take bergamot extract if I'm pregnant?
The safety data advises against it—there isn't enough information to know whether bergamot is safe during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in this situation.
Is bergamot safe while breastfeeding?
Safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so the safer choice is to avoid it. If you're thinking about taking bergamot while nursing, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
What side effects might I notice from taking the extract by mouth?
Oral bergamot extract is generally well tolerated short-term. One person in clinical research reported heartburn, but that's uncommon. Don't confuse this with the essential oil form, which can be toxic if swallowed.
Does bergamot actually work for high cholesterol?
The evidence suggests it's possibly effective for high cholesterol, meaning there's some support for it, though research is still limited. Talk with your doctor about whether it fits into your cholesterol plan.
I've heard bergamot can cause skin reactions. Does that apply to this product?
The skin reactions—blisters, redness, photosensitivity, and pigment spots—happen mainly with topical use and with the essential oil, especially in fair-skinned people. This is an oral extract, so you're not applying it to your skin, but avoid direct contact with the peel or oil of fresh bergamot.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Bergamot Extract 500 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Bergamot Extract 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bergamot Extract 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bergamot Extract 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 17 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Bergamot 17 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Naganuma M, Hirose S, Nakayama Y, et al. A study of the phototoxicity of lemon oil. Arch Dermatol Res 1985;278:31-6. . PubMed
  4. Kaddu, S., Kerl, H., and Wolf, P. Accidental bullous phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil. J.Am.Acad.Dermatol. 2001;45(3):458-461. PubMed
  5. Finsterer, J. Earl Grey tea intoxication. Lancet 4-27-2002;359(9316):1484. PubMed
  6. Gruson, L. M. and Chang, M. W. Berloque dermatitis mimicking child abuse. Arch.Pediatr.Adolesc.Med. 2002;156(11):1091-1093. PubMed
  7. Weisenseel, P. and Woitalla, S. [Toxic mustard plaster dematitis and phototoxic dematitis after application of bergamot oil]. MMW.Fortschr.Med. 12-15-2005;147(51-52):53, 55.
  8. Placzek, M., Fromel, W., Eberlein, B., Gilbertz, K. P., and Przybilla, B. Evaluation of phototoxic properties of fragrances. Acta Derm.Venereol. 2007;87(4):312-316. PubMed
  9. Mollace, V., Sacco, I., Janda, E., Malara, C., Ventrice, D., Colica, C., Visalli, V., Muscoli, S., Ragusa, S., Muscoli, C., Rotiroti, D., and Romeo, F. Hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenols: from animal models to human studies. F PubMed
  10. Morliere, P., Huppe, G., Averbeck, D., Young, A. R., Santus, R., and Dubertret, L. In vitro photostability and photosensitizing properties of bergamot oil. Effects of a cinnamate sunscreen. J.Photochem.Photobiol.B 1990;7(2-4):199-208. PubMed
  11. Young, A. R., Walker, S. L., Kinley, J. S., Plastow, S. R., Averbeck, D., Morliere, P., and Dubertret, L. Phototumorigenesis studies of 5-methoxypsoralen in bergamot oil: evaluation and modification of risk of human use in an albino mouse skin model. J.P PubMed
  12. Girard, J., Unkovic, J., Delahayes, J., and Lafille, C. [Phototoxicity of Bergamot oil. Comparison between humans and guinea pigs]. Dermatologica 1979;158(4):229-243.
  13. Zaynoun, S. T., Johnson, B. E., and Frain-Bell, W. A study of oil of bergamot and its importance as a phototoxic agent. II. Factors which affect the phototoxic reaction induced by bergamot oil and psoralen derivatives. Contact Dermatitis 1977;3(5):225-23 PubMed
  14. Zacher, K. D. and Ippen, H. [Contact dermatitis caused by bergamot oil]. Derm.Beruf.Umwelt. 1984;32(3):95-97.
  15. Yasui, Y. and Hirone, T. Action spectrum for bergamot-oil phototoxicity measured by sunburn cell counting. J.Dermatol. 1994;21(5):319-322. PubMed
  16. Zaynoun, S. T., Johnson, B. E., and Frain-Bell, W. A study of oil of bergamot and its importance as a phototoxic agent. I. Characterization and quantification of the photoactive component. Br.J.Dermatol. 1977;96(5):475-482. PubMed
  17. Bruno A, Pandolfo G, Crucitti M, Cedro C, Zoccali RA, Muscatello MRA. Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction Supplementation Improves Cognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia: Data From an 8-Week, Open-Label Pilot Study. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2017;37(4):468-71. PubMed

See these in context on the Bergamot monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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