Healthy Protection Of Bergamot Is Linked To The Modulation Of Microbiota

Abstract Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a new food-grade bioavailable delivery system of bergamot on human gut microbiota, in order to demonstrate the potential correlation of microbiota modulation in cardiovascular health.The identification of human gut microbiota modification was performed after ex-vivo incubation with bergamot phytosome (Vazguard™) of individual faecal slurries from healthy women (45–53 years) as follows: after incubation at 37°C in anaerobic condition, DNA was extracted and a 16S Metagenomic Sequencing Analysis performed. Results: Twenty-five different phyla were identified, among which 4 were modulated: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria. The decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and the increase of Proteobacteria were observed indicating a positive modulation of microbiota possibly linked to cardiovascular health. 418 different genera were also identified, among which several of them were mildly modulated.Conclusions: For the first time, a gut microbiome modulation was associated to the new delivery system of bergamot phytosome, supporting its clinical efficacy for cardiovascular health. New potential applications in weight control and gastrointestinal benefits were suggested.