Not long ago, a study published in the journal Bioenergetics by Science found that bergamot,

a plant commonly used in perfumes and Earl Grey tea, can be used as a natural anti-cholesterol method.

The study was conducted by a team of chemists at the University of Calabria, Italy, in collaboration with biologists at the University of Salford, England.

This team specializes in cell methods that kill cancer stem cells or stimulate tumor formation in a non-toxic manner.

In a study published in 2009, Calabrian researchers initially observed that bergamot has statins-like properties.

Statins are one of the most widely used drugs in the world today to reduce the incidence of cholesterol and heart attacks.

However, these drugs have serious adverse reactions, such as the destruction of muscle cells, induced cardiomyopathy or heart hardening.

The research team extracted Brutieridin and Melitidin from the skin of bergamot and found that

the two extracts were mixed in a 2:1 ratio to specifically prevent the activity of cholesterol enzyme HGMR.

The effect is similar to that of statins. In addition, this mixture can also attack cancer stem cells, stop the division of cancer stem cells and induce apoptosis.

The head of research, Dr. Marco Fiorillo, said that this mixture is called BMF and its target is the mitochondria of the cells.

The mitochondria are actually the engine of the cell. Attacking the cell's mitochondria is equivalent to cutting off the energy supply to the cancer cells, causing cell death.

Researchers believe that bergamot extract can lower blood cholesterol levels and destroy cancer stem cells in laboratory tests,

so it can be used as a natural statin alternative without any adverse effects.