H&AD has adopted bergamot (Citrus bergamia) through the American Botanical Council (ABC)’s Adopt-an-Herb research and education program.
 
Bergamot is a member of the citrus family, growing almost exclusively in the coastal Calabrian region of Southern Italy, where it thrives. Bergamot oil is pressed from the peel of the almost-ripe fruit, which is gathered in November and December and is known primarily as an ingredient in Earl Grey tea, a fragrance, and a personal care product.
 
A polyphenolic fraction of bergamot fruit has been shown to support healthy blood lipids, support healthy blood glucose response, and support cardiovascular health. It is also being researched for its role in mood and cognitive support.
 
“We believe that ABC’s considerable resources combined with the decades of groundbreaking leadership in herbal science will support our own continued efforts in exploring bergamot’s abilities and projecting those science-supported benefits through compelling publication and marketing to brand owners, practitioners, retailers, and consumers,” said Hame K. Persaud, executive vice president of HP Ingredients, a stakeholder in H&AD. “We are proud of being associated with such a reputable and respected organization as the American Botanical Council. This partnership directly reflects our core values of making a positive impact in our industry – and ultimately, people and the planet. We are committed to and focused on continuing our research and sustainability efforts for this amazingly impactful bergamot ingredient.”
 
H&AD’s adoption of bergamot supports ABC’s HerbMedPro database, ensuring that this research and education resource remains up-to-date for researchers, health professionals, industry members, students, consumers, and other members of the herbal and dietary supplement and natural medicine communities. 
 
HerbMedPro is a comprehensive, interactive online database that provides access to scientific and clinical research data on the uses and health effects of more than 265 herbs, spices, medicinal plants, and fungi.
 
“Adopting bergamot as part of the laudatory program of the American Botanical Council substantiates credibility and value of bergamot’s use for human health,” said Persaud. “H&AD is a research and development company located where bergamot is grown, and which is considered one of the top-ranking companies in bergamot derivatives and natural products. H&AD is the owner of several patents concerning both the extraction procedures and the therapeutic activity of many of its products.” 
 
“ABC is deeply grateful to H&AD for adopting bergamot on ABC’s powerful HerbMedPro database,” said Mark Blumenthal, ABC founder and executive director. “H&AD’s adoption enables ABC to further its unique nonprofit research and educational mission by ensuring that HerbMedPro contains the latest scientific and clinical research on this respected traditional medicinal and aromatic herb.”