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What is Bergamot?
Bergamot, scientifically known as Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau, is a citrus fruit primarily cultivated in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. This unique fruit is renowned for its essential oil, which has been a staple in the perfume industry for centuries. Beyond its aromatic properties, bergamot has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Other names include: Aceite de Bergamota, Bergamot, Bergamot Orange, Bergamota, Bergamotier, Bergamoto, Bergamotte, Bergamotto Bigarade Orange, Citrus Bergamia, Citrus aurantium var. bergamia, Huile de Bergamote, KoksalGarry, Oleum Bergamotte.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Bergamot has a rich history dating back to the 1700s, where it was first utilized for its balsamic and medicinal properties. The essential oil extracted from bergamot peel has been a key ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and food products due to its pleasant and refreshing scent1 2 9.
Phytochemical Composition
Bergamot is rich in flavonoids, particularly flavone and flavanone glycosides, which are believed to contribute to its health benefits. Detailed phytochemical analyses have identified numerous components within bergamot juice and essential oil, including neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin, and naringin1 5 8. These compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, making bergamot a subject of growing scientific interest.
Therapeutic Applications of Bergamot
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Bergamot has been shown to possess significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have demonstrated that bergamot extracts can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in the development of various chronic diseases1 9. These effects are attributed to the high content of polyphenolic compounds in bergamot juice and essential oil.
Cardiovascular Health
Bergamot has been extensively studied for its potential benefits in managing dyslipidemia and cardiovascular health. Clinical trials have shown that bergamot supplementation can significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol levels3 4 7. These lipid-modulating effects suggest that bergamot could be a valuable alternative or adjunct to conventional lipid-lowering therapies, especially for individuals intolerant to statins.
Anticancer Properties
Recent research has highlighted the potential anticancer properties of bergamot. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that bergamot extracts can induce cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in various cancer cell lines, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation1. These findings suggest that bergamot could be a promising natural compound for enhancing the efficacy of conventional anticancer therapies.
Mental Health and Aromatherapy
Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is widely used in aromatherapy for its anxiolytic and mood-enhancing effects. Clinical studies have indicated that BEO can help reduce anxiety and stress, making it a useful tool in managing mental health conditions2 10. However, the efficacy of BEO in aromatherapy compared to placebo remains a topic of ongoing research.
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Phototoxic Reactions
Bergamot oil contains furocoumarins, primarily bergapten (5-MOP), which can cause phototoxic and photomutagenic reactions. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light after applying bergamot oil can lead to severe skin reactions, including bullous phototoxic skin reactions2.
Photosensitivity
The photosensitive properties of bergamot oil can lead to increased sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in skin burns and pigmentation changes when exposed to UV radiation2.
Potential for Skin Irritation
Bergamot oil, when used in aromatherapy or topically, can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals, especially when exposed to sunlight2.
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Improvement in Dyslipidemia and Metabolic Syndrome
Bergamot supplementation significantly reduces total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and improves HDL-C levels in patients with dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome1 3 4 5 6.
It also enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces markers of systemic inflammation, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)3 4.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Bergamot polyphenolic formulation (BPF99) improves liver enzymes (ALT), reduces triglycerides and LDL-C, and significantly resolves NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) in animal models1.
A nutraceutical containing Bergamot and wild cardoon significantly reduces liver fat content in individuals with liver steatosis, particularly in those over 50 years old9.
Cognitive Function in Schizophrenia
Bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) supplementation improves cognitive functions, such as performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Verbal Fluency Task, in patients with schizophrenia2 7.
Cardiovascular Health
Bergamot extract reduces atherogenic small dense LDL particles and subclinical atherosclerosis, as measured by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia6.
Sleep Quality
Aromatherapy using a mixture containing Bergamot essential oil improves sleep quality in cardiac rehabilitation patients, as indicated by lower Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores10.
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💆♂️How has bergamot improved patient outcomes? 🩺Can bergamot reduce liver fat content in individuals with liver steatosis?Bergamot Mechanisms of Action
Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects
Bergamot peel and juice extracts prevent oxidative stress by reducing ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation in human red blood cells. They also restore antioxidant enzyme activity and prevent metabolic shifts towards the pentose phosphate pathway1.
Bergamot’s flavonoids, such as neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin, and naringin, contribute to its antioxidant properties, which help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation2 5.
Cholesterol-Lowering Mechanism
Bergamot extract and its components (neoeriocitrin, naringin, neohesperidin) lower cholesterol by downregulating HMG-CoA reductase expression and increasing AMP-kinase phosphorylation, which is distinct from the direct inhibition seen with statins3 5.
Bergamot juice extract significantly reduces total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides while increasing HDL in humans, suggesting its efficacy in managing dyslipidemia7 8.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects
Bergamot juice exhibits antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in cancer cells by activating apoptotic pathways and reducing NF-κB nuclear translocation, which is crucial for cancer cell survival2 9.
The anti-inflammatory effects of bergamot are mediated through the activation of SIRT1 and AMPK pathways, which reduce inflammation and improve metabolic regulation10.
Neuropharmacological Effects
Bergamot essential oil (BEO) influences neurotransmitter release in the hippocampus, which may explain its use in reducing anxiety, mood disorders, and pain. It also shows neuroprotective effects in experimental brain ischemia4.
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