Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Han X, Gibson J, Eggett DL, Parker TL. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Essential Oil Inhalation Improves Positive Feelings in the Waiting Room of a Mental Health Treatment Center: A Pilot Study. Phytother Res. 2017 May;31(5):812-816. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5806.

Abstract. This pilot study observed the effects of bergamot essential oil inhalation on mental health and well-being, as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, in a mental-health treatment center located in Utah, USA.

Cappello AR, Dolce V, Iacopetta D, Martello M, Fiorillo M, Curcio R, Muto L, Dhanyalayam D. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) Flavonoids and Their Potential Benefits in Human Hyperlipidemia and Atherosclerosis: an Overview. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2016;16(8):619-29. doi: 10.2174/1389557515666150709110222.

Abstract...the study of bergamot flavonoids as metabolic regulators offers a great opportunity for screening and discovery of new therapeutic agents. Cholesterol metabolism, flavonoid composition and potential therapeutic use of C. bergamia Risso will be discussed in the following review.

Borgatti M, Mancini I, Bianchi N, Guerrini A, Lampronti I, Rossi D, Sacchetti G, Gambari R. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) fruit extracts and identified components alter expression of interleukin 8 gene in cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cell lines. BMC Biochem. 2011 Apr 15;12:15. doi: 10.1186/1471-2091-12-15.

Abstract. In this article we have investigated the possible use of bergamot extracts (Citrus bergamia Risso) and their identified components to alter the expression of IL-8 associated with the cystic fibrosis airway pathology.

Currò M, Risitano R, Ferlazzo N, Cirmi S, Gangemi C, Caccamo D, Ientile R, Navarra M. Citrus bergamia Juice Extract Attenuates β-Amyloid-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Activation of THP-1 Cells Through MAPK and AP-1 Pathways. Sci Rep. 2016 Feb 8;6:20809. doi: 10.1038/srep20809. 

Abstract. Flavonoids have been shown to be effective in protecting against age-related cognitive and motor decline in both in vitro and in vivo models. Recently, a flavonoid-rich extract of Citrus bergamia juice (BJe) has been shown to display anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties against LPS-induced activation of human THP-1 monocytes. In the light of these observations, we wondered whether BJe may be beneficial against neuroinflammatory processes, such as those observed in Alzheimer's disease. 

Cirmi S, Bisignano C, Mandalari G, Navarra M. Anti-infective potential of Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau (bergamot) derivatives: a systematic review. Phytother Res. 2016 Sep;30(9):1404-11. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5646.

Abstract. .Here, we present a systematic review on the anti-infective properties of bergamot derivatives that highlight the activity of bergamot essential oil against bacteria, mycetes and larvae, as well as the anti-Helicobacter pylori effect of bergamot juice and the antimicrobial properties of extracts from bergamot peel. 

Fratianni F, Cozzolino A, De Feo V, Coppola R, Ombra MN, Nazzaro F. Polyphenols, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Biofilm Inhibitory Activities of Peel and Pulp of Citrus medica L., Citrus bergamia, and Citrus medica cv. Salò Cultivated in Southern Italy. Molecules. 2019 Dec 13;24(24):4577. doi: 10.3390/molecules24244577.

Abstract. The aim of this paper was to study the polyphenols of peel and pulp of three Citrus taxa-Citrus medica, Citrus bergamia, and Citrus medica cv. Salò-cultivated in the Cosenza province, Southern Italy, and to evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activity, performed against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pectobacterium carotovorum.

Quirino A, Morelli P, Capua G, Arena G, Matera G, Liberto MC, Focà A. Synergistic and antagonistic effects of Citrus bergamia distilled extract and its major components on drug resistant clinical isolates. Nat Prod Res. 2020 Jun;34(11):1626-1629. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2018.1522631. 

Abstract. In this study we determine the in vitro antimicrobial activities of Citrus bergamia distilled extract and compounds isolated from such extract against clinical MDR strains. The activity of these substances were tested using a broth microdilution assay, their MBC and their FBC to evaluate the nature of the interactions in tested components. 

Guerrini A, Lampronti I, Bianchi N, Zuccato C, Breveglieri G, Salvatori F, Mancini I, Rossi D, Potenza R, Chiavilli F, Sacchetti G, Gambari R, Borgatti M. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) fruit extracts as γ-globin gene expression inducers: phytochemical and functional perspectives. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 May 27;57(10):4103-11. doi: 10.1021/jf803489p.

Abstract. Epicarps of Citrus bergamia fruits from organic farming were extracted with the objective of obtaining derived products differently rich in coumarins and psoralens. The extracts were chemically characterized by (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for detecting and quantifying the main constituents....

Spigoni V, Mena P, Fantuzzi F, Tassotti M, Brighenti F, Bonadonna RC, Del Rio D, Dei Cas A. Bioavailability of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Flavanones and Biological Activity of Their Circulating Metabolites in Human Pro-Angiogenic Cells. Nutrients. 2017 Dec 6;9(12):1328. doi: 10.3390/nu9121328. 

Abstract. Myeloid angiogenic cells (MACs) play a key role in endothelial repairing processes and functionality but their activity may be impaired by the lipotoxic effects of some molecules like stearic acid (SA). Among the dietary components potentially able to modulate endothelial function in vivo, (poly)phenolic compounds represent serious candidates. Here, we apply a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to shed light on the prospects of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), a citrus fruit rich in flavanones and other phenolic compounds, in the framework of lipotoxicity-induced MACs impairment.

Bergamot  is a fruit of plants Citrus bergamia or Citrus medica belonging to the Rutaceae family.

From its root, stems, leaves, flowers and fruit are obtained

an essential oil obtained from the bergamot peel, which is deep yellow in colour

• a dark brown powder extract

What it is used for and where

Medical

Bergamot has a long tradition as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory remedy for respiratory and urinary tract infections, oral and skin infections, and fever.

Bergamot essential oil has a high content of limonene, linalool and linalyl acetate. Many clinical studies have shown encouraging results on the relief of pain, stress, depression and anxiety. In fact, in 2015, a study by Watanabe et al. tested the endocrinological, physiological and psychological effects of inhaling bergamot essential oil vapour and concluded that it exerts psychological and physiological effects in a relatively short time (1).

The scientific literature has also provided evidence of the anti-cholesterolaemic properties of bergamot administered in various forms and that its intake is well tolerated (2). On the other hand, many scientific studies have highlighted the close relationship between diets rich in flavonoids and the reduction of cardiovascular risks due to high levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL.

It should also be emphasised that flavonoids in general, in addition to their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, exert positive activity on capillary fragility and may inhibit or otherwise limit human platelet aggregation. In any case, consumption of products with a high polyphenol content is associated with a reduced incidence of cancer (3).

It should be remembered that the essential oils constitute a kind of concentrate of the active ingredients contained in the fruit.

As far as the polyphenolic composition of bergamot is concerned, there are discrete quantities of phenolic acids: ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid and, as regards flavonoids: quercetin, epicatechin, catechin.

Cosmetics

Bergamot essential oil is used in shampoos, hair conditioners and skin care products as an antioxidant.

Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it allows perfume to be enhanced, masked or added to the final product, improving its commercial viability.  The consumer always expects to find a pleasant scent in a cosmetic product.

Deodorant agent. When substances that give off an unpleasant odour are included in cosmetic formulations (typical examples are methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulphide derived from garlic), deodorants attenuate or eliminate the unpleasant exhalation.

Skin conditioning agent - Miscellaneous.  This ingredient has the task of modifying the condition of the skin when it is damaged or dry by reducing its flakiness and restoring its elasticity.

The most relevant studies on this ingredient have been selected with a summary of their contents:

  Bergamot studies

References_________________________________________________________________

(1) Watanabe E, Kuchta K, Kimura M, Rauwald HW, Kamei T, Imanishi J. Effects of bergamot ( Citrus bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn.) essential oil aromatherapy on mood states, parasympathetic nervous system activity, and salivary cortisol levels in 41 healthy females. Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(1):43-9. doi: 10.1159/000380989.

(2) Nauman MC, Johnson JJ. Clinical application of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers. Integr Food Nutr Metab. 2019 Mar;6(2):10.15761/IFNM.1000249. doi: 10.15761/IFNM.1000249.

Huang Y, Tocmo R, Nauman MC, Haughan MA, Johnson JJ. Defining the Cholesterol Lowering Mechanism of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Extract in HepG2 and Caco-2 Cells. Nutrients. 2021 Sep 10;13(9):3156. doi: 10.3390/nu13093156.

(3) Li WQ, Kuriyama S, Li Q, Nagai M, Hozawa A, Nishino Y, Tsuji I. Citrus consumption and cancer incidence: the Ohsaki cohort study. Int J Cancer. 2010 Oct 15;127(8):1913-22. doi: 10.1002/ijc.25203.