Citrus Bergamot

Citrus bergamot

Bergamot, scientifically known as Citrus bergamia, is a yellow-orange citrus fruit that is mainly grown in Calabria, in the south of Italy. It is very important in traditional Italian medicine, where both the peel and the juice of the fruit are often used. However, bergamot is also available in many other forms, e.g. as a dietary supplement, essential oil and aromatherapy products. Bergamot fruits contain various phytochemicals, flavonoids and other compounds that are known for their health-promoting properties (1)

What are the benefits of Citrus Bergamot?

Bergamot supplements offer several potential health benefits, mainly due to the use of the active ingredient BPF. BPF is a concentrated powder of polyphenols extracted from the juice and pith of bergamot. One of the benefits of supplementing with citrus bergamot came from a 2019 analysis that linked the fruit to a reduction in cholesterol levels. The analysis included the results of several studies that indicated that bergamot could help lower lipid levels in the body and thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Daily intake led to a reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL cholesterol (2). Another benefit that has been associated with citrus bergamot is its effect on blood sugar control. Various studies have investigated the potential of bergamot supplements in controlling blood sugar levels. A study conducted in 2019 showed promising results. Subjects taking BPF or BPF phyto-preparations experienced a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose levels (3). Bergamot has also been shown to be beneficial for anxiety, but this time in the form of inhaled intake. In a 2020 study involving people awaiting gallbladder surgery, it was found that inhaling bergamot orange essence led to a reduction in anxiety compared to inhaling odorless grapeseed oil (4). Last but not least, there is also research linking bergamot ingestion to potential anti-inflammatory properties. Although these studies are promising, more evidence is needed as too little evidence has been gathered to date on the effect on humans (5).

What are the side effects and potential risks of Citrus Bergamot?

Bergamot is generally considered safe, but can also have adverse effects. However, these have primarily been associated with overuse of bergamot essential oil, not habitual ingestion. Researchers found that excessive consumption of Earl Grey tea, which contained bergamot extract oil, led to adverse symptoms due to its potassium channel blocking properties (6). It should also be noted that there are no studies on the effects of bergamot on specific populations such as children, older adults, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Caution may therefore be required in these groups.

Information on dosage

Bergamot products are available in various forms, including liquid extracts, tablets or capsules, powders and juices. The dose taken naturally varies depending on the dosage form. Bergamot extract was most commonly taken in a dosage between 500 and 1,200 milligrams (mg) per serving, daily for 4-12 weeks.

Conclusion

Clinical research indicates promising health benefits associated with taking bergamot. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and efficacy of bergamot. Reactions to bergamot can vary between individuals, which emphasizes the importance of adhering to recommended dosages for safety.

Sources:

\1) Nauman, M. C., & Johnson, J. J. (2019). Clinical application of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers. Integrative food, nutrition and metabolism, 6(2), 10.15761/IFNM.1000249. https://doi.org/10.15761/IFNM.1000249

\2) Gliozzi, M. , Walker, R. , Muscoli, S. , Vitale, C. , Gratteri, S. , Carresi, C. , & Mollace, V. (2013). Bergamot polyphenolic fraction enhances rosuvastatin-induced effect on LDL-cholesterol, LOX-1 expression and protein kinase B phosphorylation in patients with hyperlipidemia. International Journal of Cardiology, 170(2), 140-145. 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.08.125 [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

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\4) Pasyar, N., Rambod, M., & Araghi, F. (2020). The effect of bergamot orange essence on anxiety, salivary cortisol, and alpha amylase in patients prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A controlled trial study. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 39, 101153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101153

\5) Impellizzeri, D., Bruschetta, G., Di Paola, R., Ahmad, A., Campolo, M., Cuzzocrea, S., Esposito, E., & Navarra, M. (2015). The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of bergamot juice extract (BJe) in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), 34(6), 1146-1154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2014.11.012

\6) Navarra M, Mannucci C, Delbò M and Calapai G (2015) Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application. Front. Pharmacol. 6:36. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00036