Bergamot Oil

Generic name: Citrus Bergamia Risso Et Poiteau
Brand names: Bergamot, Oleum Bergamotte

Usage of Bergamot Oil

Antifungal effects

Animal and in vitro data

Bergamot oil concentrations of 0.5% to 1% inhibited growth of the mycotoxigenic Fusarium species Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium graminearum, and Fusarium langsethiae, all known contaminants of cereals.(Morcia 2017) At a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.3% (v/v), bergamot oil showed antifungal effects against planktonic Candida albicans cells in mouse fibroblasts.(Serra 2018)

Antineoplastic effects

In vitro data

Antiproliferative effects of bergamot oil have been studied in vitro using human cancer cell lines.(Berliocchi 2011, Celia 2013, Cosentino 2014, Navarra 2015)

Bladder

Clinical data

The American Urology Association's update guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (2022) states that self-care practices and behavioral modifications that can improve symptoms should be discussed and implemented as feasible, which includes avoidance of certain foods known to be common bladder irritants like citrus products (Clinical Principle).(Clemens 2022)

Cardiovascular effects

Animal data

Smooth muscle relaxation induced by bergamot oil has been demonstrated in mouse aorta, possibly via activation of potassium ion channels and/or inhibition of calcium ion influx.(Kang 2013)

Clinical data

In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, patients awaiting ambulatory surgery and exposed to bergamot oil aromatherapy for 30 minutes showed a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate.(Ni 2013)

CNS effects

Animal data

Antinociceptive effects of bergamot oil have been reported in studies in rodents.(Bagetta 2010, Katsuyama 2015, Sakurada 2011) In animal studies, anxiolytic and sedative properties of bergamot oil given systemically and by inhalation have been reported.(Bagetta 2010, Saiyudthong 2011) A calcium ion–dependent increase in extracellular aspartate, glycine, and taurine in the CNS has been reported as a potential mechanism of action.(Bagetta 2010) One study in rats reported a reduced corticosterone response to acute stress with inhaled bergamot oil.(Saiyudthong 2011) Further studies suggest activity at the opioid receptors; the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone prevented antinociceptive effects of bergamot oil.(Rombola 2016) Another study showed that bergamot oil induces anxiolytic-like and relaxant effects in the behavioral tasks of rats.(Rombola 2017)

Clinical data

Clinical studies have examined the use of bergamot essential oil in aromatherapy to reduce stress symptoms.(Mannucci 2017) Healthy adults administered a 10% solution of blended essential oil (containing lavender and bergamot and topically massaged into the skin) reported feeling more calm and relaxed. These findings indicate a decrease in autonomic arousal and deactivation at the behavioral level; thus, these effects may be characterized by the "concept of relaxing effect." One possible mechanism is that the oil stimulates the brain to release serotonin. Furthermore, the oil may interact with central structures that control the level of autonomic and/or behavioral arousal. The synergistic effects of the lavender and bergamot oil blend suggested benefit in treating depression and anxiety.(Hongratanaworakit 2011)

In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, patients awaiting ambulatory surgery and exposed to bergamot oil aromatherapy for 30 minutes showed a decrease in State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores.(Ni 2013) Exposure to 100% bergamot oil diluted to 2% showed that aromatherapy sessions lasting at least 15 minutes alleviated symptoms of physical and psychological stress by causing a relaxing effect.(Liu 2013) In an experiment in healthy volunteers, salicary cortisol levels were lowered with bergamot oil aromatherapy.(Watanabe 2015) An 8-week clinical study exploring the effects of bergamot oil inhalation on mental well-being of patients at a mental health treatment center showed positive results compared with the control group. Overall, the treatment group reported higher affect scores, smaller increases in negative affect, and higher scores of feeling proud and active; however, patients in the treatment group also reported feeling nervous. Bergamot oil aromatherapy may provide beneficial effects on mood and mental well being, as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).(Han 2017)

Bergamot Oil side effects

Direct topical use is discouraged due to psoralen photodermatotoxicity; internal use may cause muscular cramping and should also be avoided.Kaddu 2001 Bergapten, a furocoumarin found in bergamot oil, has been shown to alter potassium channel currents, causing twitching and muscle cramps. There is a case report of a 44-year-old man who experienced muscle cramps, fasciculations, paresthesias, and blurred vision after consuming up to 4 L (approximately 1 gallon) of Earl Grey tea (flavored with bergamot oil) daily. All symptoms disappeared after switching to pure black tea.Finsterer 2002 When used in aromatherapy, bergamot oil is well tolerated.Han 2017

Before taking Bergamot Oil

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

How to use Bergamot Oil

Clinical studies are lacking to provide dosage recommendations. Bergamot oil is principally used in aromatherapy. Direct topical use is discouraged due to psoralen photodermatotoxicity; internal use may cause muscular cramping and should also be avoided.

Warnings

Some furocoumarins (eg, bergapten and xanthotoxin, known as 5-MOP and 8-MOP, respectively) have been shown to be phototoxic in humans.Kejlova 2007, Khan 2009, Zaynoun 1977 The nonvolatile compound bergapten is responsible for the phototoxic effects; however, production of bergapten-free oil is possible.Sicari 2018 A peak photosensitivity effect is reached 2 to 72 hours after topical administration of bergamot oil followed by irradiation.Dubertret 1990, Zaynoun 1977 Hyperpigmentation of the face and other areas exposed to the sun is thought to be due to the photosensitizing effects of cosmetics that contain these compounds. Phototoxic reactions can be affected by a variety of factors, including vehicle, concentration, hydration of skin, skin site, interval between local application of bergamot oil and irradiation, degree of skin pigmentation, and ability to tan.Zaynoun 1977 Inform patients of a potential phototoxic reaction caused by exposure to aerosolized bergamot aromatherapy oil with subsequent UVA exposure.Kaddu 2001 The furocoumarins can induce genetic changes in cells exposed to UV light even in concentrations as low as 5 ppm.Young 1990 These changes can be minimized by the application of a cinnamate-containing sunscreen,Averbeck 1990 but sunscreens in low concentrations (up to 1%) added to perfumes cannot suppress the phototoxicity of bergamot oil on human skin.Wang 2002 In the 48th Amendment of Standards, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) expressed restrictions for bergamot oil due to phototoxic effects. IFRA recommends that contact with leave-on skin products containing bergamot oil be limited to 0.4% when the application area is exposed to the sun, with no restriction on rinse-off products or non–skin contact products.IFRA 2015 When tested in vitro on mouse fibroblast cells, bergamot oil induced a probable phototoxic effect at photoirritation factor (PIF) values of 2.7 and 4.6 and mean photo effect (MPE) values of 0.139 and 0.276. When both values are taken into consideration together, a substance is considered "probably phototoxic" if PIF value falls between 2.1 and 4.9 and MPE value falls between 0.1 and 0.15.Binder 2016 Bergamot oil also decreased cell viability after UV light exposure by approximately 50% in concentration. Decreased rod outer segments production and mitochondrial dysfunction are possible contributing factors to essential oil toxicity.

What other drugs will affect Bergamot Oil

None well documented.

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