Bergamot

Related Terms

4-4'-5'-Trimethylangelicin, 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin, 5-gernaoxy-psoralen, 5-geranoxypsoralen, 5-methoxypsoralen, 5'-trimethylazapsoralen, 6,4,4'-trimethylangelicin, 8-methoxypsoralen, aceite de bergamota (Spanish), ba gan meng (Chinese), bei jia mao cheng (Chinese), bei jia mi gan (Chinese), bergamot fruit, bergamot orange, bergamota (Portuguese), bergamote (French), bergamotier (French), bergamotorange (Danish), bergamotoranje (Dutch), bergamotta (Italian), Bergamotte (German), Bergamottenbaum (German), Bergamottenzitrone (German), bergamotti (Finnish), bergamottier (French), bergamottihedelmae (Finnish), bergamottin, bergamotto (Italian), bergamotto bigarade orange, bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen [5-MOP]), berugamotto (Japanese), bey armudu (Turkish), C-glucosides, chrysoeriol (7-O-neohesperidoside), chrysoeriol (7-O-neohesperidoside-4'-O-glucoside), citron?k bergamot (Czech), citropten, Citrus aurantium L. ssp. bergamia, Citrus aurantium L. subsp. bergamia (Risso & Poit.) Wight & Arn. ex Engl., Citrus aurantium L. var. bergamia Loisel., Citrus bergamia, Citrus bergamia Risso, Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau, coumarins, eriodictyol, essential oil, flavonoids, fragrant balm, hesperetin, huile de bergamote (French), isovitexin, laym?n ad?ly? barnat? (Arabic), limettier bergamotte (French), lucenin-2, monosaccharides, monoterpene hydrocarbons, naringenin, naringin, neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin, O-glycosides, oleum bergamotte, oligosaccharides, oranger bergamotte (French), orientin 4'-methyl ether, pectins, polymethoxylated flavones, poirier bergamotte (French), psoralen, rhoifolin (4'-O-glucoside), Rutaceae (family), scoparin and orientin (4'-methyl ether), stellarin-2, Strauchorange (German), sweet orange, terpenes, xiang ning meng (Chinese).
Note: This monograph does not cover the North American plant bee balm, which is part of the family Lamiaceae, genus Monarda. Sometimes Monarda species are called bergamot.

Background

Bergamot orange trees, indigenous to Calabria, Italy, are part of the Rutaceae family and Citrus genus. The peel of the pear-shaped fruit contains essential oils and other bioactive constituents. Bergamot juice is used for nutritional purposes. The bergamot orange is unrelated to North American herbs also known as bergamot, which belong to the genus Monarda (bee balm or Oswego tea). This bottom line exclusively discusses bergamot orange.
The essential oil of bergamot produces the pleasing odor that made it popular in cosmetics and aromatherapy. Because bergamot may cause an adverse reaction to sunlight or ultraviolet light, its usefulness in substances that are applied to the skin is limited. However, research continues on its potential beneficial effects for the skin. Research is also continuing on the antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties of constituents in bergamot essential oil.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Limited research suggests that bergamot odor may affect stimulation in a specific brain region. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests that bergamot odor may affect stimulation in a specific brain region. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Studies using blends of essential oils, including bergamot oil, have reported a lack of positive effects for anxiety. Additional research using bergamot oil alone is needed.

 C


Studies using blends of essential oils, including bergamot oil, have reported a lack of positive effects for anxiety. Additional research using bergamot oil alone is needed.

 C


Aromatherapy involving bergamot oil plus lavender and ylang ylang oils has been studied for high blood pressure. Although the blended oils provided positive results, the effects of bergamot alone is unclear. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Aromatherapy involving bergamot oil plus lavender and ylang ylang oils has been studied for high blood pressure. Although the blended oils provided positive results, the effects of bergamot alone is unclear. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited studies have investigated the effects of combination bergamot oil aromatherapy massage on the improvement of health in both clinical and healthy populations. Additional high-quality research on the use of bergamot alone is needed.

 C


Limited studies have investigated the effects of combination bergamot oil aromatherapy massage on the improvement of health in both clinical and healthy populations. Additional high-quality research on the use of bergamot alone is needed.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that applying bergamot oil to the skin before ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy may improve outcomes in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that applying bergamot oil to the skin before ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy may improve outcomes in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
To treat psoriasis (inflammatory skin condition), bergamot oil has been applied to the skin 30 minutes before ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy, three times weekly.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Bergamot may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Bergamot may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking agents that lower blood pressure.
Bergamot may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood and may cause potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Bergamot may also interact with agents for anxiety, antibiotics, anticancer drugs, antifungals, anti-inflammatory agents, cardiovascular drugs, cholesterol-lowering agents, drugs that affect the immune system, felodipine (a drug that lowers blood pressure), drugs that increase sensitivity to light, or pain relievers.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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