Overview
Bergamot is used for high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). It is also used for other conditions, often as aromatherapy, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
In foods, bergamot oil is widely used as a citrus flavoring agent, especially in gelatins and puddings.
In manufacturing, bergamot oil is used in perfumes, creams, lotions, soaps, and suntan oils.
How does it work ?
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
- High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Taking bergamot extract seems to lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. It might work about as well as taking a low dose of the cholesterol-lowering drug called rosuvastatin (Crestor) when used for 30 days. Some research also shows that taking bergamot improves levels of blood fats called triglycerides.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Anxiety. Using bergamot oil as aromatherapy doesn't seem to reduce anxiety in people undergoing radiation therapy or a bone marrow transplant.
- Mental alertness. Using bergamot oil as aromatherapy doesn't seem to improve mental alertness. In fact, it might decrease mental alertness in heathy adults due to its relaxing effects.
Insufficient Evidence for
- Metabolic side effects caused by antipsychotic drugs. Early research shows that taking bergamot extract by mouth for 60 days doesn't improve side effects of antipsychotic drugs such as increased blood sugar, body weight, and cholesterol levels.
- Joint pain caused by drugs called aromatase inhibitors (aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgias). Early research shows that taking a product containing bergamot extract and other ingredients for 6 months slightly reduces joint pain in people with joint pain caused by drugs called aromatase inhibitors.
- Autism. Early research shows that inhaling the aroma of bergamot does not reduce anxiety in children with autism waiting to see their doctor.
- Depression. Early research shows that inhaling the aroma of lavender, sweet orange, and bergamot oil improves symptoms of depression in most older adults.
- Nausea and vomiting. Early research shows that using bergamot oil as aromatherapy doesn't decrease nausea in people undergoing bone marrow transplant.
- Scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis). Early research shows that applying bergamot oil to the skin along with UV light is not more effective than UV light alone for reducing plaque psoriasis.
- Schizophrenia. Early research shows that taking bergamot extract by mouth for 8 weeks may improve mental control and self-regulation in people with schizophrenia.
- Prediabetes, when inhaled.
- Insomnia, when inhaled.
- Loss of the color pigment on the skin (vitiligo).
- Protecting the body against lice and other parasites.
- Treating a type of cancer that begins in white blood cells and affects the skin (mycosis fungoides), when used along with ultra-violet (UV) light.
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
When applied to the skin: Bergamot oil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when applied to the skin. It might make the skin sensitive to the sun.
When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bergamot is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Children: Bergamot oil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE in children when taken by mouth in large amounts. There have been serious side effects, including convulsion and death, in children who have taken large amounts of bergamot oil.
Diabetes: Bergamot might lower blood sugar levels. This could affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes and cause blood sugar levels to go to low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Surgery: Bergamot might lower blood sugar. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. Stop using bergamot at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions ?
Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with BERGAMOT
Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Topical use of bergamot oil might also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Using bergamot oil topically along with medication that increase sensitivity to sunlight could increase the chances of sunburn, blistering or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.
Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), gatifloxacin (Tequin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra), tetracycline, methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP, Oxsoralen), and Trioxsalen (Trisoralen).
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
- For high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia): 1 gram of bergamot extract daily, with or without rosuvastatin 10 mg daily, for 30 days has been used. Bergamot extract providing 150 mg flavonoids daily for 6 months has also been used.
Bode, C. W., Zager, A., and Hansel, W. Photodynamic and photo-cross-linking potential of bergamottin. Pharmazie 2005;60(1):78-79. View abstract.
Chang, S. Y. [Effects of aroma hand massage on pain, state anxiety and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer]. Taehan Kanho.Hakhoe.Chi 2008;38(4):493-502. View abstract.
Finsterer, J. Earl Grey tea intoxication. Lancet 4-27-2002;359(9316):1484. View abstract.
Girard, J., Unkovic, J., Delahayes, J., and Lafille, C. [Phototoxicity of Bergamot oil. Comparison between humans and guinea pigs]. Dermatologica 1979;158(4):229-243. View abstract.
Gould, A. and Martin, G. N. A good odour to breathe? The effect of pleasant ambient odour on human visual vigilance. Applied Cognitive Psychology 2001;15(2):225-232.
Gruson, L. M. and Chang, M. W. Berloque dermatitis mimicking child abuse. Arch.Pediatr.Adolesc.Med. 2002;156(11):1091-1093. View abstract.
Hansen, T. M. and Hansen, B. The effect of aromatherapy on health complaints. A randomised, controlled trial. International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics 2007;1(2):67-71.
Hongratanaworakit, T. Aroma-therapeutic effects of massage blended essential oils on humans. Nat.Prod.Commun. 2011;6(8):1199-1204. View abstract.
Hwang, J. H. [The effects of the inhalation method using essential oils on blood pressure and stress responses of clients with essential hypertension]. Taehan Kanho.Hakhoe.Chi 2006;36(7):1123-1134. View abstract.
Kaddu, S., Kerl, H., and Wolf, P. Accidental bullous phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil. J.Am.Acad.Dermatol. 2001;45(3):458-461. View abstract.
Kimura, M., Mori, T., Suzuki, H., Endo, S., and Kawano, K. EEG Changes in Odor Effects after the Stress of Long Monotonous Work. Journal of International Society of Life Information Science 2001;19(2):271-274.
Mandalari, G., Bennett, R. N., Bisignano, G., Saija, A., Dugo, G., Lo Curto, R. B., Faulds, C. B., and Waldron, K. W. Characterization of flavonoids and pectins from bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) peel, a major byproduct of essential oil extraction. J.Agric.Food Chem. 1-11-2006;54(1):197-203. View abstract.
Mollace, V., Sacco, I., Janda, E., Malara, C., Ventrice, D., Colica, C., Visalli, V., Muscoli, S., Ragusa, S., Muscoli, C., Rotiroti, D., and Romeo, F. Hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenols: from animal models to human studies. Fitoterapia 2011;82(3):309-316. View abstract.
Morliere, P., Huppe, G., Averbeck, D., Young, A. R., Santus, R., and Dubertret, L. In vitro photostability and photosensitizing properties of bergamot oil. Effects of a cinnamate sunscreen. J.Photochem.Photobiol.B 1990;7(2-4):199-208. View abstract.
Placzek, M., Fromel, W., Eberlein, B., Gilbertz, K. P., and Przybilla, B. Evaluation of phototoxic properties of fragrances. Acta Derm.Venereol. 2007;87(4):312-316. View abstract.
Seo, J. Y. [The effects of aromatherapy on stress and stress responses in adolescents]. J Korean Acad.Nurs. 2009;39(3):357-365. View abstract.
Statti, G. A., Conforti, F., Sacchetti, G., Muzzoli, M., Agrimonti, C., and Menichini, F. Chemical and biological diversity of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) in relation to environmental factors. Fitoterapia 2004;75(2):212-216. View abstract.
Valkova, S. UVB phototherapeutic modalities. Comparison of two treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis. Acta Dermatovenerol.Alp Panonica.Adriat. 2007;16(1):26-30. View abstract.
Walsh, D. Using aromatherapy in the management of psoriasis. Nurs.Stand. 12-18-1996;11(13-15):53-56. View abstract.
Weisenseel, P. and Woitalla, S. [Toxic mustard plaster dematitis and phototoxic dematitis after application of bergamot oil]. MMW.Fortschr.Med. 12-15-2005;147(51-52):53, 55. View abstract.
Yasui, Y. and Hirone, T. Action spectrum for bergamot-oil phototoxicity measured by sunburn cell counting. J.Dermatol. 1994;21(5):319-322. View abstract.
Young, A. R., Walker, S. L., Kinley, J. S., Plastow, S. R., Averbeck, D., Morliere, P., and Dubertret, L. Phototumorigenesis studies of 5-methoxypsoralen in bergamot oil: evaluation and modification of risk of human use in an albino mouse skin model. J.Photochem.Photobiol.B 1990;7(2-4):231-250. View abstract.
Zacher, K. D. and Ippen, H. [Contact dermatitis caused by bergamot oil]. Derm.Beruf.Umwelt. 1984;32(3):95-97. View abstract.
Zaynoun, S. T., Johnson, B. E., and Frain-Bell, W. A study of oil of bergamot and its importance as a phototoxic agent. I. Characterization and quantification of the photoactive component. Br.J.Dermatol. 1977;96(5):475-482. View abstract.
Zaynoun, S. T., Johnson, B. E., and Frain-Bell, W. A study of oil of bergamot and its importance as a phototoxic agent. II. Factors which affect the phototoxic reaction induced by bergamot oil and psoralen derivatives. Contact Dermatitis 1977;3(5):225-239. View abstract.
Bruno A, Pandolfo G, Crucitti M, Cedro C, Zoccali RA, Muscatello MRA. Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction Supplementation Improves Cognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia: Data From an 8-Week, Open-Label Pilot Study. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2017;37(4):468-71. View abstract.
Bruno A, Pandolfo G, Crucitti M, et al. Low-Dose of Bergamot-Derived Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF) Did Not Improve Metabolic Parameters in Second Generation Antipsychotics-Treated Patients: Results from a 60-days Open-Label Study. Front Pharmacol 2017;8:197 View abstract.
Cai Y, Xing G, Shen T, Zhang S, Rao J, Shi R. Effects of 12-week supplementation of Citrus bergamia extracts-based formulation CitriCholess on cholesterol and body weight in older adults with dyslipidemia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lipids Health Dis 2017;16(1):251. View abstract.
Cicero AFG, Fogacci F, Bove M, Giovannini M, Borghi C. Three-arm, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial evaluating the metabolic effect of a combined nutraceutical containing a bergamot standardized flavonoid extract in dyslipidemic overweight subjects. Phytother Res. 2019;33(8):2094-2101. View abstract.
Da Pozzo E, De Leo M, Faraone I, et al. Antioxidant and antisenescence effects of bergamot juice. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018;2018:9395804. View abstract.
De Leo M, Piragine E, Pirone A, et al. Protective effects of bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso & Poiteau) juice in rats fed with high-fat diet. Planta Med. 2020;86(3):180-189. View abstract.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
Ferlazzo N, Cirmi S, Calapai G, Ventura-Spagnolo E, Gangemi S, Navarra M. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Citrus bergamia Derivatives: Where Do We Stand? Molecules 2016;21(10). View abstract.
Florentin M, Liberopoulos E, Elisaf MS, Tsimihodimos V. No effect of fenugreek, bergamot and olive leaf extract on glucose homeostasis in patients with prediabetes: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Arch Med Sci Atheroscler Dis. 2019;4:e162-e166. View abstract.
Gliozzi M, Walker R, Muscoli S, et al. Bergamot polyphenolic fraction enhances rosuvastatin-induced effect on LDL-cholesterol, LOX-1 expression and protein kinase B phosphorylation in patients with hyperlipidemia. Int J Cardiol 2013;170(2):140-5. View abstract.
Graham PH, Browne L, Cox H, Graham J. Inhalation aromatherapy during radiotherapy: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial. J Clin Oncol 2003;21:2372-6. View abstract.
Hawkins JR, Weatherby N, Wrye B, Ujcich Ward KU. Bergamot aromatherapy for medical office-induced anxiety among children with an autism spectrum disorder: A randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial. Holist Nurs Pract. 2019;33(5):285-294. View abstract.
Izzo A, D'Arienzo M, Sergiacomi P, Marrese C, Bonucci M, Riccioni C. Prospective Observational Study: The Role of a Bergamot Based Nutraceutical in Dyslipidaemia and Arthralgia for Subjects Undergoing Aromatase Inhibitors Based Therapy. Ann Med Health Sci Res 2017;7:4-9.
Mannucci C, Navarra M, Calapai F, Squeri R, Gangemi S, Calapai G. Clinical Pharmacology of Citrus bergamia: A Systematic Review. Phytother Res 2017;31(1):27-39. View abstract.
McDonnell B, Newcomb P. Trial of essential oils to improve sleep for patients in cardiac rehabilitation. J Altern Complement Med. 2019;25(12):1193-1199. View abstract.
Naganuma M, Hirose S, Nakayama Y, et al. A study of the phototoxicity of lemon oil. Arch Dermatol Res 1985;278:31-6. . View abstract.
Navarra M, Mannucci C, Delbò M, Calapai G. Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application. Front Pharmacol 2015;6:36. View abstract.
Ndao DH, Ladas EJ, Cheng B, Sands SA, Snyder KT, Garvin JH Jr, Kelly KM. Inhalation aromatherapy in children and adolescents undergoing stem cell infusion: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Psychooncology. 2012 Mar;21(3):247-54. doi: 10.1002/pon.1898. Epub 2010 Dec 27. View abstract.
Rombolà L, Scuteri D, Adornetto A, et al. Anxiolytic-like effects of bergamot essential oil are insensitive to flumazenil in rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:2156873. View abstract.
Toth PP, Patti AM, Nikolic D, et al. Bergamot reduces plasma lipids, atherogenic small dense LDL, and subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia: A 6 months prospective study. Front Pharmacol. 2016;6:299. View abstract.
Wiebe E. A randomized trial of aromatherapy to reduce anxiety before abortion. Eff Clin Pract 2000;3(4):166-9. View abstract.
Xiong M, Li Y, Tang P, Zhang Y, Cao M, Ni J, Xing M. Effectiveness of aromatherapy massage and inhalation on symptoms of depression in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24(7):717-724. View abstract.
Select a condition to view a list of vitamins
You Might Also Like
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.