Quick Summary

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a polyphenol-rich citrus fruit studied for potential cardiovascular, metabolic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Human clinical studies, including several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, suggest it may benefit cholesterol and lipid metabolism, body weight management, and anxiety. Bergamot essential oil and extracts have also been investigated in aromatherapy, mood disorders, and as adjuncts in managing components of metabolic syndrome. While evidence is largely positive, more rigorous and larger clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

What is it?

Bergamot is a citrus fruit primarily grown in Calabria, Italy, known for its distinctive aroma and rich content of bioactive polyphenols. It is commonly used in extracts, supplements, and essential oils for various therapeutic applications and aromatherapy.

Traditional Uses

Traditionally, bergamot has been used in food flavoring, perfumes, and herbal remedies. Its essential oil is popular in aromatherapy for promoting relaxation and mood enhancement. It has also been used adjunctively in traditional medicine for digestive and cardiovascular health.

Active Compounds

Bergamot contains polyphenols (such as flavonoids), essential oils (including linalool, limonene, and bergapten), and other bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to its biological activities.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Weight Management: Bergamot-containing nutraceuticals may reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in overweight or obese adults. (Moderate evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials)
    [1]
  • Cholesterol and Lipid Profile: Clinical trials indicate bergamot extracts can lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and improve HDL cholesterol in individuals with hypercholesterolemia or metabolic syndrome. Improvements in oxidative stress markers were also noted. (Moderate evidence from several placebo-controlled RCTs)
    [2],
    [3],
    [4],
    [5]
  • Cardiovascular Health: Bergamot may offer cardiovascular benefits including lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vascular protective effects. However, while lipid effects have some clinical support, other mechanisms are mainly supported by preclinical studies. (Limited to moderate evidence)
    [6],
    [7]
  • Osteosarcopenic Obesity and Muscle Health: Bergamot polyphenols may help improve skeletal muscle mass and function, potentially beneficial for managing osteosarcopenic obesity and related conditions. (Preliminary evidence)
    [8]
  • Neuropsychiatric and Mood Disorders: Aromatherapy with bergamot essential oil, alone or combined with interventions like mindfulness, may reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Both clinical and preclinical evidence indicate anxiolytic and mood-enhancing effects. (Limited to moderate evidence)
    [9],
    [10]
  • Pain Management: Preclinical studies support analgesic properties of bergamot essential oil, suggesting potential for acute nociceptive and neuropathic pain relief. (Preclinical evidence)
    [11]

Side Effects

Adverse effects reported in clinical trials are rare. Some bergamot essential oils may cause skin irritation or phototoxic reactions in sensitive individuals. There is limited systematic monitoring of adverse events related to bergamot supplements in commercial use.

[12],
[13]

Drug Interactions

No direct clinical data on drug interactions with bergamot are available. However, due to its bioactive compounds, potential interactions with lipid-lowering and cardiovascular medications cannot be ruled out. Use caution and consult healthcare providers before combining bergamot with such drugs.

Who Should Avoid It

People with photosensitivity or those exposed to significant sunlight should be cautious due to phototoxicity risk from certain citrus compounds in bergamot essential oil. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use or consult healthcare providers due to insufficient safety data.

[13]

Evidence Limitations

  • Most clinical trials have relatively small sample sizes and short durations.
  • Product formulations, dosages, and administration methods vary considerably, affecting comparability.
  • Preclinical evidence predominates for effects beyond lipid metabolism, such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions.
  • Standardized quality control of commercial bergamot supplements is lacking.
  • Long-term safety data and interaction profiles remain inadequately characterized.
  • More high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm clinical benefits and safety.

References

  1. Effect of Citrus bergamia Supplementation on Body Composition in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
  2. Citrus bergamia Extract, a Natural Approach for Cholesterol and Lipid Metabolism Management: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
  3. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels.
  4. Metabolic and vascular effect of a new standardized bergamot phytocomplex: a three-arm, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.
  5. Artichoke and Bergamot Phytosome Alliance: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial in Mild Hypercholesterolemia.
  6. Unveiling the Power of Bergamot: Beyond Lipid-Lowering Effects.
  7. [Cardiovascular and biochemical studies on bergamot]
  8. Bergamot polyphenols and muscle health: A systematic review including human studies.
  9. Aromatherapy with Essential Oil of Lavandula Angustifolia Mill- Citrus Bergamia and Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Sexual Function, Anxiety, and Depression in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Factorial Design.
  10. Inhalation Aromatherapy via Brain-Targeted Nasal Delivery: Natural Volatiles or Essential Oils on Mood Disorders.
  11. Efficacy of Essential Oils in Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Evidence.
  12. A descriptive study of commercial herbal dietary supplements used for dyslipidemia-Sales data and suspected adverse reactions.
  13. Aromatic and phytochemical studies indicating phototoxic risk of certain citrus compounds.

Last Reviewed

June 2024

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider before using bergamot or any dietary supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.