Bergamot: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

Hypolipidemic

Bergamot juice contains two rather rare flavonoids, brutieridin and melitidine (derivatives of the flavonoids naringin and hesperidin). They appear to act as direct inhibitors of HMG CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in the metabolic pathway that produces cholesterol precursors (namely mevalonate, a product of HMG-CoA conversion). These two flavonoids have a sufficiently similar structure to bind to HMG-CoA and prevent its conversion into mevalonate. However, pure preparations of naringin and hesperidin have not reduced blood cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in moderately hyperlipidemic patients. In fact, it is possible that HMG-CoA reductase inhibition in vivo is a more complex phenomenon involving other properties of flavonoids.

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Anxiolytic

It is known that the inhalation of volatile components of essential oils can influence the activity of certain brain areas, such as the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and piriform cortex. One hypothesis is that the stimulation of these areas improves mild mood disorders and can reduce stress-induced anxiety. It has been suggested that volatile components of bergamot essential oil, including 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP), also known as bergapten, might be responsible for these beneficial effects. Furthermore, it has been reported that positive effects of bergamot essential oils on the brain are due to increased release of amino acids, which can modulate synaptic plasticity.

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Hypoglycemic

Several studies have shown that different flavonoids derived from bergamot can activate AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), both in vitro and in vivo. AMPK plays an essential role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and energy production in several organs. AMPK activation increases intracellular glucose uptake. This occurs in various ways. For example, it activates a glucose "transporter" called GLUT1, which operates in all cells, and another called GLUT4, specific to muscle cells. In cases of decreased blood glucose, AMPK prevents glycogen formation (a form of glucose storage) to ensure that there is enough glucose available for immediate needs. At the same time, it encourages glycolysis, a process by which glucose is broken down to produce energy. Metformin, an antidiabetic drug prescribed for type 2 diabetes, also activates AMPK. This activation is responsible for the hypoglycemic effects of the drug.

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Antibacterial

The antimicrobial activity of polyphenols has been the subject of substantial research against various microorganisms. Some authors have described activity only against Gram-negative bacteria while others have shown activity against Gram-positive bacteria. It has been demonstrated that the antimicrobial activity of bergamot extract can be particularly linked to its high content in neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin, and hesperetin flavanones. This activity is selective against pathogenic strains and no effects have been observed with beneficial gut bacteria (belonging to the intestinal microbiota).

Anti-inflammatory

Certain in vitro studies have shown that bergamot treatment may inhibit intestinal inflammation caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury, by reducing gene expression and proinflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), decreasing reactive oxygen species production, and reducing neutrophil infiltration and adhesion molecule expression.

Antioxidant

Certain in vitro studies have shown that the flavonoid fraction of bergamot juice reduces the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid membrane peroxidation, improves mitochondrial functionality, and prevents oxidative DNA damage.

Antifungal

Certain in vitro studies have shown that bergamot essential oil has activity against several species of dermatophytes such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species. Moreover, it has in vitro activity against Candida species.