Benefits and Side Effects of Citrus Bergamot
Citrus bergamot may help reduce cholesterol levels and provide mild anxiolytic effects, but lacks strong clinical evidence for most health claims and may cause side effects including gastrointestinal discomfort and potential drug interactions.
Benefits of Citrus Bergamot
Cardiovascular Benefits
- Cholesterol management: Bergamot contains unique flavonoids that may act as natural statins, potentially helping to reduce elevated serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels 1
- The flavonoid composition of bergamot has shown hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant/radical scavenging activities that may benefit patients with hyperlipidemia 1
Psychological Effects
- Anxiety reduction: Bergamot essential oil (BEO) has demonstrated anxiolytic-like properties in animal studies, increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus 2
- In rat studies, bergamot oil inhalation significantly increased open arm entries in elevated plus-maze tests, comparable to the effects of diazepam, suggesting anxiety-reducing properties 2
- BEO has been shown to attenuate stress hormone (corticosterone) responses in animal models 2
Sleep Quality
- A recent randomized crossover trial (2023) found that bergamot essential oil use before bedtime improved several sleep parameters including:
- Reduced sleepiness upon rising
- Increased refreshing feeling upon waking
- Improved sleep length 3
- The same study showed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress measures when using bergamot essential oil 3
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
- Recent research indicates bergamot has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects 4
- Different forms of bergamot (extract, juice, essential oil, and polyphenolic fraction) have demonstrated these properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies 4
Side Effects and Risks
Common Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal effects: Like other citrus products, bergamot may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals
- Photosensitivity: Bergamot oil contains compounds that can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, potentially causing rashes or burns when skin is exposed to sun after application
Drug Interactions
- Similar to grapefruit, bergamot contains compounds that may interfere with drug metabolism
- Potential interactions with medications processed through the cytochrome P450 pathway
- May enhance the effects of certain medications, including statins, potentially increasing side effect risk
Special Considerations
- Pregnancy and lactation: Limited safety data available; caution is advised
- Children: Safety not well established in pediatric populations
- Allergies: Individuals with citrus allergies should avoid bergamot products
Quality and Formulation Considerations
- Bergamot is available in various forms including essential oil, extract, juice, and supplements
- Quality and concentration of active compounds can vary significantly between products
- Different formulations may affect absorption and therapeutic effects 4
Research Limitations
- Most benefits are based on preliminary or animal studies
- Limited large-scale human clinical trials
- Optimal dosing and administration methods remain unclear
- Long-term safety data is lacking
While bergamot shows promise for cardiovascular health and mild anxiety reduction, more rigorous clinical research is needed before making definitive recommendations for specific health conditions. Individuals considering bergamot supplementation should consult healthcare providers, especially if taking medications or having underlying health conditions.