Bergamot: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Hypolipidemic

Bergamot juice contains two relatively rare flavonoids, brutieridine 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 precursors of cholesterol (namely mevalonate, a conversion product of HMG-CoA). These two flavonoids contain a structural moiety sufficiently similar to bind to HMG-CoA and prevent its conversion to mevalonate. However, pure preparations of naringin and hesperidin have not reduced blood levels of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in moderately hyperlipidemic patients. In fact, it is possible that in vivo inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase is a more complex phenomenon involving other properties of the flavonoids.

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Anxiolytic

It is known that inhalation of the volatile components of essential oils can influence the activity of certain brain regions, such as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus and the piriform cortex. One hypothesis is that stimulation of these areas improves mild mood disorders and may reduce stress-induced anxiety. It has been suggested that the volatile components of bergamot essential oil, among them 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP), also known as bergapten, may be responsible for these beneficial effects. In addition, it has been reported that the 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 from bergamot can activate AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), both in vitro and in vivo. AMPK plays a key role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and energy production in several organs. Activation of AMPK increases intracellular glucose uptake. This occurs through different mechanisms. For example, it activates a "transporter" of glucose called GLUT1, which functions in all cells, and another called GLUT4, specific to muscle cells. When blood glucose decreases, AMPK prevents the formation of glycogen (a form of glucose storage) to ensure that there is enough glucose available for our immediate needs. At the same time, it promotes 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 drug's hypoglycemic effects.

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Antibacterial

The antimicrobial activity of polyphenols has been the subject of several in-depth studies against various microorganisms. Some authors have reported 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 may be particularly related to its high content of neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin and hesperetin flavanones. This activity is selective against pathogenic strains and no effect has been observed on beneficial intestinal bacteria (belonging to the gut microbiota).

Anti-inflammatory

Some in vitro studies have shown that bergamot treatment could inhibit intestinal inflammation caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing gene expression as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), decreasing the production of reactive oxygen species and reducing neutrophil infiltration and the expression of adhesion molecules.

Antioxidant

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

Antifungal

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