Bergamot Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Bergamot

Bergamot

Also known as
  • Citrus bergamia
  • Aceite de Bergamota
  • Bergamot
  • Bergamot Orange
  • Bergamota
  • Bergamotier
  • Bergamoto
  • Bergamotte
  • Bergamotto Bigarade Orange
  • Huile de Bergamote
  • Oleum Bergamotte
Bergamot Bergamot is a type of citrus fruit that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is used to make bergamot oil, which has a sweet, citrusy scent and is used in a variety of applications, including perfumes, cosmetics, and food and drink flavoring. It is also used in traditional medicine for its purported antidepressant, antiseptic, and soothing properties. 'Bergamot extract' is commonly utilized in dietary supplements and is often standardized to 11% to 19% total flavonones (a component of the oil).
There are 406 drugs known to interact with Bergamot

Additional Details

Is Bergamot Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Bergamot essential oil is generally safe when used orally in the amounts commonly found in foods. However, caution should be exercised when using bergamot topically as it can cause photosensitivity and skin reactions. Large amounts of bergamot oil ingestion should be avoided as it can lead to serious adverse effects. Pregnant and lactating individuals should also avoid using bergamot, especially topically, due to insufficient information regarding its safety.

How Is Bergamot Thought to Work?

Bergamot essential oil is derived from the fruit peel and contains various compounds such as citric acid, limonoids, phenols, and flavonoids. These constituents contribute to its potential effects.

Anxiolytic Effects: Bergamot is commonly used in aromatherapy for anxiety relief, although the exact mechanism of its anxiolytic effects is unclear. It does not appear to mimic the effects of benzodiazepines on the GABA-A receptor complex.

Cardiovascular Effects: Bergamot contains flavonoids that have inhibitory activity on HMG-CoA, reducing cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver and enhancing vasodilation. They also reduce triglyceride accumulation in the liver.

Dermatologic Effects: The photosensitivity of bergamot essential oil is attributed to certain constituents called furocoumarins, which can induce skin reactions when exposed to sunlight.

Pharmacokinetics

There is insufficient reliable information available about the pharmacokinetics of bergamot, including its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Interaction Overview

Bergamot may interact with certain drugs and supplements. Moderate caution should be exercised when combining bergamot with antidiabetes drugs or photosensitizing drugs. It may also interact with herbs and supplements with hypoglycemic potential or photosensitizing properties. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before combining bergamot with any medications or supplements.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

When used topically, bergamot can cause blisters, erythema, photosensitivity, pigment spots, pustules, and skin lesions. In general, orally or as aromatherapy, bergamot is well-tolerated when used short-term.

Are Bergamot Supplements Standardized?

Bergamot supplements can be standardized to contain specific amounts of active constituents. For example, bergamot phytosome used in clinical research is standardized to contain 11% to 19% total flavonones. Other products may have different standardization levels depending on the manufacturer.

Commercial Products That Contain Bergamot

Below is a list of known supplements that contain Bergamot:

Please note that this may not be a complete list of all commercially available dietary supplements that contain Bergamot.

Drugs that interact with Bergamot

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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