Biological effects of bergamot and its potential therapeutic use as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer agent

Abstract

Context: Bergamot, mainly produced in the Ionian coastal areas of Southern Italy (Calabria), has been used since 1700 for its balsamic and medicinal properties. Phytochemical profiling has confirmed that bergamot juices are rich in flavonoids, including flavone and flavanone glycosides which are responsible for its beneficial effects. Objective: Recently, it was shown that the combination of natural compounds with conventional treatments improves the efficacy of anticancer therapies. Natural compounds with anticancer properties attack cancerous cells without being toxic to healthy cells. Bergamot can induce cytotoxic and apoptotic effects and prevent cell proliferation in various cancer cells. Methods: In this review, the antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of bergamot are described. Information was compiled from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the key words ‘bergamot’ accompanied by ‘inflammation’ and, ‘cancer’ for data published from 2015–2021. Results: In vitro and in vivo studies provided evidence that different forms of bergamot (extract, juice, essential oil, and polyphenolic fraction) can affect several mechanisms that lead to anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects that decrease cell growth, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Conclusions: Considering the effects of bergamot and its new formulations, we affirm the importance of its rational use in humans and illustrate how bergamot can be utilized in clinical applications. Numerous studies evaluated the effect of new bergamot formulations that can affect the absorption and, therefore, the final effects by altering the therapeutic profile of bergamot and enhancing the scientific knowledge of bergamot.

Bergamot Polyphenols: Promising Agents for Health and Wellness

“…Several studies have found proof that Bergamot-derived substances can modify the activity of several biological pathways, leading to antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on cancer cells [31]. For example, the investigation of Navarra et al (2020) consisted of examining whether bergamot extract will have a protective effect on intestinal carcinogenesis in vivo.…”

Diagnostic indicators and lifestyle interventions of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

“…Bergamot is a citrus fruit with extensive biological activity which has anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects to make positive influence on MAFLD ( 76 ). Bergamot extract can reduce blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic mice, prevent hyperglycemia caused by leptin receptor disruption, and regulate glucose homeostasis by enhancing insulin sensitivity.…”

“…-oxidation effects to make positive influence on MAFLD(76). Bergamot extract can reduce blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic mice, prevent hyperglycemia caused by leptin receptor disruption, and regulate glucose homeostasis by enhancing insulin sensitivity.…”

Is the Mediterranean diet a good preventive measure for NASH?

“…Bergamot essential oil is obtained by rasping and cold pressing the peel of the fruit and is widely used in the production of fragrances, cosmetics, and sweets. In addition to its industrial applications, bergamot has been the subject of studies for its antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities [46][47][48][49][50] . Its beneficial activities are traced back to its unique polyphenolic composition.…”