The bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia) is a citrus fruit that is used in aromatherapy as an anxiolytic and calmative agent. The rind of the orange is used to produce bergamot tea, which is black tea with added bergamot. Bergamot has a number of pharmacological effects and in this regard, bergamot is useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Bergamot has central nervous system effects that allow it to interact with neurones in the brain and this may be how it exerts its effects on mood. Bergamot may influence neurotransmitter function in the hippocampus and may alter synaptic plasticity. These effects may cause neural protection although the mechanisms are not fully clear. It is thought that the pharmacological effects of bergamot come from the essential oil of the plant. The essential oil is rich in a number of phytochemicals including the monoterpene hydrocarbons limonene gamma-terpinene beta-pinene, the monoterpene alcohol linalool, as well as the monoterpene ester linalyl acetate. The non-volatile part of the oil contains waxes and flavones as well as the potentially toxic bergapten.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
