Bergamot, bergamot citrus oil, and cancer

What is citrus bergamot

Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the rinds of the bergamot fruit, a citrus fruit resembling an orange. It has a fresh, citrusy scent with floral notes and is known for its many potential benefits for both body and mind. Bergamot originally stems from Southeast Asia but is primarily cultivated today in Calabria, Italy.

Beyond its aromatic value, citrus bergamot hides a wealth of bioactive compounds, especially flavonoids, which have shown various potential health benefits.

Cholesterol regulation

Bergamot has shown promise in improving cholesterol profiles. This is primarily due to the flavonoids neoeriocitrin, naringin, and neohesperidin, which affect cholesterol metabolism in several ways:

Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase

This enzyme is central to cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Bergamot’s flavonoids inhibit this enzyme, resulting in a reduction of LDL cholesterol (“the bad cholesterol”).

Increased LDL receptor activity

LDL receptors on the cells bind and remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Bergamot increases the activity of these receptors, leading to lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Antioxidant effect

Oxidative stress contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Bergamot’s antioxidant properties protect against this damage.

Anti-cancer potential of bergamot

In addition to cholesterol regulation, bergamot has also shown potential in connection with cancer.

Prevention and pathophysiological inhibition

Bergamot functions as part of a broader group of bioactive supplements that can counteract cancer development and progression from a pathophysiological perspective. This means that the active substances do not only attack cancer cells directly but also work to restore the body’s normal functions and inhibit the processes that allow cancer to spread. By intervening early in the molecular mechanisms, these substances can potentially prevent precancerous stages from developing into malignant tumors [1].

Inhibiting cell growth

What does it mean

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Bergamot contains substances that can slow or stop this growth in various types of cancer cells.

How does it do it

Flavonoids in bergamot, such as neoeriocitrin, naringin, and neohesperidin, are believed to play a central role. They can interfere with the cell cycle, a series of controlled steps that regulate cell division. By disrupting this cycle, bergamot can prevent cancer cells from dividing and growing.

Which cancer types

In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that bergamot can inhibit the growth of:

Breast cancer
Lung cancer
Prostate cancer
Leukemia
Colon cancer cells

Combating cancer stem cells

In recent years, research has focused particularly on bergamot’s ability to target the most resistant parts of a tumor. A significant finding is the ability to eliminate cancer stem cells (CSC).

Cancer stem cells are often the reason cancer returns after treatment, as they are naturally resistant to traditional chemotherapy. In laboratory experiments, bergamot extract has been shown to “starve” these cells by attacking their energy production in the mitochondria (the cell’s power plant) and blocking important signaling pathways, making it harder for the tumor to survive in the long term [4].

Regulation of signaling pathways with carvacrol

An important active compound in bergamot, carvacrol, acts as an effective regulator of specific signaling pathways in cancer cells. Carvacrol has shown the ability to intervene in the processes governing cell survival and the ability to metastasize (spread). By downregulating the proteins cancer cells use to communicate and grow, carvacrol can contribute to making the tumor more vulnerable to the body’s natural cell death [6].

Inducing apoptosis

What does it mean

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death where the cell “self-destructs” in a controlled manner. It is a natural process that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells.

Why is it important in cancer

Cancer cells often avoid apoptosis and continue to divide uncontrollably. Bergamot can “reactivate” apoptosis in cancer cells and thereby eliminate them.

How does it do it

Bergamot’s flavonoids can affect various proteins and signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, for example, by increasing the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and inhibiting anti-apoptotic proteins.

Inhibiting angiogenesis

What does it mean

Tumors need a blood supply to grow and spread. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels that supply tumors with oxygen and nutrients.

Why is it important to inhibit it

By inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth and spread can be limited.

How does bergamot do it

Bergamot can inhibit the production of growth factors that stimulate angiogenesis, such as VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor).

Modulating signaling pathways

What does it mean

Cells communicate with each other and their surroundings through complex signaling pathways. Cancer cells often have disruptions in these pathways leading to uncontrolled growth and survival.

How can bergamot help

Bergamot can modulate various signaling pathways involved in cancer development, such as the MAPK pathway, the PI3K/Akt pathway, and the NF-κB pathway. By affecting these pathways, bergamot can inhibit the growth, survival, and spread of cancer cells.

Disruption of cancer cell balance

A study on colon cancer has shown that bergamot juice extract not only inhibits growth but also changes the cells’ ability to handle oxidative stress. By affecting the cells’ redox balance (the equilibrium between free radicals and antioxidants), cancer cells are forced into a state where they can no longer repair themselves.

This has been confirmed in both in vitro (laboratory experiments) and in vivo (animal studies), where a significant reduction in tumor size was observed without damaging the body’s healthy cells [5].

Other potential benefits

Bergamot has also been studied for other potential health benefits, including:

Lowering blood sugar levels: Bergamot can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, which can be beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation is associated with a range of diseases. Bergamot’s anti-inflammatory properties can contribute to reducing this risk.
Improving endothelial function: The endothelium is the thin layer of cells lining the blood vessels. Bergamot can improve endothelial function, which is important for a healthy cardiovascular system.
Neuroprotective effects: Some studies suggest that bergamot may have neuroprotective properties and potentially protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

Other effects

Beyond the effects mentioned above, citrus bergamot may also lead to:

Improved mood
Reduced stress
Antibacterial and antifungal effects
Pain relief
Improved digestion
Improved sleep quality
Fever reduction
Reduction of side effects from chemotherapy

Mechanism

The bioactive compounds in bergamot, especially flavonoids like neoeriocitrin, naringin, and neohesperidin, are believed to be responsible for these health benefits. They can affect various cellular processes, including enzyme activity, gene expression, signal transduction, and oxidative stress.

Biological effect of polyphenols

Beyond flavonoids, polyphenols play a crucial role as natural response modifiers. This means they can activate the body’s own defense mechanisms against tumor formation while directly affecting the metabolism of cancer cells. By targeting the metabolic pathways that cancer cells depend on, bergamot can potentially support the efficacy of conventional treatment [2, 3].

Administration of bergamot

Administration of citrus bergamot can take place in various ways, depending on the purpose and the desired effect:

1. Fresh fruit

Eating the fruit: The fresh fruit can be eaten directly, but it is often quite sour and bitter. The juice can be used in cooking or beverages.
Peel: The peel can be used to make candied fruit, marmalade, or to flavor various dishes.
Tea: The peel is used to give the characteristic flavor to Earl Grey tea.

2. Extracts and supplements

Bergamot extract: Available in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, powder, and liquid extract. Often used for health benefits like cholesterol regulation.
Bergamot oil: The essential oil is extracted from the peel and used primarily in aromatherapy and perfume. It can also be used in cooking, but with caution as it is highly concentrated.

3. Other products:

Cosmetics: Bergamot oil is used in various cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and soaps.
Aromatherapy: Bergamot oil is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Dosage

The optimal dosage of bergamot depends on the specific form and the desired purpose. It is always important to follow the instructions on the product or consult a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Precautions

Interactions: Bergamot can interact with certain medications, including statins and calcium channel blockers.
Photosensitivity: Bergamot oil can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited information about the safety of using bergamot during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Note

Citrus bergamot can be administered in various ways depending on the purpose. It is important to be aware of potential interactions and side effects and to consult a healthcare professional if you have questions or concerns.

Alternative aromatherapy oils

Besides bergamot, there are a number of other essential oils that can be used in aromatherapy to support cancer treatment. Some popular options include:

Lavender: Known for its calming and relaxing properties, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Peppermint: Can help relieve nausea and vomiting, common side effects of chemotherapy.

Eucalyptus: Can help ease breathing difficulties and promote nasal decongestion.

Research

While research into bergamot’s health benefits is promising, it should be noted that many of the studies have been conducted in vitro or on animals. More research, especially human clinical trials, is needed to confirm these effects and determine optimal doses and treatment regimens. However, this situation applies to almost all supplements that are considered uninteresting for Big Pharma, as they cannot be patented.

Safety and side effects

Bergamot is generally safe to consume, but there are some potential side effects to be aware of. In rare cases, bergamot can cause muscle cramps or muscle pain, especially when taken with statins. Bergamot can also interact with certain medications, including statins and calcium channel blockers (used to lower blood pressure). Therefore, it is always important to consult a qualified practitioner before taking bergamot supplements, especially if you have existing health problems or take medication.

Conclusion

Citrus bergamot appears as an exciting fruit with a broad spectrum of potential health benefits. Thus, citrus bergamot is more than just a source of aroma. It has the potential to improve health in several areas, from cholesterol and cardiovascular health to counteracting cancer and stabilizing blood sugar. The bioactive substances in bergamot, especially flavonoids, affect cellular processes important for good health.

Although much of the research is still in its early stages, the results are promising. Hopefully, future research will provide us with a deeper understanding of bergamot’s potential and applications. However, it is important to remember that bergamot is not a replacement for other relevant treatment. Always consult a competent advisor before using bergamot as a supplement to your health.

With its versatility and potential, citrus bergamot is a fruit that deserves more attention.

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Bergamot, bergamot citrus oil, and cancer

What is citrus bergamot

Cholesterol regulation

Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase

Increased LDL receptor activity

Antioxidant effect

Anti-cancer potential of bergamot

Prevention and pathophysiological inhibition

Inhibiting cell growth

Combating cancer stem cells

Regulation of signaling pathways with carvacrol

Inducing apoptosis

Inhibiting angiogenesis

Modulating signaling pathways

Disruption of cancer cell balance

Other potential benefits

Other effects

Mechanism

Administration of bergamot

Dosage

Note

Alternative aromatherapy oils

Research

Safety and side effects

Conclusion

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