Essential Oil and Juice from Bergamot and Sweet Orange Improve Acne Vulgaris Caused by Excessive Androgen Secretion

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Bergamot and sweet orange are rich in nutritional and functional components, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of bergamot and sweet orange (juice and essential oil) on acne vulgaris caused by excessive secretion of androgen. Eighty male golden hamsters were randomly divided into 10 groups and received low or high dose of bergamot and sweet orange juice and essential oil, physiological saline, and positive drugs for four weeks, respectively. Results showed that all interventions could improve acne vulgaris by reducing the growth rate of sebaceous gland spots, inhibiting TG accumulation, decreasing the release of inflammatory cytokines (notably reducing IL-1α levels), promoting apoptosis in the sebaceous gland, and decreasing the ratio of T/E2. Among them, bergamot and orange essential oil may have better effects (dose dependent) on alleviating acne vulgaris than the corresponding juice. In view of the large population of acne patients and the widespread use of sweet orange and bergamot, this study is likely to exert an extensive and far-reaching influence.

Ethnopharmacological study of plants used against skin diseases in the region of Komotini

“…The most frequently mentioned families were Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae and Violaceae. Comparing the scientific bibliographic data with the information obtained from our study, it was proved that the traditional use of the mentioned plants against skin diseases such as application of lemon balm in herpes 3 , use of bergamot in acne 4 and elderberry in sunburns 5 , were all confirmed in the literature thanks to their pharmacological properties.…”

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Affects Skin Commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes Dual-Species Biofilms

“…Sometimes the positive anti-acne activity of such compounds may be a result of indirect changes in the humoral system. Actually, androgen secretion and following acne development were reduced in the golden hamsters model by use of the juice and essential oils of bergamot and sweet orange [ 42 ]. Thus, it is potentially possible to somehow modify the ANP action via novel cosmetics and reduce acne vulgaris.…”

A Unique Acylated Flavonol Glycoside from Prunus persica (L.) var. Florida Prince: A New Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Cosmeceutical Formulation for Skincare

“…They vary greatly in symptoms and severity and can be temporary or chronic. Among the most common is acne, the most common chronic skin inflammation [ 51 ], skin wrinkles directly linked to ECM degradation and skin pigmentation. Although these diseases’ pathology involves many factors, several studies indicate that oxidative stress is one of their major factors [ 52 ].…”

“…Besides, depending on polyphenols’ mentioned properties constituting the main potential mechanisms of action against various skin disorders. Considering the increased bacterial resistance during the treatment of some skin disorders such as acne, plants’ phytoconstituents with high antioxidant and antimicrobial activity can increasingly be used as cosmetics therapeutics ingredients [ 51 , 71 ]. In this context, phenolic compounds and other antioxidants in PPEE leaves are valuable therapeutic ingredients with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in preparations applied to the skin.…”