Study on the chemical composition variability of some processed bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oils

Abstract

Bergamot oil (Citrus bergamia) is mainly employed in the perfumery and cosmetic industries and also, in a smaller amount, in the pharmaceutical and food industries, for its fragrant notes, fi xative and antimicrobial properties. Due to the presence of some phototoxic compounds in its composition, it has become a common practice to reduce or sometimes completely eliminate these substances before using the oil. Samples of treated bergamot oils have been investigated in this study (terpeneless, furocoumarin-and bergapten-free) by means of GC-FID, GC-MS, enantio-GC-FID and HPLC. The results are reported in terms of either peak areas or g/100 g. Some considerations are made in order to discuss the technologies used for treating bergamot oil.

Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application

“…The chemical composition of BEO has been widely investigated and is well known (Costa et al, 2010; Dugo and Bonaccorsi, 2013). BEO contains several bioactive molecules with potential health benefits.…”

Effects of bergamot essential oil and its extractive fractions on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell growth

“…The second goal of the study was to identify the compounds mainly responsible for the antiproliferative effect of BEOs. It comprises more than 345 compounds, divided in a volatile fraction (93–96%) containing monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, such as limonene, α‐ and β‐pinene, β‐myrcene, γ‐terpinene, linalool and linalyl acetate and a non‐volatile fraction (4–7%) consisting of polymethoxylated flavones, coumarins and psoralens, such as bergamottin and bergaptene [33]. As shown in Table , the five BEO extractive fractions used in our experiments differ in the presence or absence of some phytochemicals.…”

Effectiveness of Citrus Fruits on Helicobacter pylori

“…f. (lemon) or a mutation of the latter [37]. Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is the main commercial product of bergamot industry, which take part in the composition of many fragrances [38]. Recently, BEO has been evaluated for its neuroprotective [39] and antiproliferative [40, 41] effects.…”