AUTHOR=Navarra Michele , Mannucci Carmen , Delbò Marisa , Calapai Gioacchino 

TITLE=Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=6

YEAR=2015

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2015.00036

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2015.00036

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Citrus bergamia</italic> Risso et Poiteau, also known as “Bergamot,” is a plant belonging to the Rutaceae family, defined as a hybrid of bitter orange and lemon. It is an endemic plant of the Calabria region (Italy). Bergamot fruit is primarily used for the extraction of its essential oil (bergamot essential oil: BEO), employed in perfume, cosmetics, food, and confections. The aim of this review was to collect recent data from the literature on <italic>C. bergamia</italic> essential oil and, through a critical analysis, focus on safety and the beneficial effects on human health. Clinical studies on the therapeutic applications of BEO exclusively focus on the field of aromatherapy, suggesting that its use can be useful for reducing anxiety and stress.</p>