Does Citrus Bergamot Reduce Inflammation? A Deep Dive into Nutrition

November 4, 2025 •

5 min read

Recent reviews on plant-based remedies show significant interest in bergamot's potential anti-inflammatory properties. So, does citrus bergamot reduce inflammation? The available research suggests it does, primarily due to its rich flavonoid content, offering a natural approach to managing inflammation through nutrition.

Quick Summary

This article explores the anti-inflammatory effects of citrus bergamot by examining its bioactive compounds, mechanisms, and findings from human and animal studies. It provides an overview of the evidence supporting its potential role in managing inflammation, particularly related to metabolic conditions.

Key Points

Rich in Flavonoids: The anti-inflammatory effects of bergamot are primarily due to its high concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols, such as naringin and neohesperidin.
Inhibits Inflammatory Pathways: Bergamot works by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, which in turn reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α.
Acts as a Powerful Antioxidant: Its antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage that can trigger or worsen inflammation.
Supported by Animal and Human Research: Evidence from animal studies on metabolic syndrome and human trials on dyslipidemic individuals supports its anti-inflammatory potential.
Beneficial for Chronic Conditions: Research points to bergamot's potential to help manage chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and liver issues.
Available in Various Forms: Bergamot can be consumed as juice, extract, or in supplements, with extracts and juice offering more concentrated systemic benefits than tea.
Use Caution with Essential Oil: While extracts are generally safe, high doses of bergamot essential oil can be harmful, especially if ingested.

The potential health benefits of Citrus bergamia, or bergamot, have been a topic of increasing scientific interest. Beyond its use in aromatherapy and as a flavoring for Earl Grey tea, research is increasingly focusing on the fruit's extract and juice, rich in potent bioactive compounds. Many of the benefits are linked to its ability to modulate the body's inflammatory response, a key factor in many chronic diseases.

The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Bergamot: What the Science Says

Inflammation is a natural and necessary immune response to injury or infection. However, persistent, low-grade chronic inflammation is associated with a wide range of diseases, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. The anti-inflammatory effects of bergamot are attributed to its rich content of polyphenols and flavonoids, which act on key cellular pathways.

Key Bioactive Compounds in Bergamot

Bergamot's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are primarily driven by specific flavonoid compounds. These include:

Naringin: This flavonoid is a powerful antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress, a known trigger of inflammation.
Neohesperidin and Neoeriocitrin: These compounds, along with naringin, contribute significantly to bergamot's capacity to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Brutieridin and Melitidin: These unique polyphenols have been shown to target the same enzyme involved in cholesterol production as statin drugs, but in a way that doesn't deplete CoQ10 levels, further contributing to its cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits.

Mechanisms of Anti-Inflammatory Action

Research has identified several cellular mechanisms through which bergamot derivatives help reduce inflammation:

Inhibition of NF-κB Pathway: Bergamot extracts can inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, a critical regulator of inflammatory and immune responses. By blocking NF-κB, bergamot helps to decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.
Reduction of Oxidative Stress: The flavonoids in bergamot are potent antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals. This reduction in oxidative stress helps protect tissues and organs from damage that can lead to chronic inflammation.
Modulation of Inflammatory Cytokines: Studies show that bergamot can influence the expression and release of inflammatory mediators, helping to restore inflammatory balance in the body.

Evidence from Studies: Animal vs. Human Research

Research into bergamot's anti-inflammatory effects is ongoing, with promising results from both preclinical and clinical studies.

Findings from Animal Studies

Metabolic Syndrome: Animal studies on rats and mice fed high-sugar and high-fat diets have shown that bergamot leaf extract (BLE) and bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) can reduce inflammation markers like TNF-α and IL-6 in tissues such as the liver and heart.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): In one mouse study, bergamot juice reduced inflammatory markers, leading researchers to believe it could be beneficial for IBD in humans, though more research is needed.

Findings from Human Trials

Metabolic Syndrome: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving subjects with metabolic syndrome found that a standardized bergamot phytocomplex significantly improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
Cardiovascular Health: In dyslipidemic overweight individuals, a nutraceutical containing bergamot extract was shown to improve systemic inflammation by significantly reducing hs-CRP and TNF-α levels.

Bergamot and Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Systemic inflammation is a root cause for many chronic conditions. By targeting inflammatory pathways, bergamot offers potential nutritional support for several areas.

Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health

Bergamot's anti-inflammatory action plays a crucial role in its support for cardiometabolic health. By reducing oxidative stress and lowering inflammatory markers, it helps protect the vascular endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels), which is crucial for regulating blood pressure and preventing plaque formation. Its ability to also improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels further positions it as a promising natural adjunct for managing risk factors associated with heart disease and diabetes.

Liver Health

Research has shown that bergamot polyphenols can decrease inflammation in the liver. In animal models of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), BPF reduced inflammation by influencing the expression of cytokines. This suggests potential benefits for liver health, especially when combined with a healthy diet.

Skin Health

In addition to internal benefits, bergamot essential oil and juice have shown anti-inflammatory properties for skin disorders. Studies have indicated that bergamot can help alleviate skin inflammation by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory proteins, pointing to potential wound-healing and anti-acne effects.

Comparing Different Forms of Bergamot


Form of Bergamot	Primary Application	Key Active Components	Considerations
Juice/Extract	Oral consumption for systemic effects on cholesterol, blood sugar, and systemic inflammation.	High concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols.	Best for systemic health benefits. Supplements offer standardized content.
Essential Oil (BEO)	Aromatherapy for mood and anxiety. Topical application for skin conditions (with caution).	Volatile compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate.	High concentrations of oil, especially topical, can be unsafe. Use with care and consult a doctor.
Tea (Earl Grey)	General wellness and flavor. Contains less potent concentration of active compounds compared to extracts.	Infused with bergamot essential oil for aroma.	Offers a pleasant, mild way to consume bergamot, but therapeutic effect on inflammation is likely limited.

Potential Risks and Precautions

While bergamot is generally considered safe for consumption in food and supplements, precautions should be taken.

Essential Oil: High amounts of bergamot oil, particularly through ingestion, are potentially unsafe and have caused serious side effects in children. Topical application of essential oil can also cause skin harm.
Medication Interactions: Bergamot can affect blood sugar levels, so individuals on medication for diabetes should consult a healthcare provider before using it.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to a lack of sufficient reliable information, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should stick to amounts commonly found in foods.

Conclusion

While more human studies are needed, the existing evidence from in vitro, animal, and early clinical research suggests that citrus bergamot does reduce inflammation. Its rich profile of polyphenols and flavonoids helps to combat inflammation by inhibiting key pathways and reducing oxidative stress. This makes bergamot, particularly in extract or juice form, a promising nutritional supplement for supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health. As with any supplement, it is best to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. For more detailed research, explore the Bergamot Byproducts: A Sustainable Source to Counteract Inflammation review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Citrus bergamot's primary anti-inflammatory mechanism involves its rich flavonoid content. These compounds inhibit the activation of the NF-κB pathway and reduce oxidative stress, leading to a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and protecting cells from damage.

Yes, some human trials have shown positive results. Studies involving individuals with metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia have reported that bergamot extract supplementation significantly reduced markers of systemic inflammation, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and TNF-α.

Extracts and supplements, particularly those standardized for polyphenolic content, are often used in clinical studies and may offer more concentrated systemic effects than smaller quantities found in juice or tea. While juice also contains beneficial flavonoids, extracts may provide a more consistent and potent form.

Bergamot may help improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress that can damage the vascular endothelium. By supporting healthy blood vessel function and potentially helping to regulate cholesterol levels, it may help lower risk factors associated with heart disease.

Preliminary animal studies suggest bergamot's anti-inflammatory properties might be beneficial for treating conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, more research is required to confirm these effects in humans.

Bergamot essential oil is used in aromatherapy and topically, but high amounts should not be ingested. It's crucial to use essential oils with caution and, for potential systemic anti-inflammatory benefits, rely on extracts or juice as a safer option.

For potential systemic anti-inflammatory benefits, a standardized bergamot extract in pill, capsule, or powder form is typically utilized in studies. It is best to consult a healthcare professional to determine if bergamot is appropriate for you, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking medication.