Bergamot essential oil

Bergamot essential oil is a cold-pressed essential oil produced by cells inside the rind of a bergamot orange fruit. It is a common flavoring and top note in perfumes. The scent of bergamot essential oil is similar to a sweet light orange peel oil with a floral note.[1]

Bergamot essential oil

Production
Bergamot fruits harvested for the production of essential oil
The Macchina calabrese peeler, invented in 1840 by Nicola Barillà

The sfumatura or slow-folding process was the traditional technique for manually extracting the bergamot oil.[2] By more modern methods, the oil is extracted mechanically with machines called peelers, which scrape the outside of the fruit under running water to get an emulsion channeled into centrifuges for separating the essence from the water. The rinds of 100 bergamot oranges yield about 3 ounces (85 g) of bergamot oil.[3]

Uses
Bergamotes de Nancy

Bergamot essential oil has been used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and as a flavoring in food and beverages.[4] Its citrus scent makes it a natural flavoring and deodorizing agent.[4] The volatile oils of the bergamot orange are described as flavoring agents in the USP Food Chemicals Codex and are generally recognized as safe for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration.[5] For example, Earl Grey tea is a type of black tea that may contain bergamot essential oil as a flavoring agent.[4]

Historically, bergamot essential oil was an ingredient in Eau de Cologne, a perfume originally concocted by Johann Maria Farina at the beginning of the 18th century.[6] The first record of bergamot oil used as a fragrance in perfume is from 1714, found in the Farina Archive in Cologne.[7]

Constituents

A clear liquid (sometimes there is a deposit consisting of waxes) in color from green to greenish yellow, bergamot essential oil consists of a volatile fraction (average 95%) and a non-volatile fraction (5% or residual). Chemically, it is a complex mixture of many classes of organic substances, particularly in the volatile fraction, including terpenes, esters, alcohols and aldehydes, and for the non-volatile fraction, oxygenated heterocyclic compounds as coumarins and furanocoumarins.[8]

Volatile fraction

The main compounds in the oil are limonene, linalyl acetate, linalool, γ-terpinene and β-pinene, and in smaller quantities geranial and β-bisabolene.[8]

Main volatile components of a Calabrian bergamot essential oil sample[8]
Compound %
Limonene
 
 37.2%
Linalyl acetate
 
 30.1%
Linalool
 
 8.8%
γ-terpinene
 
 6.8%
β-pinene
 
 2.8%
minor compounds
 
 14.3%
green: terpenes; blue: esters; orange: alcohols; red: minor compounds

Non-volatile fraction

The main non-volatile compounds are coumarins (citropten, 5-geranyloxy-7-methoxycoumarin) and furanocoumarins (bergapten, bergamottin).[9][10]

Main non-volatile components of Bergamot essential oil[10]
Compound conc. g/L
Bergamottin
 
 21.42
Citropten
 
 2.58
Bergapten
 
 2.37
5-Geranyloxy-7-methoxycoumarin
 
 1.12
orange: coumarins; green: furanocoumarins
Concentration in grams per liter of essential oil

Adulteration
Comparison of bergamot oil obtained from the same raw plant material either by cold pressing or by hydrodistillation (Peratoner) using GC-MS analysis with enantiomeric column

The bergamot essential oil is particularly subject to adulteration being an essential oil produced in relatively small quantities. Generally adulteration is to "cut" the oil, i.e. adding distilled essences of poor quality and low cost, for example of bitter orange and bergamot mint and/or mixtures of terpenes, natural or synthetic, or "reconstruct" the essence from synthetic chemicals, coloring it with chlorophyll. Worldwide, each year, around three thousand tonnes of declared essence of bergamot are marketed, while the genuine essence of bergamot produced annually amounts to no more than one hundred tons.[11]

Natural source analysis based on the Carbon-14 method can identify adulterated essences by detecting synthetic chemicals manufactured from petroleum that are used to mimic the chemical profile of bergamot oil and other essential oils.

Gas chromatography with columns having a chiral stationary phase allows analyzing mixtures of enantiomers. The analysis of the enantiomeric distribution of various compounds, such as linalyl acetate and linalool, allows the characterization of the bergamot oil according to the manufacturing process and allows for the detection of possible adulteration.[12][13][14][15]

The combined use of isotope ratio mass spectrometry and SNIF-NMR (Site-Specific Natural Isotope Fractionation-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) allows discovering adulteration otherwise undetectable even allowing for the identification of the geographical origin of the essential oil.[16]

The GC-C-IRMS (Gas Chromatography-Combustion – Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer) technique, the most recently used, allows obtaining similar results.[17]

Reference analytical values

Analytical values take as reference for genuinity evaluation of bergamot essential oil by the Experimental Station for the Industry of the Essential oils and Citrus products, in Reggio Calabria, Italy.[18]

Chemical physical characteristics of bergamot essential oil
Chemical physical characteristics Min Max Unit
Refractive index at 20 °C (68 °F) 1.46401.4690adim
Optical rotation at 20 °C (68 °F) +15.0+34.0°
Relative density at 20 °C (68 °F) 0.8750.883adim
Esters (expressed as linalyl acetate) 3045 %
Evaporation residue 4.506.50 %
CD (spectrophotometric analysis) 0.751.20adim
Main volatile fraction components of bergamot essential oil
Main volatile fraction components Min Max Unit
Limonene 3045 %
Linalool 315 %
Linalyl acetate 2236 %
γ-terpinene 610 %
β-pinene 4.59 %
Δ3-carene trace0.008 %
Terpinen-4-ol trace0.06 %
Enantiomeric ratios of main chiral components of bergamot essential oil
Enantiomeric ratios of main chiral components Min Max Unit
Limonene ((+)-Limonene / (-)-Limonene) (97.4 / 2.6)(98.4 / 1.6) %
Linalool ((+)-Linalool / (-)-Linalool) (0.3 / 99.7)(0.7 / 99.3) %
Linalyl acetate ((+)-Linalyl acetate / (-)-Linalyl acetate) (0.3 / 99.7)(0.6 / 99.4) %
Non-volatile residue components of bergamot essential oil
Non-volatile residue components Min Max Unit
Bergapten 18003800mg/Kg

Toxicity

The phototoxic effects of bergamot essential oil have been known for more than a century. In 1925, Rosenthal coined the term "Berloque dermatitis"[19] (from the French word "breloque" meaning trinket or charm) to describe the pendant-like streaks of pigmentation observed on the neck, face, and arms of patients.[20][21] He was unaware that, in 1916, Freund had correctly observed that these pigmentation effects were due to sun exposure after the use of Eau de Cologne, a perfume infused with bergamot oil.[22]

Use of bergamot aromatherapy oil, followed by exposure to ultraviolet light (either sunlight or a tanning bed), has been reported to cause phytophotodermatitis,[23] a serious skin inflammation indicated by painful erythema and bullae on exposed areas of the skin. In one case, six drops of bergamot aromatherapy oil in a bath followed by 20–30 minutes exposure of ultraviolet light from a tanning bed caused a severe burn-like reaction.[24]

Patch test

Bergamot essential oil contains a significant amount of bergapten, a phototoxic substance that gets its name from the bergamot orange. Bergapten, a linear furanocoumarin derived from psoralen, is often found in plants associated with phytophotodermatitis.[21] Note that bergamot essential oil has a higher concentration of bergapten (3000–3600 mg/kg) than any other Citrus-based essential oil.[25]

When bergamot essential oil is applied directly to the skin via a patch test, followed by exposure to ultraviolet light, a concentration-dependent phototoxic effect is observed.[26][27] However, if the oil is twice rectified (and therefore bergapten-free), no phototoxic response is observed.[28]

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) restricts the use of bergamot essential oil due to its phototoxic effects. Specifically, IFRA recommends that leave-on skin products be limited to 0.4% bergamot oil,[4] which is more restrictive than any other Citrus-based essential oil.[5]

Although generally recognized as safe for human consumption, bergamot essential oil contains a significant amount of bergamottin, one of two furanocoumarins believed to be responsible for a number of grapefruit–drug interactions.[29][30] In one case study, a patient who consumed four liters of Earl Grey tea per day suffered paresthesias, fasciculations and muscle cramps.[31]

Notes
  1. "Bergamot perfume ingredient, Bergamot fragrance and essential oils Citrus bergamia". Fragrantica.com. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  2. Angelo Di Giacomo e Biagio Mincione (1994). Gli Olii Essenziali Agrumari in Italia (in Italian). Reggio Calabria: Laruffa Editore.
  3. Brannt, W.T; Schaedler, K. (1896). A Practical Treatise on Animal and Vegetable Fats and Oils, 2nd Edition (digitized 24 Sep 2007), page 449. The University of Michigan.
  4. "Bergamot oil". Drugs.com. 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  5. "Safety assessment of citrus-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics" (PDF). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. 3 December 2013. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  6. "Eau de Cologne. The world's oldest and most reproduced scent". Lampoon Magazine. 2021-05-08. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  7. "Bergamot in perfumery". www.sylvaine-delacourte.com. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  8. Sawamura, M.; Onishi, Y.; Ikemoto, J.; Tu, N.T.M.; Phi, N.T.L. (2006). "Characteristic odour components of bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) essential oil". Flavour and Fragrance Journal. 21 (4): 609–615. doi:10.1002/ffj.1604. ISSN 0882-5734.
  9. Benincasa, M.; Buiarelli, F.; Cartoni, G.P.; Coccioli, F. (1990). "Analysis of lemon and bergamot essential oils by HPLC with microbore columns". Chromatographia. 30 (5–6): 271–276. doi:10.1007/BF02319706. ISSN 0009-5893. S2CID 95863019.
  10. Dugo, Paola; Piperno, Anna; Romeo, Roberto; Cambria, Maria; Russo, Marina; Carnovale, Caterina; Mondello, Luigi (2009). "Determination of Oxygen Heterocyclic Components in Citrus Products by HPLC with UV Detection". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 57 (15): 6543–6551. doi:10.1021/jf901209r. ISSN 0021-8561. PMID 19722564.
  11. Tonio Licordari La riflessione Valorizzare ora questa risorsa sulla scia dell'onda... profumata Gazzetta del Sud Cronaca di Reggio. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  12. Mondello, L.; Verzera, A.; Previti, P.; Crispo, F.; Dugo, G. (1998). "Multidimensional Capillary GC−GC for the Analysis of Complex Samples. 5. Enantiomeric Distribution of Monoterpene Hydrocarbons, Monoterpene Alcohols, and Linalyl Acetate of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau) Oils". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 46 (10): 4275–4282. doi:10.1021/jf980228u. ISSN 0021-8561.
  13. Eleni, M.; Antonios, M.; George, K.; Alexios-Leandros, S.; Prokopios, M. (2009). "High quality bergamot oil from Greece: Chemical analysis using chiral gas chromatography and larvicidal activity against the West Nile virus vector". Molecules. 14 (2): 839–849. doi:10.3390/molecules14020839. ISSN 1420-3049. PMC 6253838. PMID 19255543.
  14. Burfield, T. "The adulteration of essential oils – and the consequences to aromatherapy & natural perfumery practice". Presented to the International Federation of Aromatherapists Annual AGM London Oct 11th 2003. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  15. Cotroneo, A.; Stagno d'Alcontres, I.; Trozzi, A. (1992). "On the genuineness of citrus essential oils. Part XXXIV. Detection of added reconstituted bergamot oil in genuine bergamot essential oil by high resolution gas chromatography with chiral capillary columns". Flavour and Fragrance Journal. 7 (1): 15–17. doi:10.1002/ffj.2730070104. ISSN 0882-5734.
  16. Hanneguelle, S.; Thibault, J.N.; Naulet, N.; Martin, G.J. (1992). "Authentication of essential oils containing linalool and linalyl acetate by isotopic methods". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 40 (1): 81–87. doi:10.1021/jf00013a016. ISSN 0021-8561.
  17. Schipilliti, L.; Dugo, G.; Santi, L.; Dugo, P.; Mondello, L. (2011). "Authentication of bergamot essential oil by Gas Chromatography-Combustion-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (GC-C-IRMS)". Journal of Essential Oil Research. 23 (2): 60–71. doi:10.1080/10412905.2011.9700447. S2CID 97833423.
  18. (in Italian and English) Francesco Gionfriddo e Domenico Castaldo (2004). "Ridefinizione dei parametri analico-composizionali dell'olio essenziale di bergamotto estratto a freddo / Ridefinition of analytical compositional parameters for "cold pressed" bergamot essential oil". Essenze Derivati Agrumari (74): 151–152.
  19. Alikhan, A. (4 March 2016). "Berloque Dermatitis". Medscape. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  20. Rosenthal, O. (1925). "Berloque dermatitis: Berliner Dermatologische". Dermatologische Zeitschrift. 42: 295. doi:10.1159/000250611. Cited in Alikhan 2016.
  21. McGovern, T.W.; Barkley, T.M. (2000). "Botanical Dermatology". The Electronic Textbook of Dermatology. Internet Dermatology Society. Section Phytophotodermatitis. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  22. Freund, E. (1916). "Uber bisher noch nicht beschriebene kunstliche Hautverfarbungen". Dermatol Wochenschrift. 63: 931–933. Cited in McGovern and Barkley 2000, section Phytophotodermatitis.
  23. Kaddu, S.; Kerl, H.; Wolf, P. (2001). "Accidental bullous phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil". J Am Acad Dermatol. 45 (3): 458–461. doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.116226. PMID 11511848. Cited in CIR 2013.
  24. Cocks, H.; Wilson, D. (1998). "Letters to the Editor". Burns. 24 (1): 80. doi:10.1016/S0305-4179(97)00102-2. PMID 9601600. Cited in CIR 2013.
  25. "Toxicological Assessment of Furocoumarins in Foodstuffs" (PDF). The German Research Foundation (DFG). DFG Senate Commission on Food Safety (SKLM). 2004. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  26. Girard, J.; Unkovic, J.; Delahayes, J.; Lafille, C. (1979). "Phototoxicity of Bergamot oil. Comparison between humans and guinea pigs". Dermatologica (in French). 158 (4): 229–243. doi:10.1159/000250763. PMID 428611.
  27. Kejlova, K.; Jirova, D.; Bendova, H.; Kandarova, H.; Weidenhoffer, Z.; Kolarova, H.; Liebsch, M. (2007). "Phototoxicity of bergamot oil assessed by in vitro techniques in combination with human patch tests". Toxicology in Vitro. 21 (7): 1298–1303. doi:10.1016/j.tiv.2007.05.016. PMID 17669618.
  28. Forbes, P. D.; Urbach, F.; Davies, R. E. (1977). "Phototoxicity testing of fragrance raw materials". Food Cosmet Toxicol. 15 (1): 55–60. doi:10.1016/s0015-6264(77)80264-2. PMID 852784. Cited in CIR 2013.
  29. Hung, W. L.; Suh, J. H.; Wang, Y. (2017). "Chemistry and health effects of furanocoumarins in grapefruit". Journal of Food and Drug Analysis. 25 (1): 71–83. doi:10.1016/j.jfda.2016.11.008. PMC 9333421. PMID 28911545.
  30. Bailey, D. G.; Dresser, G.; Arnold, J. M. O. (2013). "Grapefruit-medication interactions: Forbidden fruit or avoidable consequences?". Canadian Medical Association Journal. 185 (4): 309–316. doi:10.1503/cmaj.120951. PMC 3589309. PMID 23184849.
  31. Finsterer, J. (2002). "Earl Grey tea intoxication". Lancet. 359 (9316): 1484. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(02)08436-2. PMID 11988248. S2CID 26873836.

Bibliography
  • Dugo, Giovanni; Bonaccorsi, Ivana (2013). Citrus bergamia: Bergamot and its Derivatives. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles (Book 51). CRC Press. ISBN 978-1439862278.
  • Costa, Rosaria; Dugo, Paola; Navarra, Michele; Raymo, Vilfredo; Dugo, Giovanni; Mondello, Luigi (2010). "Study on the chemical composition variability of some processed bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oils". Flavour and Fragrance Journal. 25 (1): 4–12. doi:10.1002/ffj.1949. ISSN 0882-5734.
  • Carlo Mangiola; Enrico Postorino; Francesco Gionfriddo; Maurizio Catalfamo; Renato Manganaro; Giuseppe Calabrò (October 2009). "Evaluation of the Genuineness of Cold-pressed Bergamot Oil". Perfumer & Flavorist: 26–31.
  • Alp Kunkar and Ennio Kunkar, "Bergamotto e le sue essenze", Edizioni A Z
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