Composition and biological activity of bergamot essential oil

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, presents significant public health concern. Recent scientific interest has focused on the pharmacological properties of essential oils, particularly bergamot ( Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau) essential oil (BEO) [ 1 ]. This study aimed to investigate the biocompatibility limits, through ecotoxicological models (allelopathy assay, Artemia salina lethality , Daphnia magna cardiotoxicity assay), and protective effects in C2C12 cells and in isolated mouse colon specimens, of a commercial bergamot essential oil characterized for the content in linalool, linalyl acetate, and limonene. In the allelopathic assay, high BEO concentrations (125-1000 μg/mL) significantly inhibited germination and growth of Chichorium inthybus; thus, indicating phytotoxicity. Conversely, lower concentrations (under 100 μg/mL) improved germination and growth, indicating minimal phytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. The A. salina lethality assay classified BEO as toxic to highly toxic with LC50 value>5.67 μg/mL. By contrast, in the D. magna the same concentration did not modify heartrate beat; thus, scaling back the toxicity. This observation was also confirmed by the null effect of BEO (1-100 µg/mL) on C2C12 cell viability, and the anti-inflammatory effects isolated mouse colon tissue exposed to LPS. In this ex vivo model, BEO treatment (1-100 μg/mL) increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. Overall, the present findings suggest that bergamot essential oil holds promise as a therapeutic option for managing inflammatory bowel disease. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and protective properties warrant further investigation to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany