The Fascinating History of Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia Risso & Poiteau), the Exclusive Essence of Calabria: A Review

The bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau), a citrus fruit growing almost exclusively in the South Italy, is considered the “prince of citrus” for its storical role in the perfume industry due to its essential oil, a product in great demand of a pleasant and refreshing scent. Recently, analgesic, anxiolytic, neuroprotective consistent effects have been ascribed to bergamot essential oil when it is used in aromatherapy, for the relief of pain and symptoms associated with stress-induced anxiety and depression. Moreover, today, bergamot fruit due to a considerable abundance and variety of nutraceutical compounds which are present in its juice, is becoming increasingly important also in the food, pharmaceutical and confectionery industries. In this review, it is discussed that the literature on C. bergamia, focusing on the several studies performed with the experimental data, and recently accumulated, may form the rational basis for further development.