Abstract
Preclinical studies have recently highlighted that bergamot essential oil (BEO) is endowed with remarkable neurobiolological effects. BEO can affect synaptic transmission, modulate electroencephalographic activity and it showed neuroprotective and analgesic properties. The phytocomplex, along with other essential oils, is also widely used in aromatherapy to minimize symptoms of stress-induced anxiety and mild mood disorders. However, only limited preclinical evidences are actually available. This study examined the anxiolytic/sedative-like effects of BEO using an open field task (OFT), an elevated plus-maze task (EPM), and a forced swimming task (FST) in rats. This study further compared behavioural effects of BEO to those of the benzodiazepine diazepam. Analysis of data suggests that BEO induces anxiolytic-like/relaxant effects in animal behavioural tasks not superimposable to those of the DZP. The present observations provide further insight to the pharmacological profile of BEO and support its rational use in aromatherapy.
Highlights
Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is obtained by cold pressing of the epicarp and part of the mesocarp of Citrus bergamia Risso and Poiteau, belonging to the Rutaceae family, genus Citrus
Preclinical studies indicate that essential oils belonging to Lavander [32,33,34] and Citrus [35,36,37] species induce anxiolytic, sedative, and antidepressant effects in behavioural analyses, using the elevated plus-maze task (EPM), open field task (OFT), and forced swimming task (FST) tasks
The present study shows that the administration of bergamot essential oil (BEO) induces anxiolytic-like effects in animal behavioural tasks
Summary
Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is obtained by cold pressing of the epicarp and part of the mesocarp of Citrus bergamia Risso and Poiteau, belonging to the Rutaceae family, genus Citrus. BEO showed effectsthis in phytocomplex, as with other essential oils [23,24], is widely used in aromatherapy This phytocomplex, as with other essential oils [23,24], medicine) to relieve symptoms of stress-induced [25],toalthough limited preclinical data are is widely used in aromatherapy (a branch of herbalanxiety medicine) relieve symptoms of stress-induced [25], available [26,27].
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