Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Citrus bergamia Derivatives: Where Do We Stand?

Molecules. 2016 Sep 23;21(10):1273. doi: 10.3390/molecules21101273.

Abstract

Inflammatory diseases affect a large portion of the worldwide population, and chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for several dangerous pathologies. To limit the side effects of both synthetic and biological anti-inflammatory drugs, the use of herbal medicines, nutraceuticals and food supplements has increased tremendously as alternative and/or complementary medicine to treat several pathologies, including inflammation. During the last decades, the biological properties of Citrus bergamia (bergamot) derivatives have obtained important scientific achievements, and it has been suggested their use in a context of a multitarget pharmacological strategy. Here, we present an overview of the anti-inflammatory properties of bergamot extracts that could represent the scientific basis for develop novel and alternative strategies to improve health status and attenuate inflammatory conditions.

Keywords: Citrus bergamia; antioxidant activity; bergamot; complementary and alternative medicines; flavonoids; inflammation; natural products.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Citrus / chemistry*
  • Herbal Medicine
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Plant Extracts