Caution should be used when combining bergamot essential oil (BEO) with photosensitizing medications, such as (but not limited to) carbamazepine. Unless the BEO is furocoumarin-free or bergapten-free (BEO-FCF or BEO-BF), there is a theoretical potential for BEO to increase the risk of photosensitizing side effects.[1]
It’s worth noting that bergamottin (5-geranyloxypsoralen), a non-phototoxic[2] furanocoumarin in BEO that is also found in grapefruit and lime juice, is a cyp-450-inhibition|cytochrome P450 inhibitor, particularly of CYP3A4,[3] and thus could potentially have drug interactions; it is one of the furanocoumarins believed to be responsible for drug interactions with grapefruit juice.[4] Bergamottin is present at 1.02–2.75% in BEO and at 12–16 ppm in bergapten-free BEO.[5]
References
- ^“Bergamot With Carbamazepine,” HelloPharmacist.com(16 Jun 2024)
- ^Cluzel M, Hais G, Irizar A, Lenouvel V, Nash JF, Penichot C, Sauvage C, Vey M, Wolf NAbsence of phototoxicity/photoirritation potential of bergamottin determined In Vitro using OECD TG 432.Regul Toxicol Pharmacol.(2022 Dec)
- ^Ko JH, Arfuso F, Sethi G, Ahn KSPharmacological Utilization of Bergamottin, Derived from Grapefruits, in Cancer Prevention and Therapy.Int J Mol Sci.(2018 Dec 14)
- ^Chen Chunxian, Cancalon P, et alCharacterization of Furanocoumarin Profile and Inheritance Toward Selection of Low Furanocoumarin Seedless Grapefruit CultivarsJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.(Sep 2011)
- ^Valussi M et al.Bergamot Oil: Botany, Production, PharmacologyEncyclopedia.(2021 Feb)