Bergaptol

Bergaptol is a natural furanocoumarin with the molecular formula C11H6O4. It is found in the essential oils of citrus including lemon and bergamot.

Research
Bergaptol is researched for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-osteoporosis, anti-microbial, and anti-lipidemic properties.

Bergaptol inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP), particularly CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. This inhibition can impact the metabolism and concentrations of various drugs and toxins within the body. When compared to other coumarins, bergaptol demonstrates the lowest potency in inhibiting CYP3A4 specifically in cancer cells. Instead, it has the ability to suppress drug efflux transporters, such as P-glycoprotein, which can help overcome chemotherapeutic drug resistance.

Bergaptol exhibits strong antimicrobial effects and has a high potential for inhibiting quorum sensing, a process crucial for microbial communication and virulence.

In vivo studies have shown that bergaptol has a longer retention time in plasma compared to other coumarins.

Toxicity of bergaptol in humans has not been extensively studied and remains unclear.