Bergamottin (furanocoumarin) dosage

Bergamottin (CAS No. 7380-40-7) is a furanocoumarin naturally occurring in citrus fruits, particularly grapefruit, bergamot, and certain varieties of bitter orange. This lipophilic aromatic compound is formed in essential oils and plant extracts through secondary plant metabolism.
Bergamottin is known for its enzyme-inhibiting effect on cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4), which produces the well-known “grapefruit effect”: it slows the breakdown of certain drugs, thereby increasing their bioavailability.

Laboratory testing of bergamottin is therefore essential to assess potential interactions with other substances, control the safety of citrus extracts and ensure regulatory compliance of nutraceutical and cosmetic products.

Why perform a bergamottin assay?

Bergamottin analysis has become essential in several industrial sectors:

• Evaluate potential drug interactions in dietary supplements containing citrus extracts.
• Control the safety of cosmetic or nutraceutical formulations incorporating citrus essential oils.
• Ensure regulatory compliance regarding furanocoumarin content, in particular according to European Directive 2008/128/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 for cosmetics.
• Optimize plant extraction processes by limiting the presence of photoactive or sensitizing compounds.
• Characterize essential oils and plant extracts to guarantee their authenticity and stability.

Bergamottin is part of a group of phototoxic compounds whose concentration must be rigorously controlled, particularly in formulations applied to the skin or ingested .

Analytical methods used

At YesWeLab liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry methods , guaranteeing selective and precise detection even at very low concentrations.

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD)
The HPLC method allows the separation and quantification of furanocoumarins from citrus extracts, juices, plant powders, or essential oils. The DAD (diode array) detector identifies bergamottin based on its specific UV spectral signature.

LC-MS / LC-MS/MS
This technique offers high molecular specificity and allows the identification of bergamottin as well as other associated furanocoumarins (bergapten, xanthotoxin, etc.). LC-MS is ideal for complex matrices and combination formulations, with detection limits reaching the nanogram-per-gram range .

All analyses are carried out according to protocols conforming to ISO 17025 , AOAC , and ICH Q2 , guaranteeing the reliability, traceability and reproducibility of the results .

Industrial and sectoral applications

Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements:
Bergamottin testing is used to control the quality and safety of products containing citrus extracts, particularly those intended for cholesterol regulation, weight loss, or vitality. It allows for verification of drug interactions and ensures regulatory compliance.

In cosmetics and perfumery,
bergamot and citrus essential oils may contain photosensitizing furanocoumarins. Analysis of bergamottin levels is essential to prevent photo-allergic reactions and comply with the maximum limits set by European cosmetic regulations .

Food processing
In the quality control of citrus juices, flavors and natural extracts, the measurement of bergamottin makes it possible to authenticate plant sources and to detect any chemical alterations due to storage or heat treatment.

Botanical and phytochemical research:
Bergamottin is also a biochemical marker used in studies on furanocoumarin biosynthesis and citrus enzymatic activity .

Affected matrices

• Citrus essential oils (bergamot, grapefruit, bitter orange)
• Plant extracts and citrus powders
• Dietary supplements and functional beverages
• Cosmetics and perfumes
• Aromatic raw materials

Recommended Related Analyses

For a comprehensive furanocoumarin profile assessment, YesWeLab recommends combining this test with:
Bergapten assay – another phototoxic furanocoumarin found in citrus essential oils.
Xanthotoxin assay – complementary to bergamottin for assessing photosensitizing risks.
Total coumarin assay – to characterize all bioactive aromatic compounds.
GC-MS analysis of essential oils – to confirm the identity and purity of the aromatic profile.

Why entrust your analysis to YesWeLab?

YesWeLab works with a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories specializing in the analysis of bioactive plant compounds and the safety of natural products.
Our teams support formulators, manufacturers, and distributors in the quantification, validation, and regulatory compliance of their products.
Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, ordering, tracking, and receiving analysis results are fast, secure, and centralized.