Essential Oil and Juice from Bergamot and Sweet Orange Improve Acne Vulgaris Caused by Excessive Androgen Secretion

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Bergamot and sweet orange are rich in nutritional and functional components, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of bergamot and sweet orange (juice and essential oil) on acne vulgaris caused by excessive secretion of androgen. Eighty male golden hamsters were randomly divided into 10 groups and received low or high dose of bergamot and sweet orange juice and essential oil, physiological saline, and positive drugs for four weeks, respectively. Results showed that all interventions could improve acne vulgaris by reducing the growth rate of sebaceous gland spots, inhibiting TG accumulation, decreasing the release of inflammatory cytokines (notably reducing IL-1α levels), promoting apoptosis in the sebaceous gland, and decreasing the ratio of T/E₂. Among them, bergamot and orange essential oil may have better effects (dose dependent) on alleviating acne vulgaris than the corresponding juice. In view of the large population of acne patients and the widespread use of sweet orange and bergamot, this study is likely to exert an extensive and far-reaching influence.

Figure 1

Effect of different treatments on the growth rate of sebaceous gland spots: (a) the growth rate of sebaceous gland spots in the first week, (b) the growth rate of sebaceous gland spots in the second week, (c) the growth rate of sebaceous gland spots in the third week, and (d) the growth rate of sebaceous gland spots in the fourth week. Values are expressed as the mean ± SD (n = 8). Data with different letters indicate significant differences (P < 0.05).

Figure 2

Effect of different treatments on serum sex hormone levels: (a) serum T level, (b) serum E₂ level, and (c) the ratio of T/E₂. Values are expressed as the mean ± SD (n = 8). Significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Figure 3

Effect of different treatments on the level of TG. Values are expressed as the mean ± SD (n = 8). Data with different letters indicate significant differences (P < 0.05).

Figure 4

Effect of different treatments on the level of serum inflammatory factors in the golden hamster: (a) IL-1α level, (b) IL-6 level, and (c) TNF-α level. Values are expressed as the mean ± SD (n = 8). Data with different letters indicate significant differences (P < 0.05).

Figure 5

Effect of different treatments on the level of serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the golden hamster: (a) MMP-2 level and (b) MMP-9 level. Values are expressed as the mean ± SD (n = 8). Significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Figure 6

Effect of different treatments in the golden hamster on the activity of caspase-3. Values are expressed as the mean ± SD (n = 8). Significance was defined as P < 0.05.