Austin, TX—H&AD has adopted bergamot (Citrus bergamia) through the American Botanical Council's (ABC) Adopt-an-Herb botanical research and education program. “We believe that ABC’s considerable resources combined with the decades of groundbreaking leadership in herbal science will support our own continued efforts in exploring bergamot’s abilities and projecting those science-supported benefits through compelling publication and marketing to brand owners, practitioners, retailers, and consumers,” said Hame K. Persaud, Executive Vice President of HP Ingredients, a stakeholder in H&AD. “We are proud of being associated with such a reputable and respected organization as the American Botanical Council. This partnership directly reflects our core values of making a positive impact in our industry–and ultimately, people and the planet. We are committed to and focused on continuing our research and sustainability efforts for this amazingly impactful bergamot ingredient.”
Fast Facts About Bergamot
As outlined in ABC's press release:
- Sometimes called bergamot orange, this herb often called citrus bergamot in commerce.
- Bergamot is a member of the citrus family (Rutaceae). The origin of the fruit is unclear.
- This herb currently it grows almost exclusively in the narrow coastal Calabrian region in Southern Italy, where it thrives due to the weather and soil conditions.
- Oil of bergamot is pressed mechanically from the peel of the almost ripe fruit, which is gathered in November and December.
- Oil of bergamot is known primarily as an ingredient in Earl Grey tea and fragrance and personal care products.
- A polyphenolic fraction of bergamot fruit has been shown to improve human plasma lipid profile (all cholesterols and triglycerides), improve insulin resistance and inflammation, and help prevent atherosclerosis.
- Via inhalation, the essential oil is relaxing, refreshing, and helpful to alleviate insomnia, as well as anxiety, compulsive behavior, and mild depression.
ABC’s HerbMedPro database
This adoption supports ABC’s HerbMedPro database—a comprehensive, interactive online database that provides access to important scientific and clinical research data on the uses and health effects of more than 265 herbs, spices, medicinal plants, and fungi.
“Adopting bergamot as part of the laudatory program of the American Botanical Council substantiates credibility and value of bergamot’s use for human health,” said Persaud. “H&AD is a research and development company located where bergamot is grown, and which is considered one of the top-ranking companies in bergamot derivatives and natural products. H&AD is the owner of several patents concerning both the extraction procedures and the therapeutic activity of many of its products.”
ABC Founder and Executive Director Mark Blumenthal added, “ABC is deeply grateful to H&AD for adopting bergamot on ABC’s powerful HerbMedPro database. H&AD’s adoption enables ABC to further its unique nonprofit research and educational mission by ensuring that HerbMedPro contains the latest scientific and clinical research on this respected traditional medicinal and aromatic herb.”
