Bergamotenes: A comprehensive compile of their natural occurrence, biosynthesis, toxicity, therapeutic merits and agricultural applications

• Published in: Critical reviews in food science and nutrition Vol. 64; no. 21; pp. 7343 - 7362
• Main Authors: Annaz, Hassan, El Fakhouri, Karim, Ben Bakrim, Widad, Mahdi, Ismail, El Bouhssini, Mustapha, Sobeh, Mansour
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 17.08.2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Agriculture - methods; Animals; Anti-Infective Agents - pharmacology; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - pharmacology; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Bergamotenes; Biofuels; Biosynthesis; Biotechnology; Cosmeceuticals; Cytotoxicity; Diabetes mellitus; Dietary Supplements; Functional foods & nutraceuticals; Humans; Insecta - drug effects; Insecticides - pharmacology; Insects; occurrence; Pest control; Pharmaceuticals; pheromones; Sesquiterpenes; Sesquiterpenes - pharmacology; Sesquiterpenoids; Subgroups; Terpenes; α-trans-bergamotene; α-trans-bergamotene; Bergamotenes; pheromones; occurrence; biosynthesis
• ISSN: 1040-8398; 1549-7852; 1549-7852
• DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2184766

Sesquiterpenoids constitute the largest subgroup of terpenoids that have numerous applications in pharmaceutical, flavor, and fragrance industries as well as biofuels. Bergamotenes, a type of bicyclic sesquiterpenes, are found in plants, insects, and fungi with α-trans-bergamotene as the most abundant compound. Bergamotenes and their related structures (Bergamotane sesquiterpenoids) have been shown to possess diverse biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and insecticidal effects. However, studies on their biotechnological potential are still limited. This review compiles the characteristics of bergamotenes and their related structures in terms of occurrence, biosynthesis pathways, and biological activities. It further discusses their functionalities and potential applications in pharmaceutical, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and pest management sectors. This review also opens novel perspectives in identifying and harnessing bergamotenes for pharmaceutical and agricultural purposes.