Acokanthera Oppositifolia vs Bergamot Orange Peel

South African shrub containing highly toxic cardiac glycosides, used in extremely dilute traditional preparations for pain and as a hunting arrow poison.

Small Italian citrus primarily grown in Calabria whose peel oil is used in Earl Grey tea and studied for cardiovascular and cholesterol benefits.

ouabain, acokantherine, cardenolides, cardiac glycosides

bergapten, linalyl acetate, linalool, flavonoids, brutieridin

arrow poison, toothache, snakebite, skin conditions — topically only

Skin photosensitization in tanning in Italian folk tradition, Digestive conditions in Italian herbal medicine, Earl Grey tea flavoring, Anxiety in aromatherapy tradition

cardiac glycoside research only

Cholesterol lowering polyphenols, Anxiolytic aromatherapy, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial

Extremely dangerous; only topical traditional use

500-1000mg bergamot polyphenol extract daily; aromatherapy diffusion

internal use absolutely contraindicated, pregnancy, children, cardiac disease

Photosensitization with topical undiluted oil, Bergapten sun sensitivity

fatal cardiac arrest with minimal overdose

Severe photosensitization with topical bergapten and sun, Skin burning