Search Herbs & Supplements:
Browse Top 100 HerbsBitter orange (Citrus aurantium) comes from a flowering, fruit-bearing evergreen tree native to tropical Asia, but is now widely cultivated in the Mediterranean region and elsewhere. Bitter orange contains synephrine, an alkaloid with similarities to ephedrine.
Over the centuries, bitter oranges were highly valued for their food and medicinal properties. In ancient China, unripe bitter oranges were used to make zhi shi, an herbal extract used to treat constipation, improve energy (chi) and to calm nerves in cases of insomnia and shock. In the Amazon rainforest, indigenous tribes used bitter orange tea as a laxative and to relieve nausea, stomach pains, indigestion, gas and constipation.
It is claimed that bitter orange is an effective aid to weight loss and a safe alternative to ephedra. However, evidence shows some increase in heart rate and short-term calorie burn, and it may raise blood pressure and exacerbate existing heart problems. Weight loss benefits are unproven and safety questions remain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of ephedrine-containing dietary supplements. Some products previously containing ephedrine have been reformulated to include Citrus aurantium.
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Uses |
Grade* |
AgingOne low quality study indicates that a combination product including immature bitter orange may improve symptoms of aging. However, more, higher-quality studies are needed. |
C |
Fungal infectionsPreliminary study shows promising results using oil of bitter orange as an antifungal agent. However, further evidence is needed to confirm these results. |
C |
Weight lossSince the ban on ephedra, some weight loss products previously containing ephedrine have been reformulated to include bitter orange. Although bitter orange is popularly used for weight loss, the effects of bitter orange are largely unknown, and more study is needed to make a strong recommendation. |
C |
Dementia (behavior challenges)Bitter orange has been used in aromatherapy, although it does not appear to reduce combative, resistive behaviors in individuals with dementia. Currently, there is no evidence supporting the use of bitter orange for dementia and behavioral challenges. |
D |
*Key to grades
|
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
Allergies
Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to bitter orange or the Rutaceae family.
Side Effects and Warnings
Bitter orange has generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status for the use in foods in the United States. Despite the lack of systematic study on the safety and efficacy of bitter orange, there are several theoretical side effects that may occur from the use of bitter orange. For instance, bitter orange may cause adverse cardiovascular effects in otherwise healthy individuals; avoid in patients with preexisting cardiovascular (heart) disease. Theoretically, bitter orange may worsen narrow-angle glaucoma. It may also trigger migraine or cluster headaches. Use cautiously in patients with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). Bitter orange may worsen the condition due to its synephrine content.
Due to its potential photosensitizing effects, use topical bitter orange preparations cautiously in patients with fair skin.
Avoid using in patients with intestinal colic based on reports of convulsion and death in children who consume large amounts of bitter orange peel. Also avoid using in patients taking QT-interval prolonging drugs or with long QT interval syndrome. Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms).
Avoid using with drugs or dietary supplements with stimulant properties. Concurrent use might increase the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) and adverse cardiovascular effects.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Bitter orange is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.
Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for bitter orange as a medicinal agent. However, bitter orange has generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status for the use in foods in the United States.
Children (younger than 18 years)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for bitter orange in children.