What is bitter orange and does it help with weight loss?

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is a sour fruit native to Asia. Also called Seville orange, sour orange or zhi shithis fruit is generally not eaten whole due to its bitter taste.

Instead, different parts of the bitter orange (like skin, zest, oil, and leaves) are used for various cooking, flavoring, and health purposes.

Bitter orange contains p-synephrinea chemical compound that can suppress the appetite. Bitter orange extract is commonly used in some weight loss supplements but may not be suitable for everyone.

Uses of different forms of bitter orange

Peels

Bitter orange peel is often used as a culinary ingredient. You might find bitter orange peel or zest in:

• Beer, cocktails and mocktails
• Desserts
• Marinades
• Jam
• Canned goods
• Sauces

The peel of a bitter orange contains flavonoidsantioxidants that provide multiple health benefits, ranging from reducing inflammation to interfere with the development of cancer. Research has also found that bitter orange has an effect vitamin C content, increasing the content of the fruit antioxidant value.

Oils

Bitter orange oils and extracts can be used topically and in aromatherapy. Applying bitter orange oil to your skin can help treat fungal infections as athlete’s foot, ringwormand itching. It could also relieve pain, bruising and pressure sores, although more evidence is needed.

The fruit can also be used to produce essential oils which provide a citrus scent for soaps, perfumes and other scented products.

Leaves

Bitter orange leaves are a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and medical traditions in other parts of the world.

Some research highlights its potential benefits for treating:

In Latin America, bitter orange leaves are traditionally used as a tonic, laxativeand sedative to treat conditions like insomnia, anxiety and epilepsy.

Bitter orange has been marketed and used as an herbal supplement to replace ephedra (a banned weight loss stimulant) for weight management, athletic performance, heartburnand as a nasal decongestant. This is because the compound p-synephrine found in bitter orange may help suppress appetite by slowing down the digestive tract and increase the way the body expends energy and breaks down fat.

Studies have also suggested that it supports exercise training, potentially increasing the total number of repetitions and volume load during a workout. However, more human clinical trials are needed.

Side effects and interactions

Although there is little research on the health benefits of bitter orange in humans, the available evidence suggests that there may be some potential side effects to be aware of regarding its natural compound p-synephrine .

Some studies show adverse heart health side effects related to long-term use of bitter orange supplements (eight weeks), including:

However, it is unclear whether bitter orange or p-synephrine is the cause, as some of the products studied contained multiple ingredients. Additionally, other studies have shown no effects on the cardiovascular system of bitter orange.

However, consult a healthcare professional and take precautions before using bitter orange supplements if you have high blood pressure (hypertension)A irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)or other heart problems. It is also recommended to be careful about mixing bitter orange with other stimulants and drugs broken down by the liver enzyme CYP3A4.

How to take supplements

Bitter orange is generally safe when taken orally in amounts commonly found in foods. It is also probably safe when applied topically or used in aromatherapy.

Studies on supplement use suggest that bitter orange extract appears to be safe to consume at 50 to 90 milligrams (mg) per day. One study found that a 40 mg dose was safe with 320 mg of caffeine (about three cups of coffee).

Note that dietary and herbal supplements are not regulated or approved by the FDA in the same way as medications. Experts recommend checking supplement labels for a quality assurance seal indicating that the product has been tested to ensure it contains listed ingredients and does not include harmful contaminants.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s suggested instructions for taking a supplement and not exceed the recommended dose. To avoid potential interactions, always consult a healthcare professional before adding a new supplement to your routine, especially if you are taking other medications or supplements.

Bitter oranges should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as there is insufficient evidence on their potential effects in these situations.

Growth and fruiting of trees

The bitter orange tree is a fruit tree native to East Africa and Southeast Asia. It is also grown in the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated in Florida, California, and other parts of the western United States.

Bitter oranges grow in late winter and early spring, and the tree’s fruits form from summer until mid-fall. They require full sun, moist (but not soggy) soil, and regular watering. Bitter orange trees can grow 10 to 30 feet tall.

For some growers, the bitter orange tree is a popular landscape plant because of its fragrant flowers and fruits, which can be picked and used to make marmalade and other foods.

Summary

Bitter orange is a sour fruit that can be eaten or applied topically for culinary, aromatherapeutic and medicinal purposes. Because a chemical compound found in bitter orange may suppress the appetite, it is often used in supplement form for weight management and athletic performance purposes, although more evidence is needed to confirm these potential benefits .

Although bitter orange is probably safe in moderate doses, discuss it with a healthcare professional before adding it to your supplement routine, especially if you have an underlying health condition affecting your heart or if you are taking other medicines.