Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Aurantii pericarpium, auraptene, bergamot aromatherapy oil, bergamot orange, bergapten, beta-daucosterol(XI), beta-sitosterol, bigaradier, chisil, Citri aurantii fructus (CAF), Citri grandis pericarpium (CGP), Citrus amara, Citrus aurantium, Citrus aurantium dulcis, Citrus aurantium extract (CAE), Citrus aurantium L., Citrus aurantium L. var. amara, Citrus aurantium sinensis (CAS), Citrus aurantium ssp bergamia, Citrus aurantium var. amara, Citrus aurantium var. dulcis (sweet orange), Citrus bigarradia, citrus essential oils (EOs), citrus extract, Citrus L. Rutaceae, citrus peel extract, Citrus silension (CS), Citrus vulgaris, Citrus xaurantium, corteza de naranja, Cyathifera Y. Tanaka, Daidai, Fructus aurantii, Goutou orange, Goutou sour orange, green orange, hesperidin, Kijitsu, limonene, marmalade, marmin, m-synephrine, naranja amarga, naringin, N-methyltyramine, neohesperidin, neroli oil, nobiretin, non-volatile fraction, octopamine, oil of bergamot, oxedrine, oxypeucedanin, oxy-psoralen (5-[(6',7'-dihydroxy-3',7'-dimethyl-2-octenyl)], pericarps of Citrus grandis, phenylephrine, pomeranze, Poncirus trifoliate x C. aurantiumsour orange, Rutaceae (family), Seville orange, Shangzhou Zhiqiao, sour orange, sour orange flower, sour orange leaf, sweet orange, synephrine, tangeretin, volatile oil, Xiangcheng, Xiucheng, Zhiqino, Zhi Qiao, Zhi Shi.
• Combination product examples: Advantra Z® (Nutratech, Inc.), Metabolift Ephedra-Free Formula® (Twinlab Corporation), Stacker 2 Ephedra-Free (NVE Pharmaceuticals), Xenadrine EFX® (Cytodyne Technologies).

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is a flowering, fruit-bearing evergreen tree native to tropical Asia, which is now widely cultivated in the Mediterranean region and elsewhere.
• Bitter orange is commonly used in dietary supplements as an aid to fat loss and as an appetite suppressant.
• Bitter orange contains synephrine, an alkaloid with similarities to ephedrine. The US 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.
• 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.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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