Bitter orange is an herb that is made from the essential oils of the peels of Seville oranges. These essential oils or extracts are commonly found in weight loss products and other dietary supplements used to treat other health issues. According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, bitter orange does aid in weight loss when combined with diet and exercise, but some health risks may be associated with the use of bitter orange.
Medical Uses of Bitter Orange
In recent years, bitter orange has gained popularity for its properties of appetite reduction and weight loss. Bitter orange has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ailments such as nausea, indigestion and constipation. Other medical uses for orally administered bitter orange include treatments for heartburn and nasal congestion. If the bitter orange oils are applied directly to the skin, it can be used to treat skin disorders such as ringworm and athlete's foot.
Side Effects
Bitter orange has gained popularity in weight reduction primarily because people were searching for an alternative after the Food and Drug Administration banned ephedra as a weight loss supplement. However, bitter orange contains the chemical synephrine, which is very similar to the main chemical in ephedra. Individuals who take bitter orange may experience the same physical side effects as those who previously used ephedra. The chemical synephrine has been proven to increase blood pressure and increase heart rate. Because of these effects, the use of bitter orange may lead to migraines, fainting, stroke or heart attack.
Precautions/Drug Interactions
Due to the fact that bitter orange contains synephrine, individuals who suffer from high blood pressure, rapid heart rate or glaucoma should avoid using bitter orange as a dietary supplement. Individuals who are currently taking an MAO inhibitor, such as Nardil or Azilect, for treatment of depression should also avoid the use of bitter orange. MAO inhibitors also tend to elevate blood pressure, so the effects may be doubled when used in conjunction with bitter orange. In addition, people who choose to use bitter orange should avoid caffeine, energy drinks such as Red Bull, or any other product that contains stimulants, because the effects could raise blood pressure to dangerous levels. Pregnant women should also avoid the use of bitter orange because elevated blood pressure may cause complications during pregnancy.
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