Bitter orange, or Citrus aurantium, is used in alternative herbal medicine for its outer peel and sometimes its leaves. Bitter orange has been used in traditional medicine throughout Mexico, South America, Asia and Europe to treat gastrointestinal ailments and insomnia. Today, bitter orange is used to treat similar problems, as well as for weight loss. Bitter orange has several dangerous and potentially fatal health risks, however.
Increased Blood Pressure & Heart Rate
You could experience an increase in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and heart palpitations while taking bitter orange. Bitter orange contains stimulant properties that in some people may also lead to angina pectoris, kidney injury and decreased blood circulation to the arms, legs and heart, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Specifically, bitter orange contains the stimulant chemicals synephrine and octopamine, which could cause fainting, migraine headaches and even a fatal stroke or heart attack, the Mayo Clinic notes. If you have hypertension, or high blood pressure, heart disease or any type of vascular disease, you shouldn't take bitter orange. A case report of a stroke and another of a heart attack were linked to taking bitter orange. Bitter orange may also increase eye pressure, so you shouldn't take it if you have glaucoma, the University of Pittsburgh says.
Photosensitivity
Taking bitter orange may cause you to become extremely sensitive to light, a condition called photosensitivity. Cases have been reported of photosensitivity after using bitter orange oil topically, applied to the skin, as well as taken internally, notes the University of Michigan Health System. You should avoid tanning booths and sun exposure while taking bitter orange. Also, avoid using bitter orange while taking other medications that may cause photosensitivity, such as certain sulfa antibiotics, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Negative Effects on Medications
Another health risk of using bitter orange is that the herb may have negative interactions with certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, the Mayo Clinic says. A test tube study discovered that bitter orange blocked human cytochrome P450 3A, an enzyme that aides the liver in cleansing the body of toxins, says the University of Michigan Health System. This effect could inhibit the liver from metabolizing and processing certain medications or increase the levels of some drugs in the body. A medical study of bitter orange used in pigs found that the herb can increase levels of cyclosporine in the blood, potentially causing toxic effects, the University of Michigan says. Taking bitter orange juice may also interfere with the calcium channel blocker drug felodipine, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. If you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, consult your physician before taking bitter orange. You should avoid taking bitter orange along with caffeine and drugs that also act as stimulants, the Mayo Clinic cautions. Further, if you take any medication that's classified as an MAO inhibitor, you shouldn't take bitter orange at all. Bitter orange contains the constituent tyramine, which can potentially cause death when combined with MAO inhibitor drugs.
Dangers for Children and Pregnant Women
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver or kidney disease, you should avoid taking bitter orange. No safe dosage of bitter orange is known for people belonging to these groups, as well as for children, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Cases have been reported of children experiencing colic, convulsions and death after taking excessive amounts of bitter orange peel, says the University of Michigan Health System.
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