Bitter orange has a rich tradition as an alternative and complementary medicine. Bitter orange, which also goes by the names Seville orange, zhi shi and chongcoa, is native to certain regions of Africa, Arabia and Syria, according to the University of Michigan Health System, or UMHS. Bitter orange's contemporary use is primarily as a weight-loss aid.
Background
Bitter orange, or citrus aurantium, is cultivated in the Mediterranean, as well as North America in states like Florida and California, states the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. The oil of the bitter orange is used in aromatherapy, food and cosmetics. The oil that's extracted from the bitter orange tree's blossoms goes by the more recognizable name of neroli, which is used in perfume making.
Active Constituents
According to the UMHS, the chemical constitution of bitter orange is complex. However, the volatile oil in the fruit's peel contains most of its active constituents, including flavones -- types of flavonoids -- carotenoids, N-methyltyramine, and synephrine and octopamine, two chemicals that purportedly make bitter orange supplements beneficial as a weight-loss aid.
Traditional Uses
Bitter orange has had a diverse and seemingly contradictory set of traditional medical applications. It's been used medicinally in Chinesa, Mexico, South America and the Basque region of Europe. The leaf and peel have been used to treat insomnia, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart palpitations, stomach ache, indigestion, constipation and diarrhea.
Modern Use
Bitter orange's most popular contemporary use is as a weight-loss aid. Supplements that contain extracts of the fruit's rind came into use after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned ephedra supplements, explains MayoClinic.com. The synephrine and octopamine in bitter orange are much like the active constituents in ephedra, and have a stimulant-like effect on the body.
Warning
MayoClinic.com notes that research on bitter orange suggests it may be helpful for modest weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity. However, the risk to your health outweighs the benefits. Bitter orange supplements can have detrimental and potentially deadly side effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate, migraines, fainting, heart attack and stroke. These can occur even in healthy adults, NCCAM states. Avoid bitter orange if you have heart problems, high blood pressure or if you take medications that speed up your heart, including caffeine. Don't use bitter orange supplements during pregnancy.
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