Bitter orange, also called Citrus aurantium, is a fruit that has medicinal properties. Traditionally, the essential oil, juice and peel of the bitter orange have been used to alleviate sleeping problems, digestive discomfort and skin issues. Recently, preparations of bitter orange and caffeine have been marketed as a weight-loss supplement, although this use of bitter orange is not supported by clinical research. Despite the purported health benefits of bitter orange, this supplement may not be safe for everyone. Discuss the safety of bitter orange with your medical provider before using this natural supplement.
Mild Side Effects
Bitter orange oil contains a chemical called bergapten, which is activated when it's exposed to UV radiation. This chemical increases your skin sensitivity to sunlight and artificial tanning lights. This side effect occurs more frequently in people with fair skin. While using bitter orange oil topically, take extra care to protect your skin with sunblock or clothing.
Severe Side Effects
Bitter orange peel contains a number of stimulant constituents, including synephrine. Synephrine may cause severe side effects in certain people, especially if bitter orange is used in conjunction with other stimulants, such as caffeine. Severe side effects may include high-blood pressure, kidney damage and heart palpitations. Taking bitter orange and caffeine together may increase your risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack. Emergency medical care is required for anyone who loses consciousness or develops stroke or heart attack symptoms, including difficulty speaking, numbness, confusion, chest pain, dizziness, upper-body pain or shortness of breath.
Drug Interactions
Avoid taking bitter orange in conjunction with midazolam, dextromethorphan, indinavir and felodipine. Using any of these drugs with bitter orange may slow the way your body breaks down these medications. Do not use bitter orange with medications altered by your liver, such as ketoconazole, lovastatin and fexofenadine because you may be at risk of experiencing more severe medication-related side effects. In addition, avoid using bitter orange if you're taking an MAO inhibitor, because you may develop serious side effects, such as elevated blood pressure, seizures and increased heart rate.
Contraindications
Treatment with therapeutic dosages of bitter orange may not be safe if you have certain health concerns. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding shouldn't take bitter orange without consulting a doctor. In addition, do not take bitter orange if you have glaucoma, heart disease or heart-related health problems, high-blood pressure or migraines, as this medicinal herb may worsen your symptoms.
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