Bitter orange yerba or citrus aurantium is an herb that originates from the oil in the orange peels of Seville oranges, which traditionally, are used in Chinese medicine. Bitter orange is used in aromatherapy, cosmetics and in weight loss products. Bitter orange yerba has become a frequent replacement for ephedra in weight loss products; that is, bitter orange contains a substance known as synephrine, which supposedly has stimulant properties to increase metabolism and acts like ephedra. While it comes from oranges, this substance can produce some serious side effects.
Cardiovascular Toxicity
High amounts or continued use bitter orange is associated with cardiovascular toxicity effects, according to Drugs.com. Specifically, it can cause vasoconstriction, which can result in the following serious side effects: tachycardia or a rapid heart rate, dangerous hypertension or high blood pressure, chest pain, and cardiac arrhythmias. However, perhaps the most serious of all side effects associated with this substance is a myocardial infarction or heart attack. Therefore, speak with your physician first before trying any product that contains bitter orange yerba if you have a cardiovascular condition such as heart disease, hypertension, palpitations or status-post myocardial infarction.
Cerebrovascular Disease
The stimulant effects of synephrine in bitter orange yerba also may cause cerebrovascular disease or neurological adverse symptoms, states eMedTv.com. Specifically, bitter orange is associated with the occurrence of a stroke or cerebrovascular accident, which thus includes symptoms of a stroke such as vision problems, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. Additionally, some neurological conditions that may occur with high doses or continued use of bitter orange yerba are seizures as well as migraine headaches, notes MayoClinic.com. Contact your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room if you are taking this supplement and experience the sudden onset of neurological symptoms that are atypical for you, or if you notice signs of a stroke. It is always advised to consult your doctor before beginning any supplement.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Another potential side effect is a very serious gastrointestinal condition known as ischemic colitis, according to eMedTV.com. Specifically, the following symptoms characterize this severe adverse effect: abdominal pain and-or cramping, major diarrhea, occult blood in the stools, vomiting, all of which may be accompanied by a high temperature. If, after starting bitter orange, you start to experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for evaluation.
Sun Sensitivity
Another potential side effect of bitter orange yerba is hypersensitivity to sunlight, which can result in an increased risk of you getting sunburned, especially if you apply bitter orange oil directly to the skin, states the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine or NCCAM. Furthermore, this adverse reaction is much more likely to occur if you are a fair-skinned person. Avoid sunbathing and tanning booths while taking bitter orange.
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