Some uses of bitter orange appear to be quite safe; when used for aromatherapy, in cosmetics or as a flavoring agent for foods and liquors, bitter orange is not associated with any health concerns. It is widely used in weight-loss products, often as a substitute for ephedra, which was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004 after a number of deaths were linked to it. As a diet supplement, bitter orange appears to be unsafe, especially if you suffer from heart problems or take one of a number of drugs that may interact with it. Before taking products containing bitter orange, talk with your doctor, even if you do not fall into one of the risk categories.
Bitter Orange
Native to tropical Asia and now grown in a number of locations, including Florida and California, bitter orange was used by the ancient Greeks for aromatherapy and in cosmetics. As the name implies, it is quite sour with a bitter aftertaste. Bitter orange has been used in food and medicine; the oil of bitter orange contains anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Topical use, for infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot, is an established remedy not associated with health risks. Traditional Chinese medicine also uses bitter orange.
Synephrine
The ingredient synephrine is the main danger of bitter orange. Its chemical composition is similar to ephedrine, which was linked to a substantial number of fatal strokes and heart attacks before it was banned from the market. Ephedrine is a stimulant that can raise your blood pressure and lead to irregular heartbeat and insomnia. Synephrine might be just as dangerous, especially when combined with caffeine, another stimulant that is commonly used in weight-loss supplements.
Evidence
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, has received reports of heart attacks, strokes and fainting episodes in healthy people who took bitter-orange supplements, either alone or with caffeine. Alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil writes, "I've seen no evidence suggesting that bitter orange is safer than ephedra and none showing that supplements containing it lead to lasting weight loss." Lab rats fed bitter orange lost weight and ate less; they then developed heart abnormalities and died when the bitter-orange doses were increased.
Considerations
If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition, consume caffeine regularly or take certain medications for depression, NCCAM advises you not to take products containing bitter orange. Do not take bitter orange if you have glaucoma or are breastfeeding or pregnant. Because bitter orange is linked to heart attacks and strokes in healthy people, the risks of taking it for weight loss far outweigh any potential short-term benefits.
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