Bitter Orange

Bitter orange is a citrus fruit commonly used in weight-loss pills and other herbal supplements. It appears to help suppress the appetite and may also possess antioxidant and antibiotic or antiviral activity. At this time, however, no studies have been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of bitter orange. Potential side effects of the supplement include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and stroke.

 

What Is Bitter Orange?

Bitter orange is a small citrus fruit. It is known for its extremely bitter and sour taste. In some parts of the world, bitter orange is consumed as a food, although it is usually too bitter for most people to be edible. Bitter orange is gaining popularity as a supplement, supposedly for a variety of different uses, such as:
 
  • To stimulate the appetite
  • To help with weight loss
  • To relieve heartburn and indigestion
  • To relieve nasal congestion
  • To help with chronic fatigue
  • To lower blood sugar and cholesterol.
     
People also apply bitter orange to the skin for a variety of conditions, such as for cold sores or fungal infections (such as athlete's foot).
 
(Click Bitter Orange Uses for more information on what bitter orange is used for.)
 

How Does Bitter Orange Work?

Bitter orange contains several different active components. One of these components is synephrine, a stimulant compound similar to ephedra. While synephrine may theoretically suppress the appetite or increase metabolism, it is also responsible for many of the side effects of bitter orange. Bitter orange also contains flavenoids, plant compounds that may possess antioxidant activity. Bitter orange also appears to have some activity as an antibiotic or antiviral.
 

Is Bitter Orange Effective?

There is a lack of scientific evidence to support a conclusion that bitter orange is effective for weight loss or for any other use (see Does Bitter Orange Work? for more information).
 

Bitter Orange Dosing Information

Currently, there is no established safe and effective bitter orange dose. More research is necessary in order to determine an appropriate dose for bitter orange.
 
(Click Bitter Orange Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Bitter Orange

Bitter orange can cause several side effects, such as:
 
(Click Bitter Orange Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Bitter Orange

Bitter orange can interact with a number of different medications (see Bitter Orange Interactions).
 

Is Bitter Orange Safe?

Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to drugs and supplements. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking bitter orange if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Bitter Orange Safety for more information, including any available bitter orange warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take a Bitter Orange Overdose?

It is not known exactly what to expect from a bitter orange overdose. Since it contains synephrine (a stimulant), effects such as high blood pressure and a rapid heart rate (among other problems) are possible.
 
(Click Bitter Orange Overdose for more information.)
 

Bitter Orange: Storage Methods

Refer to the label of your individual bitter orange product for information on how best to store bitter orange. Keep bitter orange out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;