Bitter Orange Weight Loss Products - Efficacy and safety of bitter orange
Extract of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is one of the most common active ingredients of weight loss products and has become especially popular after ephedra, herb containing ephedrine (stimulant and appetite suppressant) has been banned because of severe side effects including death. Like ephedra, bitter orange is also a stimulant and appetite suppressant and has mostly replaced the banned ephedra.
Bitter orange is a citrus tree native to eastern Africa and tropical Asia. The fruit greatly resembles an orange fruit but is smaller and has a bitter taste. There are several varieties some even grown for foods but that does not necessarily mean it is safe although bitter orange is commonly advertised as safe alternative to ephedra. Even more there are some concerns that supplements containing biter orange extract might cause similar adverse effects as those containing ephedra. Apart from the fact that there are no scientific evidence of safety bitter orange contains synephrine which is a substance very similar to ephedrine, the main chemical in ephedra and the cause of ephedra weight loss products being taken off market: high blood pressure, increased heart rate, seizure, heart attack, stroke and in worst case even death. Besides that there is also no scientific studies which would confirm efficacy of bitter orange for weight loss. You are highly recommended to consider the potential health risks before using weight loss products containing bitter orange extract. If you have a medical condition you should not use bitter orange supplements before consulting with your health provider.