Bitter orange

Is bitter orange safe and effective for weight loss?

 

While some research studies suggest that bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) can help with modest weight loss when combined with diet and exercise, it's probably not worth the risk. That's because bitter orange can cause a range of potentially serious health problems. So if you're trying to lose weight, stick to healthier methods, not bitter orange.
Bitter orange is an herb made from the bitter orange tree. Extracts from bitter orange peel are often found in weight-loss supplements and supplements for a variety of other health concerns. Bitter orange gained popularity among dieters and weight-loss supplement manufacturers looking for alternatives after the Food and Drug Administration banned the herbal supplement ephedra (ma-huang) because of the health problems it caused.
But bitter orange poses some of the same serious health risks because of its stimulant-like effects. Among the many chemicals in bitter orange are synephrine and octopamine — chemicals similar to those in ephedra. These chemicals may speed up your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. With bitter orange, you may develop migraines, fainting, and potentially deadly stroke and heart attack. These problems can be especially dangerous when you take bitter orange along with caffeine or other supplements or medications that also have these effects. Bitter orange also can interfere with how prescription and over-the-counter medications work, also causing serious health problems.