Bitter orange (Citrus x aurantium) peel and fruit has a variety of traditional uses, including for the treatment of insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, and as an expectorant. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is known as "Chih-shih" or "Zhi shi." The extract has been found to activate metabolism and suppress the appetite; it is thus used in supplements for weight loss. The safety of bitter orange has been confounded by the confusion between the bitter orange compound p-synephrine and a structurally different synthetic compound, m-synephrine
It i also known as Seville orange, sour orange, bigarade orange, and marmalade orange, refers to a citrus tree (Citrus × aurantium) and its fruit. It is hybrid between Citrus maxima and Citrus reticulata. Many varieties of bitter orange are used for their essential oil, which is used in perfume, as a flavoring and as a solvent. The Seville orange variety is used in the production of marmalade.
Like green coffee extract , bitter orange is used as an appetite suppressant. However, it also has a stimulant effect The active ingredient, synephrine, has been linked to a number of deaths, and consumer groups advocate avoiding medicinal use of the fruit. It reminds of the deaths by the use of ephedra in the past.
A published by the ABC ( American Botanical Council) had mixed reviews on Bitter Orange. I feel more studies need to be published and researched. Some studies had too many products containing other compounds or plant materials with known bio activity, such as caffeine.
Until tomorrow…