Bitter Orange Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Bitter Orange

Bitter Orange

Also known as
  • Citrus aurantium
  • Aurantii Fructus
  • Aurantium
  • Bigarade
  • Chisil
  • Kijitsu
  • Marmalade Orange
  • Meta-Synephrine
  • Naranja Amarga
  • Neroli Oil
  • Norsynephrine
  • Octopamine
  • Orange Amère
  • Seville Orange
  • Shangzhou Zhiqiao
  • Sour Orange
  • Synephrine
  • Zhi Ke
  • Zhi Qiao
  • Zhi Shi
Bitter Orange Bitter orange, also known as Seville orange or sour orange, is a type of citrus fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. It is closely related to the sweet orange, but has a much more bitter and sour flavor. Bitter orange is a rich source of vitamin C and other nutrients, including calcium, potassium, and folate. It is also a good source of antioxidants. Bitter orange has been used in traditional medicine for a number of purported health benefits, including improved digestion, improved immune function, and reduced inflammation. Bitter orange also contains synephrine, a compound similar in structure to ephedrine. Synephrine is thought to have stimulant effects and is often used to increase energy, improve athletic performance, and as a weight loss supplement. When used as a dietary supplement, the dosage is typically standardized by its synephrine content.
There are 911 drugs known to interact with Bitter Orange

Additional Details

Is Bitter Orange Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Bitter orange, known for its use in cooking, perfumes, and medicines, has certain safety considerations. After the ban on ephedra, bitter orange found its way into "ephedra-free" products. However, some bitter orange products have been found to have higher levels of certain substances, including synephrine, than labeled. Synephrine is considered a banned substance by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Bitter orange is generally considered safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods, but caution is advised when using it for medicinal purposes, as some products might contain higher amounts of potentially harmful substances.

How Does Bitter Orange Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Bitter orange contains various active components that give rise to its effects. It contains synephrine and octopamine, which are similar to natural neurotransmitters in the body. T

hese compounds act on adrenergic receptors, affecting heart rate and blood pressure. They also appear to influence fat breakdown and oxidation, contributing to potential weight loss effects. Bitter orange's flavonoids, like naringin and nobiletin, have anti-inflammatory properties, while compounds like auraptene and tangeretin might have antitumor effects. Bitter orange's activity is complex and still being studied, but it's believed to influence a range of physiological processes.

Pharmacokinetics

When consumed orally, the active constituent p-synephrine from bitter orange can be detected in the bloodstream. It reaches peak concentrations about 4 hours after ingestion and has a half-life of 2-3 hours. This suggests that the effects of bitter orange are relatively short-lived.

Interaction Overview (Full List At Bottom Of Page)

Bitter orange can interact with various drugs and supplements. Notably, it might affect the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes. It may also increase blood pressure and heart rate when taken with caffeine or other stimulants.

There are potential interactions with antidiabetes drugs, colchicine, certain antibiotics, and more. It's important to be cautious when combining bitter orange with other substances.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Bitter orange might cause hypertension and tachycardia, especially when combined with caffeine or other stimulants. Topically applied bitter orange might lead to skin irritation. Serious adverse effects are rare but could include myocardial infarction, seizures, stroke, and ventricular fibrillation. These effects might be due to bitter orange itself or interactions with other ingredients.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Bitter orange extracts vary in their content of active constituents, particularly synephrine. Some products might have higher concentrations of synephrine than labeled. Standardized preparations are available, with synephrine content ranging from 1.5% to 30%. Some preparations also contain other substances like flavonoids, which can influence their effects.

What Is Bitter Orange Typically Used For?

Bitter orange has been used for various purposes. Some research suggests its potential benefits in reducing postprandial glucose levels and treating infectious shock. It might also have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.

There is interest in its use for improving athletic performance, although results are mixed. Bitter orange's potential for weight loss is attributed to its effects on metabolism and fat oxidation. However, its effectiveness for certain conditions like allergic rhinitis, androgenic alopecia, anxiety, and others lacks reliable evidence and needs more research.

Drugs that interact with Bitter Orange

Return to the main herbal interaction checker page

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC