Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium): What It Is and When People Use It

Bitter orange is a citrus fruit whose peel shows up in herbal teas, flavorings, and a lot of weight‑loss and energy supplements. The compound people worry about most is synephrine — a stimulant that acts a bit like epinephrine. That’s why some users report more energy, slightly higher metabolic rate, or reduced appetite.

Manufacturers market bitter orange for weight loss, workout boosts, and digestive complaints. You’ll find it as dried peel (zest), standardized extract, or essential oil. On labels it may also read Citrus aurantium or aurantium extract.

What the evidence says

Clinical trials show mixed results. Some short studies report small, temporary weight loss or a modest increase in calorie burn when bitter orange is used alongside caffeine and diet changes. Other trials find little to no benefit. Bottom line: it’s not a magic fix for weight loss — lifestyle matters most.

Research on performance and appetite is limited and short-term. If you’re trying it for exercise energy, expect mild stimulation but also the chance of jitteriness, similar to a strong coffee.

Safety, interactions, and smart use

Bitter orange can raise blood pressure and heart rate in some people. That makes it risky if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, arrhythmias, or if you take stimulant medications. Avoid bitter orange if you use MAO inhibitors, many antidepressants, or other drugs that affect heart rhythm. Combining it with caffeine or other stimulants increases cardiovascular risk.

Typical supplement doses of synephrine range roughly between 10–50 mg per serving, depending on the product. But labels vary, and extracts aren’t always standardized. Start low if you try it, skip it on days you need surgery (stop at least 2 weeks before elective surgery), and never use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Watch for side effects: fast heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, headache, or high blood pressure. If any appear, stop taking the supplement and see a doctor.

How to choose a product: pick brands with third‑party testing (USP, NSF, or another lab), check the supplement facts for synephrine amount, and avoid blends that hide stimulant levels. Keep a record of other medications and show it to your healthcare provider before starting bitter orange.

Curious about alternatives? For weight loss, proven options include gradual calorie changes, regular exercise, and prescription medicines when appropriate. For digestive uses, simple bitters like ginger or peppermint are gentler choices.

If you’re unsure whether bitter orange suits you, ask a clinician who knows your medical history. A quick chat can prevent risky drug interactions and help you pick a safer approach to weight, energy, or digestion goals.