Avoid
⛔ Best avoidedBitter orange
Also called: synephrine, citrus aurantium
A fruit extract with a stimulant similar to ephedrine.
- Why people take it
- Weight loss.
- What the evidence says
- Little evidence.
- How it is usually taken
- Not recommended at any amount; see the warning above.
- Be careful
- Can raise blood pressure and heart rate, especially with caffeine. Best avoided.
- Medicines it can interact with
- Adds to stimulants, caffeine and blood pressure medicines; risky with MAOIs.
Other avoid
Common questions
What is Bitter orange?
A fruit extract with a stimulant similar to ephedrine.
Why do people take Bitter orange?
Weight loss.
Does Bitter orange work?
Little evidence.
How much Bitter orange do people take?
Not recommended at any amount; see the warning above.
Is Bitter orange safe?
Can raise blood pressure and heart rate, especially with caffeine. Best avoided.
Does Bitter orange interact with medicines?
Adds to stimulants, caffeine and blood pressure medicines; risky with MAOIs.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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