Bitter Orange

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is a fruit-bearing tree native to Asia. It contains an active ingredient called synephrine that is similar to ephedra.

In 2004, the FDA banned ephedra due to serious effects on the heart. Since then, many weight loss and bodybuilding products have used bitter orange and caffeine in its place. Bitter orange contains many chemicals that affect the nervous system. These chemicals might cause heart problems in healthy adults.

Bitter orange is used for obesity, athletic performance, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.

Bitter orange (synephrine) is considered a banned substance by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Don't confuse bitter orange with other orange species such as sweet orange and bergamot.