Bitter Orange: Side Effects, Risks & Safety Concerns

Bitter orange has become popular as an ingredient in weight loss medication. The main active ingredient in the fruit is synephrine, which has a similar stimulating effect to ephedra, but has been deemed a safer alternative. However, the active ingredient is also the cause of side effects in patients who ingest bitter orange.

Internal Side Effects

• Bitter orange has an effect on blood flow, causing high blood pressure and a rapid or irregular heart rate.

Serious Effects

• Use of pills containing the fruit can lead to symptoms similar to a stroke, such as paralysis, blurred vision and weakness.

Digestive Symptoms

• Bleeding during bowel movements, diarrhea and abdominal pain are symptomatic of ischemic colitis, an intestinal condition brought on by bitter orange.

Reaction

• An allergy to bitter orange will cause rash, itching and swelling, along with hives and breathing difficulty. Patients should be tested for an allergy before use.

Common Effects

• Less severe effects to the fruit involve insomnia, and a feeling a restlessness along with a sensitivity to bright lights and the sun.