Citrus aurantium, also known as bitter orange or Seville orange, is a citrus fruit with a variety of uses. Here are some details about this fruit:
Ingredients or Materials:
- Citrus aurantium contains several potent plant compounds, including p-octopamine and synephrine alkaloids.
- The juice, peel, and essential oil of Citrus aurantium contain synephrine, octopamine, tyramine, N-methyltyramine, and hordeline, which are related stimulants.
- The whole peel of Citrus aurantium also contains citral, limonene, and several citrus bioflavonoids, including hesperidin, neohesperidin, naringin, and rutin.
Positive:
- Citrus aurantium has been found to have several biological effects, including anticancer, antianxiety, antiobesity, antibacterial, antioxidant, pesticidal, and antidiabetic activities.
- The leaves of the Citrus aurantium plant have been found to exhibit antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria.
- The peel of Citrus aurantium is rich in flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants with high medicinal value.
Negative:
- Citrus aurantium contains an active ingredient called synephrine that is similar to ephedra. This chemical affects the nervous system and might cause heart problems in healthy adults.
- Bitter orange (synephrine) is considered a banned substance by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) .
- There is no reliable evidence that Citrus aurantium is effective for weight loss, and there is considerable reason to worry that it may cause harm.
In summary, Citrus aurantium contains several potent plant compounds that have been found to have various biological effects. However, it also contains synephrine, which can cause heart problems in healthy adults and is considered a banned substance by the NCAA. While the peel of Citrus aurantium is rich in flavonoids, there is no reliable evidence that Citrus aurantium is effective for weight loss.
