Citrus Aurantium



The name "bitter orange" refers to a citrus tree (Citrus aurantium) and its fruit. Many varieties of bitter oranges are used for their essential oil, which is used in perfume and as a flavouring. They are also used in herbal medicine. Other names include sour orange, bigarade orange and Seville orange.
         
Uses

The extract of bitter orange (and bitter orange peel) has been used in dietary supplements as an aid to fat loss and as an appetite suppressant, although it is not recommended for use in isolation (in traditional Chinese medicine, it is always prescribed in concert with other support herbs). Bitter orange contains synephrine, a drug similar to ephedrine, acting as a stimulant (β3 agonist).