While some study shows that bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) can aid in minor weight reduction when paired with diet and exercise, the danger is probably not worth it. This is due to the fact that bitter orange has the potential to create major health problems. So, if you're attempting to lose weight, avoid the bitter orange and stick to healthier alternatives. Bitter orange extract is frequently used in weight-loss products. Synephrine, found in bitter orange, is identical to the primary component found in the plant ephedra (ma-huang). The United States Food and Drug Administration prohibited ephedra because it elevates blood pressure and has been connected to heart attacks and strokes. Synephrine, like ephedra, may increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people have had strokes and heart attacks after ingesting bitter orange alone or in combination with other stimulants such as coffee. Furthermore, bitter orange may interfere with some prescription drugs. Keep in mind that just because a herbal supplement is natural doesn't guarantee it's safe. Before taking herbal supplements, consult with your doctor. Ephedra and bitter orange extract are thermogenic, meaning they raise basal metabolism and so increase the number of calories expended during the day. They have the same action as adrenaline in that they stimulate the neurological system (they are said to be adrenergic). The term "non-specific" refers to the fact that these chemicals have quite diverse effects depending on the organs or receptors they activate. They have a bronchodilator effect in the lungs, a vasoconstrictor effect in the arteries, a rise in heart rate, and an increase in lipolysis and glycogen release in the liver, for example. However, although the body has the ability to govern the effects of adrenaline, it can sometimes lose control of the activity of the ephedrine included in ephedra. Ephedrine can thus excite all of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems excessively, in addition to the metabolism. This is the source of the documented cases of toxicity: heart problems ranging from palpitations to cardiac arrest. Certain adrenergic products are more particular than others because they act on the receptors of certain organs in a more focused manner. Bitter orange extract makers assert this thesis of distinctiveness in order to distinguish themselves from ephedra, which has a poor reputation. According to them, their substance would have low affinity for cardiac receptors, resulting in less cardiac and neurological effects than ephedra. This specificity has not been properly proved. If the dose is significant, the cardiac impact may develop in sensitive persons, regardless of specificity, especially if the product also contains stimulants like coffee. Because the same adverse effects have been documented, bitter orange extract will not be safer than ephedra depending on the dose. There are also products on the market that mix synephrine with caffeine from sources such as guarana, mate, tea, or even cocoa. Some of them, which may be bought on the black market, even include yohimbine, a chemical that is prohibited in Canada's over-the-counter medications. Because of the substantial risk of cardiovascular damage, all of these highly stimulating mixtures should be avoided.