Citrus aurantium whole fruit extract
Also known as: Bitter orange, Seville orange, Sour orange, Citrus aurantium whole fruit extract, Citrus aurantium L.
Overview
Citrus aurantium whole fruit extract is derived from the bitter orange fruit and is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement for weight management and metabolic support. Its key bioactive compounds include p-synephrine and various flavonoids. The extract is recognized for its potential to stimulate lipolysis (fat breakdown) and enhance aerobic exercise performance without the significant cardiovascular stimulation often associated with other stimulants. Research, including multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, provides moderate-quality evidence regarding its efficacy and safety, positioning it as a well-researched botanical extract in the weight management category.
Benefits
Citrus aurantium offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in weight management and metabolic support. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicated that citrus extracts, including *C. aurantium*, significantly reduced body weight by approximately 1.28 kg, BMI by 0.32 kg/m², waist circumference by 2.19 cm, and hip circumference by 2.14 cm. This suggests a moderate but statistically significant effect on body composition. Furthermore, intake of *C. aurantium* before submaximal aerobic exercise has been shown to increase fat oxidation rates, indicating enhanced lipolysis during physical activity without adverse cardiovascular effects. The active compound, p-synephrine, may also contribute to metabolic regulation by influencing hunger, satiety, blood glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels, supporting overall metabolic homeostasis. The evidence for these benefits is considered moderate to high quality, based on systematic reviews and controlled trials.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for *Citrus aurantium* is attributed to its active compound, p-synephrine. This alkaloid selectively targets β3-adrenergic receptors, which are involved in stimulating lipolysis (fat breakdown) and thermogenesis (heat production), thereby increasing energy expenditure. Crucially, p-synephrine exhibits minimal activation of β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors, which are responsible for cardiovascular stimulation, explaining its fat-burning effects with a reduced impact on heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, flavonoids like naringenin present in the extract may contribute by inhibiting inflammatory pathways, such as TLR2 expression in adipocytes, potentially improving adipose tissue function and aiding in weight control. The moderate bioavailability of p-synephrine ensures that active compounds are effectively delivered to target tissues after oral supplementation.
Side effects
Citrus aurantium extracts and p-synephrine are generally considered safe for healthy adults when consumed at typical doses, with comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting no significant adverse cardiovascular effects or serious side effects. Rare, mild side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort. While no significant drug interactions have been conclusively identified, caution is advised when combining *C. aurantium* with other stimulants or adrenergic agents due to potential additive effects. Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or hypertension, as more data are needed to confirm safety in these populations. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications.
Dosage
Effective dosages of *Citrus aurantium* in clinical trials typically range from 30 to 50 mg of p-synephrine daily. This amount is usually standardized within the *C. aurantium* extracts used in supplements. Studies investigating its benefits have varied in duration, with observed effects appearing within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation. For enhanced fat oxidation benefits, timing the intake around exercise sessions may be advantageous. Absorption of the extract is generally improved when taken with meals, and there are no specific cofactors known to be required for its efficacy. While no specific upper limits are widely established, adhering to the recommended dosage range is crucial for safety and efficacy, especially given its stimulant-like properties.
FAQs
Is *C. aurantium* safe for cardiovascular health?
Yes, current evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses indicates that *C. aurantium* does not significantly increase heart rate or blood pressure at typical doses in healthy individuals.
How quickly can weight loss effects be seen?
Clinical trials have shown modest reductions in body weight and circumference within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation with *C. aurantium*.
Can it be combined with caffeine?
Caution is advised when combining *C. aurantium* with caffeine or other stimulants due to potential additive effects; safety data for such combinations are limited.
Is it effective alone or only with exercise?
*C. aurantium* can support weight loss independently, but it also enhances fat oxidation during exercise, suggesting benefits in both contexts.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6673 – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of citrus extracts, including *C. aurantium*, on body composition. It found significant reductions in body weight, BMI, waist, and hip circumference, suggesting a modest but statistically significant benefit for weight management. The study noted high heterogeneity among included trials but did not detect publication bias.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.890388/full – This randomized controlled trial examined the acute effects of *C. aurantium* on fat oxidation during exercise. It concluded that *C. aurantium* increased fat consumption rates during submaximal aerobic exercise in healthy males without causing adverse cardiovascular effects, supporting its role in enhancing exercise-induced fat burning.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36235672/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the safety and efficacy of *C. aurantium* extracts and p-synephrine. It concluded that these compounds are generally safe for healthy adults, showing modest weight loss benefits without significant adverse cardiovascular effects, despite some heterogeneity in study designs.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9572433/ – This source, likely part of the same systematic review as the previous one, further supports the safety profile of *C. aurantium* and p-synephrine. It emphasizes the lack of serious side effects or significant cardiovascular issues reported in healthy adults at typical doses, reinforcing its favorable safety profile in weight management applications.