An evergreen tree with sharp
thorns. Fruit is orange or red-orange.
A native of southeast Asia, it was brought
to Europe by the Arabs. Spaniards introduced
the plant to North American in Georgia
and Florida. The peel is used to prepare
marmalade. The essential oil is widely
used to flavor foods and beverages,
especially as an primary ingredient
in Curaçao Liquer. Crushed leaves
and fruit used as a soap, and the oil
is a common ingredient in perfumes.
Widely used in weight loss remedies
in U.S.
Historical Uses
Decoctions of the leaves
are used as a digestive tonic, sedative,
appetite stimulant, and for dyspepsia,
weight loss, and congestion. Topically,
it is used to treat inflammation of
the eyes and prepared as an ointment
for skin diseases. The juice is used
in mouthwash for thrush and as a diuretic
and purgative. Combined with Annona
muricata as a tea for asthma and sedative.
Essential oil used as an antispasmodic.
Abundant in vitamins and minerals.
Distribution
Native of SW Asia and cultivated
in tropics worldwide. It now grows in
Bermuda, the Bahamas, West Indies and
throughout American tropical regions
Active Ingredients
Flavonoids- naringin and
nobiltine- anti-inflammatory activity.
Flavonoids- Antifungal and antibacterial
activity Flavonoid- Synephrine -Sympathetic
alpha adrenergic agonist; Weight loss
due to purported thermogenic effects;
increased cardiovascular toxicity, vasoconstriction,
increase in mean arterial pressure,
reduction in portal pressure. Octopamine.
N-methyltyramine - Increase bp by increasing
norepinephrine release. Pectin- Lower
cholesterol level; Antifungal and antibacterial
activity. Volatile Oils - Mainly Limonene,
Linalool, Trepineol - Mainly Limonene,
Linalool, Trepineol; Neohesperidin and
hesperidin - Antiviral activity against
rotavirus infection; Auraptene, marmin,
tangeretin, nobiretin, psoralen - Antitumor
effects. Furocoumarins - photosensitivity;
Furocoumarins - Bergamottin, dihydroxybergamottin,
bergapten - Inhibit CYP450.
Proven Scientific Evidence
Stimulates the appetite by stimulating the gastric juices. (Topical treatment with bitter orange oil appears to be therapeutically effective in tinea corporis, cruris or pedis.)
Dosage Information
From various sources-- 4-6
g of dried peel daily taken as a tea;
9 leaves boiled in 3 cups water for
2 minutes, steep 10 minutes, drink 1
cup 3 times a day.
Toxicities
Generally thought safe in
the amounts used in foods and beverages.
Has GRAS status in US. May cause photosensitivity
in fair skinned people. Possibly unsafe
in high doses since stimulant activity
can cause cardiotoxicity. High dose
toxicity reported in children. Should
not be taken in combination with other
stimulants. Furocoumarins inhibit cytochrome
P450.
