Herbs & botanicals
Citrus Aurantium
Names you may see: bitter orange sour orange synephrine
The quick take
Citrus aurantium, or bitter orange, is a botanical source of synephrine found in some weight-management blends.
A closer look
What forms will I see on a label?
A bitter-orange extract contains more than just synephrine. Check both extract weight and the stated synephrine amount.
Why people use it
Bitter-orange extracts appear in weight-management formulas marketed for calorie burning. Synephrine is one of their key constituents.
These are common goals and marketing uses. The evidence section below explains what research supports.
What does the evidence tell us?
Weight-loss studies are limited and often involve multiple ingredients, making it difficult to isolate bitter orange’s effect.
What should I know before using it?
Stimulant combinations require care. Seek professional advice for heart or blood-pressure conditions and avoid stacking it with other stimulant products.
Sources & further reading
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements ↗
Content reviewed: September 30, 2026
General educational information. Follow the product label and seek individual advice when needed.