What is the general consensus on bitter orange in terms of its safety and effectiveness? This herbal product is included in many weight loss products, but has conflicting research. One of the main chemicals in bitter orange extract is synephrine (and octopamine), which is similar to ephedrine. Supposedly this chemical offers similar positive effects (weight loss) and reduced negative effects (increased blood pressure and heart rate). On the other hand, many resources and individuals claim that bitter orange is dangerous and has little effect on weight loss. This article suggests that due to synephrine being slightly different to ephedrine (molecularly and the way it bonds to receptors) it in fact has little or no negative effects on the heart etc. What does everyone think about this potentially interesting substance?

A Review of the Receptor-Binding Properties of p-Synephrine as Related to Its Pharmacological Effects

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