Introduction
Citrus aurantium refers to the bitter orange fruit. The juice, peel, and pulp can be taken orally. They have been used to ease anxiety, digestion, and sleeplessness. Citrus aurantium has also been used to promote weight loss. It can be applied to the skin or diffused as an oil. Citrus aurantium can also be made into a tea or taken as a pill, powder, or extract.
Dosages
There are no advised doses for Citrus aurantium.
What Research Shows
May Be Effective
- Menopause —may ease anxiety symptoms and improve sleep B1, B2
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) —may improve symptoms when used as an essential oil C1
- Preoperative anxiety—may ease symptoms D1
Not Enough Data to Assess
- Chronic myeloid leukemia A1
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe for most adults to use citrus aurantium on the skin or to take it orally in small doses for a short time, but it may increase blood pressure and heart rate and cause other problems in some people. E1 Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take citrus aurantium orally. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse such as:
- People taking nervous system stimulants or sedatives should talk to their doctor before taking citrus aurantium. It may interact with the medicine.
- People with depression or cystic fibrosis should talk to their doctors before taking citrus aurantium. It may interact with their medicines.
References
REFA Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
REFA1 Pimenta FC, Alves MF, et al. Anxiolytic Effect of Citrus aurantium L. on Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Phytother Res. 2016 Apr;30(4):613-617.
REFB Menopause
REFB1 Farshbaf-Khalili A, Kamalifard M, et al. Comparison of the effect of lavender and bitter orange on anxiety in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May;31:132-138.
REFB2 Kamalifard M, Farshbaf-Khalili A, et al. Comparison of the effect of lavender and bitter orange on sleep quality in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Women Health. 2018 Sep;58(8):851-865.
REFC Premenstrual Syndrome
REFC1 Heydari N, Abootalebi M, et al. Investigation of the effect of aromatherapy with Citrus aurantium blossom essential oil on premenstrual syndrome in university students: A clinical trial study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018;32:1-5.
REFD Preoperative Anxiety
REFD1 Akhlaghi M, Shabanian G, et al. Citrus aurantium blossom and preoperative anxiety. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2011 Nov-Dec;61(6):702-712.
REFE Safety
REFE1 Penzak SR, Jann MW, et al. Seville (sour) orange juice: synephrine content and cardiovascular effects in normotensive adults. J Clin Pharmacol. 2001 Oct;41(10):1059-1063.