What is the principal protoalkaloid constituent in Citrus aurantium (bitter orange)?
p-Synephrine. The extract of the immature fruit or peel of Citrus aurantium and its principal protoalkaloidal constituent, p-synephrine, are used widely in weight management and weight loss as well as in sports performance products. Because of structural similarities with sympathomimetic agents like ephedrine and norepinephrine, it is generally assumed to carry a risk of CNS stimulation and hemodynamic effects.
Stohs SJ, Preuss HG, Shara M. The safety of Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) and its primary protoalkaloid p-synephrine. Phytother Res. 2011 Oct;25(10):1421-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3490. Epub 2011 Apr 8. PMID: 21480414.
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