Synephrine
Synephrine is a stimulant alkaloid associated with cardiovascular adverse events, particularly when combined with caffeine. FDA has flagged bitter orange/synephrine products for safety concerns and adverse event reports.
What it is
Synephrine is a sympathomimetic alkaloid found naturally in bitter orange (Citrus aurantium); used in dietary supplements as a stimulant.
Not a typical food ingredient; appears as constituent of bitter orange in supplements/beverages.
Why it's flagged
- Natural trace component of citrus peel; only concentrated bitter orange extracts at supplement doses warrant flagging.
- cardiovascular effects
- elevated blood pressure
- interaction with caffeine
What regulators actually say
"Bitter orange... contains the alkaloid synephrine... Synephrine has structural similarities to ephedrine... Bitter orange might cause similar adverse effects, especially when combined with caffeine."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as botanical supplement constituent; subject to adverse event monitoring
European Union — EFSA
EFSA has issued safety opinions on synephrine in food supplements
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