Bitter orange is like ephedra and is a good ephedra alternative as bitter orange contains compounds that are similar to ephedrine.
Ephedrine is the main chemical in ephedra and just like synephrine it can raise your blood pressure and heart rate similar to ephedra can.
Bitter orange contains synephrine which is a compound that is structurally similar to that of ephedrine.
Ephedra was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and ephedra containing supplements as a result of health risks such as strokes and heart attacks that can occur.
Following the ban on ephedra, the bitter orange become popular as an ephedra free weight loss supplement.
However even bitter orange can possibly lead to heart attacks and strokes as some people taking bitter orange have reported strokes and heart attacks when combined with other stimulants such as caffeine.
Bitter orange can also interact with some medications so you have to be careful when taking bitter orange.
Ischemic colitis has also been associated with the use of bitter orange containing dietary supplements.
Variant angina has also been associated with the use of bitter orange as a dietary and weight loss supplement.