Citrus Aurantium Extract – Synephrine

Syneine, or, more specifically, p-syneine, is analkaloid, occurring naturally in some plants and animals, as well as inapproved drugs products in form of its m-substituted analog known asneo-syneine. p-syneine (or formerly Sympatol and oxedrine [BAN]) andm-syneine are known for their longer acting adrenergic effects compared tonorepineine. This substance is present at very low concentrations in commonfoodstuffs such as orange juice and other orange (Citrus species) products,both of the "sweet" and "bitter" variety. The preparationsused in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), also known as Zhi Shi, are theimmature and dried whole oranges from Citrus aurantium (Fructus AurantiiImmaturus). Extracts of the same material or purified syneine are alsomarketed in the US,sometimes in combination with caffeine, as a weight-loss-promoting dietarysupplement for oral consumption. While the traditional preparations have beenin use for millennia as a component of TCM-formulas, syneine itself is notan approved OTC drug. As a rmaceutical, m-syneine is still used as asympathomimetic (i.e. for its hypertensive and vasoconstrictor properties),mostly as a parenteral drug in the treatment of emergencies such as shock andrarely p.o. for the treatment of bronchial problems associated with asthma andhay-fever.