Which part of the bitter orange tree does the extract come from?
It depends on the grade, and the plant part must be specified because Citrus aurantium yields several distinct materials. The blossom gives neroli and orange flower water, the leaves and twigs give petitgrain, the peel gives bitter orange oil, and the immature fruit is the source of synephrine-containing extracts. For cosmetic work the flower and peel grades are the relevant ones.
2
Is citrus aurantium extract phototoxic?
Peel-derived material can be. Citrus peel extracts may contain furocoumarins, notably bergapten, which cause a phototoxic reaction on skin subsequently exposed to sunlight. For leave-on products a bergapten-free or furocoumarin-reduced grade should be specified, and the furocoumarin content should appear on the certificate of analysis. Flower-derived extracts do not generally carry this concern.
3
What are the active constituents in the extract?
Principally flavonoids, including hesperidin and naringin, which are associated with antioxidant activity, along with the volatile aromatic compounds that give the material its scent. The balance between them depends on the plant part and the extraction method, which is another reason to specify the grade rather than order generically.
4
Is this the same as the bitter orange used in weight-loss supplements?
It is the same species but generally not the same preparation. Supplement products use extracts of the immature fruit standardised for synephrine, a stimulant-type compound, and those are subject to their own regulatory scrutiny. Cosmetic flower and peel extracts are prepared and standardised differently. The intended application should be stated so the appropriate grade and documentation are supplied.
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