Bitter orange
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
The bitter orange or bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.) is a citrus plant with an orange-like fruit. The bitter orange is a cross between grapefruit (Citrus maxima) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata). The bitter orange grows as an evergreen, up to 10 m high tree with mostly thin and short branches. The leaves are oval and contain oil glands. Citrus aurantium produces white, strongly scented flowers. The fruits are roundish with strong orange-coloured skins, which are slightly thicker than those of the orange.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
The outer fruit peel is used to make candied orange peel and the whole fruit is used to make orange marmalade. The outer fruit peel is first peeled off, crushed and later added to the marmalade. The peel and juice of the bitter orange are used to produce the Curaçao liqueur and the Italian bitter orange lemonade Aranciata Amara.
Three different fragrance extracts are obtained from the bitter orange:
- From the blossoms, the essential neroli oil is obtained by steam distillation, also called bitter orange flower oil or orange blossom oil. Its production is complex; from 1000 kg of white flowers 1 kg of essential yellowish oil can be obtained. The essential oil of bitter orange blossom contains mainly terpenes (more than 90%), especially limonene; furthermore linalyl acetate, neryl acetate, geraniol, citronellol, nerol. In small quantities also linalool and terpineol.
- Petit grain oil is obtained from the leaves, small twigs and unripe fruit.
- The bitter orange oil (bitter orange oil) is extracted from the fruit peel by centrifuging or pressing. Bitter orange oil is, for example, a fragrance component in Eau de Cologne.
Clinical pictureThis section has been translated automatically.
Neroli oil has a calming, relaxing and mood-lifting effect. Furthermore, it has antiseptic (also antimycotic), antispasmodic and digestive effects.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Extracts of bitter orange oil can cause contact sensitization as well as photoallergic reactions. The DKG has so far tested 2% of bitter orange oil in Vaseline (see below fragrances and essential oils). This test application is no longer available. In this respect, a 5% test solution is now (as of 2016) recommended.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Cirmi S et al (2016) Anti-infective potential of Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau (bergamot) derivatives: a systematic review. Phytother Res doi: 10.1002/ptr.5646.
- Geier J et al (2016) News on the epicutaneous test series of the German Contact Allergy Group. Dermatology at work and in the environment 64: 70-75
- Uter W et al (2010) Contact allergy to essential oils: current patch test results (2000-2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK). Contact Dermatitis 63:277-283.
- Ruiz-Pérez NJ et al (2016) Antimycotic Activity and Genotoxic Evaluation of Citrus sinensis and Citrus latifolia Essential Oils. Sci Rep 6:25371.
- Lorio RA et al (2013) Citrus allergy from pollen to clinical symptoms. PLoS One 8:e53680.
- Matsumoto T et al (2016) Aromatic effects of a Japanese citrus fruit-yuzu (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka)-on psychoemotional states and autonomic nervous system activity during the menstrual cycle: a single-blind randomized controlled crossover study. Biopsychosoc Med 10:11.