An overview of Citrus aurantium used in treatment of various diseases

Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) is a plant belonging to the family Rutaceae, The most important biologically active constituents of the C. aurantium fruits are phenethylamine alkaloids octopamine, synephrine, tyramine, N-methyltyramine and hordenine. It is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids and volatile oil. Synephrine is a primary synthesis compound with pharmacological activities such as vasoconstriction, elevation of blood pressure and relaxation of bronchial muscle. whose fruit extracts have been used for the treatment of various diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, head aches, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, antiseptic, anti-oxidant, antispasmodic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, digestive, sedative, stimulant, stomachic and tonic and by research novel use is found in obesity and related risks even life threatening are continuously increasing through out world in all age groups. Many marketed formulations claim to possess antiobesity actions, but still many herbs which have claims to this need to be investigated and their claims to be authenticated. In recent era there is a great thrust on screening of herbal extracts and formulations for antiobesity action. In this article efforts have been taken to discuss the photochemistry, constituents, ethnobotany, pharmacology safety and toxicity of citrus plant. The motto is to discuss C. aurantium here more research attention should be given on this that would increase its use in various chronic and acute diseases   Key words: Bitter orange, synephrine, obesity, thermogenesis, ethnobotany.