Sinetrol® (Citrus Extracts) [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck, Citrus aurantium (L.)]
Also known as: Sinetrol®, Sinetrol-XPur, citrus polyphenol extract, citrus bioflavonoid complex, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck, Citrus aurantium (L.), Citrus sinensis, Citrus grandis, Citrus aurantium Extract
Overview
Sinetrol® is a standardized polyphenolic extract derived from sweet orange (*Citrus sinensis*), pomelo (*Citrus grandis*), and bitter orange (*Citrus aurantium*). It is primarily marketed as a weight management supplement, aiming to reduce abdominal fat and improve metabolic health. The extract is characterized by its high polyphenol content, including flavonoids like naringin and hesperidin. Some formulations may contain synephrine, derived from bitter orange. Research suggests that Sinetrol® may promote weight loss, reduce abdominal fat, and improve inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Evidence is generally positive, but limited by small sample sizes and variability in formulations. Further research, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, is needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal usage guidelines.
Benefits
Sinetrol® demonstrates several potential benefits, primarily related to weight management and metabolic health. A meta-analysis indicated that citrus extracts, including Sinetrol®, can reduce body weight by approximately 1.28 kg. Clinical trials using Sinetrol-XPur have shown significant reductions in abdominal fat, waist circumference (up to -5.71%), and hip circumference (up to -4.71%) over 12 weeks in overweight adults. Furthermore, Sinetrol® supplementation has been associated with improvements in inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen, as well as reductions in oxidative stress, indicated by decreased malondialdehyde levels and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels. These effects are most pronounced in overweight or obese individuals. However, some studies report no significant changes in lipid profiles, and the effects of citrus juice alone may not be significant, highlighting the importance of extract standardization.
How it works
Sinetrol® is believed to exert its effects through multiple mechanisms. Citrus polyphenols may stimulate lipolysis and increase energy expenditure, potentially via activation of β-adrenergic receptors, particularly due to the presence of synephrine in some formulations. Additionally, Sinetrol® exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing inflammatory markers like CRP and fibrinogen, and mitigating oxidative stress by modulating malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione levels. These actions collectively contribute to enhanced fat oxidation, reduced fat accumulation, and improved metabolic function. The flavonoids present in Sinetrol® are moderately bioavailable, with absorption potentially enhanced when taken with food. Gut microbiota may also play a role in metabolizing these polyphenols, further contributing to their overall effects.
Side effects
Sinetrol® is generally well-tolerated in clinical studies. No common side effects (occurring in >5% of participants) have been reported in available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Uncommon and rare side effects have also not been reported in these trials. However, due to the potential presence of synephrine (derived from bitter orange) in some Sinetrol® formulations, there is a theoretical risk of interaction with stimulants or cardiovascular medications. Caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions if the product contains synephrine. Contraindications have not been definitively established in the current literature, but caution is warranted in pregnant or lactating women, as well as children, due to a lack of safety data in these populations. No adverse interactions have been reported in studies, but vigilance is recommended.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Sinetrol®, a standardized citrus polyphenol extract, is approximately 900 mg per day. Optimal dosage ranges typically fall between 900 and 1800 mg per day, divided into two doses. Studies have used up to 1800 mg per day without reporting significant adverse effects. It is recommended to take Sinetrol® with meals to enhance absorption. Standardized polyphenol extracts are preferred over whole fruit or juice to ensure consistent dosing. The efficacy of Sinetrol® may be influenced by gut microbiota composition. No specific cofactors are required for its activity. While no upper limits have been formally established, exceeding 1800 mg/day is not supported by current evidence.
FAQs
Are standardized extracts better than just eating citrus fruits?
Yes, standardized extracts like Sinetrol® are preferred for consistent results, as they provide a controlled amount of active polyphenols, unlike variable amounts in whole fruits.
Is Sinetrol® safe?
Sinetrol® has shown no significant adverse effects in clinical trials. Caution is advised if the product contains synephrine, especially for individuals with cardiovascular conditions.
How should I take Sinetrol®?
It is recommended to take Sinetrol® with meals, divided into two doses per day, to enhance absorption and maximize its potential benefits.
What kind of results can I expect from taking Sinetrol®?
You can expect modest reductions in body weight and abdominal fat over 12–16 weeks when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Can I get the same benefits from drinking citrus juice?
No, citrus juice alone is unlikely to produce significant weight loss. Standardized extracts are required to achieve the clinical effects observed in studies.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6673 – This meta-analysis examined the effects of citrus and its extracts on body weight. The analysis found that citrus extracts reduced body weight by 1.28 kg, suggesting a potential benefit for weight management. However, the study noted heterogeneity in study designs and formulations, limiting the strength of the conclusion.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11484468/ – This open-label, dose-ranging study investigated the effects of Sinetrol on fat composition in overweight/obese adults. The study found dose-dependent effects on fat composition and reported no adverse effects. However, the study's limitations include a small sample size and the lack of a placebo control.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/9/1847 – This citation does not directly provide a study or research summary. It is a link to an article in the journal Nutrients. Further information is needed to provide a summary of this source.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23554029/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of Sinetrol-XPur on overweight adults. The study found significant reductions in abdominal fat, waist and hip circumference, and improvements in inflammatory and oxidative markers. The study's limitations include a moderate sample size and short duration.
- https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/82/9/1292/7272715 – This citation does not directly provide a study or research summary. It is a link to an article in the journal Nutrition Reviews. Further information is needed to provide a summary of this source.