Sweet Orange Powder Extract
Also known as: Sweet orange, orange peel extract, orange powder extract, Sweet Orange Powder Extract, SOPE, Citrus sinensis
Overview
Sweet Orange Powder Extract (SOPE) is a botanical supplement derived from the peel or juice powder of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck. It is rich in flavonoids such as hesperidin, narirutin, and rutin, alongside vitamin C and minerals like magnesium. SOPE is primarily utilized for its antioxidant, lipid-lowering, anti-obesity, and hepatoprotective properties. Research on SOPE includes preclinical and clinical studies, with some systematic reviews and meta-analyses available, though human randomized controlled trial (RCT) data are often limited and heterogeneous. The evidence quality varies, with some meta-analyses combining preclinical and clinical data, and many studies, particularly animal models, having methodological limitations. It is classified as a citrus flavonoid extract and nutraceutical.
Benefits
Sweet Orange Powder Extract offers several evidence-based benefits. Meta-analyses indicate that citrus extracts, including those from sweet orange, can significantly improve lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, with varying effects on HDL levels. These effects are statistically significant but depend on the extract type and administration route. For anti-obesity effects, consumption of Citrus sinensis or its extracts has been associated with reductions in BMI, waist circumference, and body weight in overweight or obese individuals. It also shows improvements in insulin resistance markers like HOMA-IR and triglycerides. Furthermore, sweet orange juice powders demonstrate antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects by protecting liver cells from oxidative stress, reducing reactive oxygen species, and increasing glutathione levels, primarily through flavonoids inducing phase-II detoxifying enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1. The extract also provides nutritional benefits, containing high levels of vitamin C (~1556 mg/100g) and magnesium (~240 mg/100g), which contribute to its antioxidant and metabolic advantages.
How it works
The beneficial effects of Sweet Orange Powder Extract are primarily mediated by its bioactive compounds, notably flavonoids (hesperidin, narirutin, rutin) and vitamin C. These compounds exert antioxidant effects by directly scavenging reactive oxygen species and upregulating cellular defense enzymes, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Citrus flavonoids also modulate lipid metabolism pathways, contributing to reduced cholesterol synthesis and improved lipid clearance, potentially by influencing liver enzymes and lipid transport proteins. The anti-obesity effects may involve the modulation of energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity, although the precise molecular targets are still under investigation. The oral bioavailability of these flavonoids is moderate, with metabolism in the gut and liver influencing their systemic levels and activity.
Side effects
Sweet Orange Powder Extract is generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects reported in clinical trials at typical doses. Rare side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. The reviewed literature does not document any significant drug interactions or contraindications. However, extensive safety data for special populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children are lacking, and therefore, these groups should use the extract with caution. While no established maximum safe dose exists, it is prudent to consider the upper limits for vitamin C intake (approximately 2000 mg/day) to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset.
Dosage
Dosing for Sweet Orange Powder Extract varies across clinical studies. Effective doses for lipid and metabolic benefits often correspond to flavonoid intakes achievable by consuming 500 mL to 1 L of orange juice or an equivalent extract standardized to its flavonoid content. There is no established maximum safe dose, but users should be mindful of the vitamin C content and its upper limit (around 2000 mg/day) to prevent potential gastrointestinal discomfort. The timing of administration is flexible, with bioactive effects typically observed with daily consumption over several weeks to months. For consistency and efficacy, it is preferable to use extracts standardized to specific flavonoid content, such as hesperidin and total flavonoids.
FAQs
Is sweet orange powder extract effective for cholesterol?
Yes, meta-analyses support modest but statistically significant reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels with the use of sweet orange extracts.
Can it help with weight loss?
Evidence suggests small but significant decreases in BMI and waist circumference in overweight individuals who consume Citrus sinensis extracts.
Is it safe long-term?
Current data indicate a good safety profile at typical doses, but long-term studies specifically on sweet orange powder extract are limited.
Does it require co-factors?
No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy, though the presence of vitamin C naturally enhances its antioxidant effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8884359/ – This meta-analysis, including both preclinical and clinical data, found that citrus extracts significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. However, it noted high heterogeneity across studies and a mix of animal and human data, suggesting moderate quality despite robust statistical methods.
- https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/82/9/1292/7272715 – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving over 100 overweight adults demonstrated that Citrus sinensis intake reduces BMI, waist circumference, and improves insulin resistance markers. The study was deemed high quality due to its focus on human RCTs with clear outcomes, despite some RCTs having small sample sizes and variable extract forms.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5063206/ – This in vitro cell study investigated the protective effects of sweet orange juice powders on hepatocytes. It found that these powders protect liver cells from oxidative stress by inducing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) via flavonoid mechanisms. While providing mechanistic insight, its in vitro nature limits direct clinical translation, classifying it as moderate quality.
- https://jurnal.globalhealthsciencegroup.com/index.php/PICNHS/article/view/1820 – This source provides information on the nutritional content of sweet orange peel extract, highlighting its high vitamin C (~1556 mg/100g) and magnesium (~240 mg/100g) content. It contributes to understanding the extract's potential antioxidant and metabolic benefits.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2022.1003144/full – This article discusses the broader context of citrus extracts and their potential health benefits, including their role in sustainable food systems. It reinforces the understanding of citrus flavonoids as key bioactive compounds with various health-promoting properties.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2022.1003144/pdf – This PDF version of the Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems article provides detailed insights into the composition and potential applications of citrus extracts. It supports the general understanding of the scientific basis for the benefits attributed to sweet orange powder extract.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-908/sweet-orange – This WebMD entry offers general information about sweet orange, including its common uses and safety profile. It serves as a general reference for consumer-oriented information regarding the ingredient.
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