Organic Orange Slices Extract
Also known as: Organic Orange Slices Extract, Orange slices extract, Organic orange extract, Citrus extract, Citrus sinensis Extract
Overview
Organic Orange Slices Extract is a botanical dietary supplement derived from the dried or fresh slices of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). It is rich in beneficial phytochemicals, including flavonoids (such as hesperidin and naringin), vitamin C, and carotenoids. This extract is primarily utilized for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic health-supporting properties. While research specifically on 'orange slices extract' is moderate, evidence often extrapolates from studies on orange juice and other citrus extracts, which have shown promise in improving lipid profiles, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting cardiovascular health. It is also explored for its potential role in weight management.
Benefits
Organic Orange Slices Extract offers several evidence-based benefits, largely extrapolated from research on orange juice and other citrus extracts. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that daily intake of orange juice (over 500 ml/day) significantly reduces LDL cholesterol by approximately 7.9 to 9.9 mg/dL within 8 weeks, demonstrating a strong effect on lipid profiles. Another meta-analysis highlighted that 100% orange juice consumption can reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, although specific markers varied across studies, suggesting broad anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, a meta-analysis on various citrus extracts, including orange, showed significant reductions in body weight (around 1.28 kg) and BMI (approximately 0.32 kg/m²), indicating a modest benefit for weight control. While animal studies suggest positive effects on glucose and lipid metabolism from orange by-products, human data are still limited. These benefits are observed in healthy adults and individuals with metabolic risk factors, with effects on lipids and inflammation typically appearing within 4-8 weeks.
How it works
Organic Orange Slices Extract exerts its effects primarily through its rich content of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (like hesperidin and naringin), vitamin C, and carotenoids. These compounds act as potent antioxidants, scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, which is a key contributor to various chronic diseases. Flavonoids also modulate inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB, thereby reducing systemic inflammation. They are known to improve endothelial function and positively influence enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, contributing to improved cholesterol profiles. The absorption of these flavonoids occurs in the gut, with their bioavailability being influenced by the food matrix and individual gut microbiota.
Side effects
Organic Orange Slices Extract is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials involving orange juice or other citrus extracts. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare side effect that some individuals might experience. Potential drug interactions include those with anticoagulants, due to the presence of vitamin K, and with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes; however, data supporting these interactions are limited. There are no established contraindications, but individuals with known citrus allergies should exercise caution. For special populations such as pregnant or lactating women, specific studies are lacking, so caution is advised due to insufficient data. Overall, the safety profile is favorable, but awareness of potential mild reactions and theoretical drug interactions is prudent.
Dosage
The effective dosage for Organic Orange Slices Extract is not firmly established, as direct studies on this specific form are limited. Dosing guidelines are primarily extrapolated from studies on 100% orange juice, where clinical benefits on lipid profiles were observed with daily intake exceeding 500 ml. For extracts, standardization of flavonoid content is recommended to ensure consistency and reproducibility of effects. While an optimal range for orange slices extract is not defined, it is generally advised to take it daily, potentially with meals, to enhance absorption and improve tolerance. Extracts standardized for key bioactive compounds like flavonoids or vitamin C are preferred for their consistent potency. Upper limits and safety thresholds specific to orange slices extract are not well-defined, but general safety profiles of citrus products suggest a wide margin of safety at typical intake levels.
FAQs
Is orange slices extract as effective as orange juice?
Direct evidence is limited. Studies on orange juice provide the best proxy, but extracts may offer a concentrated form of beneficial bioactives.
Can it aid weight loss?
Meta-analyses on citrus extracts show modest reductions in body weight and BMI, but specific data for orange slices extract are currently lacking.
Are there safety concerns with orange slices extract?
It is generally considered safe with minimal side effects reported. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is rare, and caution is advised for citrus allergies.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8803484/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 100% orange juice consumption reduces markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in adults. The study included multiple RCTs, though noted heterogeneity in markers and some small sample sizes. It concluded that orange juice has beneficial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-nutritional-science/article/orange-juice-intake-and-lipid-profile-a-systematic-review-and-metaanalysis-of-randomised-controlled-trials/520EBD5C16FCFCD80810712DC25B3E06 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated that daily intake of over 500 ml of 100% orange juice significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels by approximately 9.85 mg/dL within 8 weeks. The study, involving adults, showed high quality with sensitivity and bias analyses, supporting orange juice's lipid-lowering effects.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2022.1003144/full – This systematic review, encompassing both animal and limited human data, indicated that orange by-products can improve lipid and glucose metabolism. While promising, the review highlighted a high risk of bias in animal studies and emphasized the need for more robust human randomized controlled trials to confirm these metabolic benefits.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6673 – This meta-analysis of various citrus extracts, including orange, found that they significantly reduced body weight by approximately 1.28 kg and BMI by 0.32 kg/m² in adults. Despite some heterogeneity across studies, the findings support the role of citrus extracts in modest weight control, combining data from multiple RCTs.
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