Synephrine – what is it and what does it help with?
Every substance that may have a beneficial effect on the loss of excess fat is analysed to verify its effectiveness. One such substance is synephrine, a compound found in many fat-burning supplements. It is closely linked to stimulation and weight loss, which is why more and more studies are looking into its amazing effects. What is worth knowing about synephrine and the potential benefits of using it?
Synephrine – what is it?
Synephrine is a naturally occurring chemical compound. It has a chemical structure similar to that of substances found in the human body, namely adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are involved in the complex processes of fat cell breakdown and metabolism acceleration.
It is also one of the compounds known as stimulants. By affecting the central nervous system (CNS), it has an effect similar to ephedrine, but without the negative health effects associated with its regular use.
Synephrine can be found in bitter orange, a citrus fruit that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine due to its interesting properties and medicinal benefits. What is more, when used during exercise, it increases the metabolic rate and fat oxidation, while reducing glycogen oxidation and protecting muscles from oxidative stress.
Synephrine – what does it help with and how does it work?
Synephrine acts directly on the beta-3 receptors of the sympathetic nervous system. These are essentially responsible for triggering the process of fat lipolysis. Lipids break down and are converted in the blood into free fatty acids, which our bodies use as extremely efficient fuel. This effect occurs even at rest, but intensifies with moderate physical activity such as walking or swimming.
What is more, due to its chemical structure similar to adrenaline, synephrine has a noticeable positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Taking synephrine also has a beneficial effect on the sympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system responsible for providing energy and preparing the body for action. Thanks to the above, synephrine can be used as:
- Pre-workout booster
- Fat burner
- Insomnia supplement
- Mild antidepressant
- Appetite suppressant
In addition to the above, in traditional Chinese medicine, synephrine extracted from bitter orange is used together with herbs and spices as an effective remedy for digestive ailments.
Synephrine for weight loss – how does it promote weight loss?
Synephrine and preparations based on it are known for their reputation as particularly effective fat burners. This is confirmed by a number of studies published in medical journals, which confirm that synephrine does indeed stimulate the breakdown of fat tissue, even when we are not physically active.
What is more, in addition to increasing metabolic expenditure at rest, synephrine also reduces appetite without the noticeable effect of straining the cardiovascular system, which is typical of other stimulants and weight loss products.
Synephrine-based supplements can affect appetite, thus facilitating the elimination of fat from the body. This is also helpful for athletes who want to lose excess body fat without noticeable loss of muscle tissue.
Synephrine for stimulation – does it really work?
As mentioned above, synephrine preparations work in a similar way to well-known stimulants such as ephedrine, but without the negative side effects on the cardiovascular system.
Synephrine contributes to the release of certain compounds that activate receptors responsible for stimulating the nervous system, muscle resistance and thermogenic activity.
These receptors, which in turn are responsible for lipolysis, cause the body to use existing fatty acids as a source of energy. This is extremely helpful, especially during training and moderate activity. Synephrine stimulates, gives us more energy, reduces fatigue and helps the body manage its energy reserves better.
Synephrine – how to dose and use?
The average recommended dose of synephrine is quite arbitrary and usually ranges from about 7 mg to 30 mg per day.
It is also advisable to take synephrine preparations in the morning, in a two-month cycle with a one-month break in between. Consuming doses above 30 mg per day is not recommended due to the risk of unforeseen complications.
Despite this, isolated synephrine dosed according to the manufacturer's guidelines is a relatively safe ingredient. In such amounts, it does not cause visible changes in blood pressure, does not increase heart rate, and does not affect the liver and kidneys, although there are a number of contraindications associated with its use.
Synephrine – potential side effects
Since synephrine, like other stimulants, has a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system, this effect may be intensified by physical activity, thus increasing the risk of potential side effects. These include:
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Tachycardia
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- High blood pressure
- Severe headaches
Preparations containing high doses of synephrine are generally not suitable for people with a weakened cardiovascular system. This often applies to people who are significantly overweight or have diagnosed heart disease. Therefore, although many synephrine-based supplements are advertised as a potential aid in fat loss, this substance may pose a health risk to people who are obese.
Synephrine – what contraindications should you be aware of?
Like other dietary supplements, synephrine also has contraindications for its use. Due to its metabolism-stimulating effect, it is important to note who should not decide to supplement with synephrine-containing preparations. This applies to the following groups of people:
- Children under 12 years of age
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Patients taking medication to lower or raise blood pressure
- People taking thyroid medication
- People with a weakened cardiovascular system
Opinions about Synephrine – what do users say about it?
A number of opinions on the use of preparations containing synephrine praise its effects in the following areas:
- Improved athletic performance – athletes confirm its immunostimulatory and stimulating effects during intense physical exertion. Regular use results in a visible (according to users) improvement in athletic performance;
- Mild antidepressant properties – some people who use synephrine claim that preparations containing large amounts of the substance have an antidepressant effect;
- Weight loss – supplement users agree on the slimming effect of synephrine. The compound not only reduces appetite, but also speeds up metabolism at rest without any visible effect on the heart and heart rate.
Bibliography
‘Acute p-synephrine ingestion increases fat oxidation rate during exercise’ – J. Gutiérrez-Hellín, J. Del Coso, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Wiley, 2016.
‘Citrus aurantium and synephrine alkaloids in the treatment of overweight and obesity: an update’ – S. Haaz et al., scientific journal Obesity Reviews, Wiley, 2006.
‘Dose-Response Effects of p-Synephrine on Fat Oxidation Rate During Exercise of Increasing Intensity’ – J. Gutiérrez-Hellín, J. Del Coso, scientific journal Phytotherapy Research, Wiley, 2018.
‘Fast high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of phenethylamine alkaloids in Citrus natural products on a pentafluorophenylpropyl stationary phase’ – F. Pellati, S. Benvenuti, Journal of Chromatography, Elsevier, 2007.
‘p-Synephrine exhibits anti-adipogenic activity by activating the Akt/GSK3β signalling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes’ – L-X. Guo et al., Journal of Food Biochemistry, Wiley, 2019. ‘p-Synephrine, ephedrine, p-octopamine and m-synephrine: Comparative mechanistic, physiological and pharmacological properties’ – S. J. Stohs, M. Shara, S. D. Ray, Phytotherapy Research scientific journal, Wiley, 2020. ‘Safety, Efficacy, and Mechanistic Studies Regarding Citrus aurantium (Bitter Orange) Extract and p-Synephrine’ – S. J. Stohs, Phytotherapy Research scientific journal, Wiley, 2017.
‘The effects of supplementation with P-Synephrine alone and in combination with caffeine on resistance exercise performance’ – N. A. Ratamess et al., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Taylor & Francis, 2015.
‘β3-Adrenoceptor agonists: potential, pitfalls and progress’ – J. R.S. Arch, European Journal of Pharmacology, Elsevier, 2002.