Any proof bitter orange can help shed pounds?

SEATTLE -- Bitter orange extract is a popular weight loss supplement. For many people it became a replacement for the herb ephedra, which was banned by the FDA because of health concerns.
 
There’s no question bitter orange can speed up your metabolism for a very short time. But is there solid proof it will help someone shed the pounds?
 
“The data to show that it helps to lose weight is not there," said Dr. John Swartzberg, head of the editorial board at the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter. "They haven't been proven safe and they haven't been proved effective."

Swartzberg is concerned that bitter orange supplements might be dangerous because it contains chemicals that are similar to ephedra.

"People taking excessive amounts of bitter orange could develop heart disturbances, high blood pressure, really dangerous things," he said.

There's also concern that bitter orange can interfere with the proper absorption of certain medications, including antidepressants, statins and calcium channel blockers.

More Info:
National Institutes of Health: Bitter Orange
WebMD: Bitter Orange