Orange peel is being touted as a cure for light to moderate acid reflux heartburn symptoms. Orange peel supplements have been around for sometime and have even been used in cancer research. Many people have been taking large amounts of over the counter antacids medications and are looking for an effective alternative. 90 percent of all over the counter heartburn medications have warnings and notices that they are not to be taken over a long period of time. Some research has indicated that these over the counter medications if taken for extended periods may have long-term health consequences.
The key ingredient in orange peel extract is the chemical compound d-limonene. d-Limonene (1-methyl-4-isopropenyl-1-cyclohexene) is a liquid with a lemonlike odor. It is a major constituent in several citrus oils (orange, lemon, mandarin, lime, and grapefruit) and is present in a number of other essential oils, as well. d-Limonene is included on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Generally Recognized as Safe List and is approved for use by the FDA as a food additive (Opdyke, 1975).