Red Orange Complex® (Moro Blood Orange Extract — Bionap)

Citrus sinensis
Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Red Orange Complex® is a standardized extract of three Sicilian red (blood) oranges, including the Moro variety, from Bionap. Rich in anthocyanins, flavanones, and vitamin C, it is marketed for oral photoprotection and skin support, though the human trial cited on this page evaluated weight management rather than skin.

Studied Dose Around 100 mg per day.
Active Compound Standardized extract of Sicilian red oranges (Citrus sinensis), rich in anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanones, and vitamin C.

Benefits

Skin sun protection

Red orange anthocyanins and vitamin C are traditionally positioned for oral photoprotection, but the only human trial cited for this extract evaluated weight management, not skin; direct human skin-outcome evidence for this branded extract is not cited here. It does not replace sunscreen.

Antioxidant skin support

Its anthocyanins and vitamin C are antioxidants; a skin antioxidant-defense benefit is proposed on a mechanistic basis and is not established by a cited human skin trial for this extract.

Skin health from within

Its antioxidants may help offset UV-induced oxidative stress; broader skin-condition benefits are proposed on a mechanistic basis and are not established by a cited human skin trial for this extract.

Mechanism of action

1

Anthocyanin antioxidants

The red orange anthocyanins and vitamin C neutralize UV-generated reactive oxygen species, limiting oxidative damage to skin cells.

2

Anti-inflammatory action

By calming UV-induced inflammation, the extract helps protect skin structure.

Clinical trials

1
Moro Red Orange Juice — Weight-Management Clinical Trial (not a skin trial)
PubMed

Clinical evaluation of Moro (Citrus sinensis) orange juice supplementation for weight management — a body-weight/BMI study, not a skin outcome. (Cardile et al. 2015, Natural Product Research)

Adults.

This trial measured body weight, BMI, and waist/hip circumference (a weight-management outcome), not skin. It does not provide human evidence for the skin/photoprotection claims on this page.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated — adverse effects are uncommon at normal doses.
Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported.
Discontinue if any unusual reaction occurs.

Important Drug interactions

Citrus-sensitive individuals should start at a low dose.
Does not replace sunscreen; use alongside sun protection.
Tell your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Red Orange Complex® (Moro Blood Orange Extract — Bionap)

What is Red Orange Complex?

Red Orange Complex® is a standardized extract of three Sicilian red (blood) oranges, including the Moro variety, from Bionap. Rich in anthocyanins, flavanones, and vitamin C, it is marketed for oral photoprotection and skin support, though the human trial cited on this page evaluated weight management rather than skin.

What is Red Orange Complex used for?

Red Orange Complex is researched primarily for Hair, Skin & Nails. Red orange anthocyanins and vitamin C are traditionally positioned for oral photoprotection, but the only human trial cited for this extract evaluated weight management, not skin; direct human skin-outcome evidence for this branded extract…

What is the recommended dosage of Red Orange Complex?

The clinically studied dose is Around 100 mg per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Red Orange Complex safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Red Orange Complex is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated — adverse effects are uncommon at normal doses. Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported. It may also interact with some medications. Red Orange Complex is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Red Orange Complex interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Citrus-sensitive individuals should start at a low dose. Does not replace sunscreen; use alongside sun protection. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Red Orange Complex?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Red Orange Complex as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Cardile V, Graziano AC, Venditti A. Clinical evaluation of Moro (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) orange juice supplementation for the weight management. Nat Prod Res. 2015;29(23):2256-60..PubMedUsed to support: Weight-management (BMI/body-weight) trial; does not support the skin or photoprotection claims on this page.