Commonly used for its lemony fragrance in soaps, shampoos, and other health and cosmetic items.
limonene also acts as a flavoring agent in many food products.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Getty Images / Capelle.r
Getty Images / Capelle.r
What Is Limonene Used For?
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Aside from its household uses, limonene may have some health benefits.
Research on limonene has increased in recent years.
However, most studies on limonene’s health benefits have been performed on animals or in lab parameters.
Through research, it’s become apparent that limonene has several properties that may benefit human health.
Some of these are outlined below.
In an animal study, limonene was found to reduce inflammation in a rat withulcerative colitis.
It’s important that more research be carried out in this area,however.
Human trials are necessary to learn how limonene supplementation may reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage in humans.
Limonene has been studied for its potential anticancer properties.
In animal studies, limonene has been shown to reduce factors liketumorsize and the number of tumors.
A small number of human studies on limonene’s role inbreast cancerhave been conducted.
In these studies, limonene supplementation has yet to be found to produce significant benefits in humans with cancer.
A laboratory study found that both L- and D-limonene act as a disinfectant against influenza A virus H1N1.
Other lab research has suggested that limonene has antiviral properties againstCOVID-19, although much more research is needed.
Limonene has also been found to have a potential role in treating humanherpesvirus.
In an in vivo study, limonene was shown to directly inhibit herpesvirus.
Limonene was most effective when added to cells just before herpes virus infection.
Research on the role of limonene as an antiviral agent is in the very early stages.
More research must be conducted to determine if limonene can in fact treat or prevent any viruses in humans.
Heart Protection
Animal experiments have revealed a potential role of limonene in heart health.
Limonene supplementation was also found to reverse changes in inflammatory markers and, thus, cardiac toxicity risk.
In another animal study, researchers inducedmyocardial infarctions(heart attacks) in rats.
The rats then took limonene at a dose of 1 mg/kg 30 minutes after the induced heart attacks.
Limonene was found to reduce the size and intensity of possible heart injuries in the rats.
While limonene may be safe for most people, some may need to avoid it.
Other people may need to avoid using limonene.
Interactions
Limonene supplements may interact with other supplements or medications.
Regardless, interactions may still exist, and more research should be done to find possible interactions for limonene.
Dosage: How Much Limonene Should I Take?
Limonene dosage can vary and may depend on the product or the reason for use.
Doing so may reduce your risk of experiencing side effects when using limonene for the first time.
While some foods contain natural sources of limonene, others are flavored with it.
However, foods tend to contain much smaller amounts of limonene than supplements.
Food Sources
Limonene is a chemical naturally found in the rinds of fruits from the citrus family.
These fruits include oranges, lemons, and limes.
Essential oils taken from the rinds of these fruits also contain limonene.
Because it is not widely found in foods, many people choose to use limonene in supplement form.
Limonene supplements are commonly sold as soft gels, capsules, and liquid extracts.
Certain products that contain limonene may also be organic.
Summary
Limonene is a chemical substance found in the peels and essential oils of citrus fruits.
They may offer health benefits.
However, most of the available research on limonene has been performed in labs or on animal subjects.
It is essential that more human trials be conducted to prove the health claims surrounding limonene.
If youre thinking of using limonene supplements, talk with a healthcare provider about how to safely get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Limonene has not been shown to directly reduceestrogen.
Overall, there is no strong evidence that limonene or its metabolites reduce estrogen levels.
Limonene may not be safe for everyone to take.
There isnt solid evidence that limonene supplements are safe to use by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
People with acitrus allergyshould also avoid limonene.
People with certain health conditions or who take prescription medications may also need to avoid limonene.
Play it safe and talk with a healthcare provider before using limonene.
D-limonene is the form most often used in supplements and foods.
There is no evidence that limonene is acarcinogen.
In fact, the opposite may be true.
Research points to limonene as a substance with potential anticancer properties.
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