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D-Limonene: safety and clinical applications.
1Thorne Research, PO Box 25, Dover, ID 83825, USA. jidong@thorne.com
Alternative Medicine Review : a Journal of Clinical Therapeutic
|December 13, 2007
Summary
D-limonene, a citrus compound, is safe for human consumption and shows potential in cancer prevention and treatment. Studies confirm its low toxicity and efficacy in dissolving gallstones and relieving GERD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- D-limonene is a prevalent terpene found abundantly in citrus fruit oils.
- It is recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a food flavoring agent.
- D-limonene exhibits low toxicity and is found in various common food products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and therapeutic potential of D-limonene.
- To investigate its effects on cholesterol gallstones, GERD, and cancer.
- To assess its toxicological profile, including carcinogenicity and nephrotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing toxicological studies, including carcinogenicity tests in rodents.
- Clinical observations on its use for gallstone dissolution and GERD symptom relief.
- Analysis of data from a Phase I clinical trial for cancer chemoprevention.
Main Results:
- D-limonene demonstrated low toxicity in human studies with repeated dosing.
- It effectively dissolves cholesterol gallstones and alleviates heartburn and GERD.
- Established chemopreventive activity against various cancers, with positive clinical trial outcomes.
Conclusions:
- D-limonene is safe for human consumption and therapeutic use.
- It possesses significant potential as a chemopreventive agent and adjunct cancer therapy.
- Further clinical research is warranted to explore its full therapeutic applications.
