What is limonene

Limonene is an oil extracted from the peels of oranges and other citrus fruits. People have been extracting essential oils such as limonene from citrus fruits for centuries. Today, limonene is often used as a natural remedy to treat a variety of health problems and is a popular ingredient in household items.

However, not all benefits and uses of limonene are backed by science.

This article reviews limonene's uses, properties and potential benefits, side effects and dosage.

Limonene is a chemical found in the peel of citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges. It is especially concentrated in orange peel, containing about 97% of the essential oils of this peel ().

It is often referred to as d-limonene , which is its main chemical form.

Limonene belongs to a group of compounds known as terpenes, whose strong aromas protect plants by deterring predators ().

Limonene is one of the most common terpenes found in nature and may offer several health benefits. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-stress properties.

Limonene is an essential oil found in the peel of citrus fruits. It belongs to a class of compounds called terpenes.

What is limonene - properties and indications

Medical effects of limonene

Because it can be extracted from plants other than cannabis, research into the effects of limonene is quite extensive.

Limonene has shown the following effects

Antiproliferative
Anti-inflammatory (helps with conditions such as Alzheimer's, Crohn's, irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia)
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Modulates mood (improves mood for depression, anxiety and stress)
Acid reflux (heartburn), and also helps dissolve gallstones
Limonene also improves the body's absorption of cannabinoids and other terpenes through mucous membranes, the digestive tract, or the skin.

Common Uses of Limonene

Limonene is a popular additive in foods, cosmetics, cleaning products, and natural repellents. For example, it is used in products such as sodas, desserts and candies to impart a lemony flavor.

Limonene is extracted using hydrodistillation, a process in which fruit peels are soaked in water and heated until the volatile molecules are released by steam, condensed and separated ().

Because of its strong aroma, limonene is used as a botanical insecticide. It is the active ingredient in many pesticide products such as environmentally friendly insect repellents ().

Other household products containing this compound include soaps, shampoos, lotions, perfumes, laundry detergents, and air fresheners.

Additionally, limonene is available in concentrated supplements in capsule and liquid form. This citrus compound is also used as an aromatic oil for its soothing and therapeutic properties.

Limonene is used in a number of products, including food, cosmetics and environmentally friendly pesticides. It can also be found in dietary supplement form as it can improve health and fight certain diseases.

Limonene in cosmetics

Due to the fact that limonene is an excellent fat dissolver, terpene carbon acts as an alternative to unsafe alcohols in the production of cosmetic products. Lemon extract extends the shelf life of drugs due to its antibacterial properties, and also gives them light pine or citrus aromas and acts as a repellent.

Beneficial features

The concentration of lemon extract in cosmetics is insignificant (no more than 0.01%), so it is listed last in the list of ingredients. Terpene carbon has multifaceted properties:

Effect	Description	Where is it contained?
degreasing	removing excess oil from the skin	cream, tonic, lotion, shampoo
antibacterial	disinfects staphylococci, streptococci, meningococci, tuberculosis bacilli; fights mold.	home care products
aromatization	gives a pleasant smell	fresheners, deodorants
repellent	Repels insects and small pests	means of protection against midges, mosquitoes, moths.

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In what cosmetics is it found?

Limonene is used in many fields, especially in the production of cosmetic products, perfumes, and cleaning products. The substance gives a pleasant smell and taste. It is recommended to store products containing terpenes in a cool, dry place. These include:

Product type	Function of limonene in cosmetics
shower gel	antibacterial
toothpaste	aromatization
Eau de Toilette	fragrance
air conditioner	refreshes, gives a pleasant smell
tonic	disinfects and removes excess fat
cream	activates oxidative and reduction processes, brightens the skin

Useful properties of limonene

Limonene has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and cardiovascular properties.

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However, most studies have been conducted in test tubes or in animals, making it difficult to fully understand limonene's role in human health and disease prevention.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Limonene has been shown to reduce inflammation in some studies (, ).

While short-term inflammation is your body's natural response to stress and is beneficial, chronic inflammation can harm your body and is a leading cause of disease. It is important to prevent or reduce inflammation as much as possible ().

Limonene has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers that are related to osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by chronic inflammation.

A test-tube study on human cartilage cells found that limonene reduced nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that plays a key role in inflammatory processes ().

In a study of rats with ulcerative colitis, another disease characterized by inflammation, treatment with limonene significantly reduced colon inflammation and damage, as well as general inflammatory markers ().

Limonene has also demonstrated antioxidant effects. Antioxidants help reduce cell damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.

The accumulation of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which can cause inflammation and disease ().

One test-tube study found that limonene can inhibit free radicals in leukemia cells, suggesting a reduction in inflammation and cell damage that typically contributes to the disease ().

While this is promising, these effects need to be confirmed by human studies.

May have anti-cancer effect

Limonene may have anti-cancer effects.

In a population-based study, those who consumed citrus peels, a major source of dietary limonene, had a lower risk of developing skin cancer compared with those who consumed only citrus fruits or their juices ().

In another study of 43 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, there was a significant 22% reduction in breast tumor cell expression after taking 2 g of limonene daily for 2–6 weeks ().

Additionally, studies in rodents have shown that limonene supplementation inhibits the growth of skin tumors by preventing inflammation and oxidative stress ().

Other rodent studies suggest that limonene may fight other types of cancer, including breast cancer ().

Moreover, when administered to rats along with the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin, limonene helps prevent a number of common drug side effects, including oxidative damage, inflammation and kidney damage ().

Although these results are promising, more research in humans is needed.

May improve heart health

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly one in four deaths ().

Limonene may reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing certain risk factors, such as high cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels.

In one study, mice given 0.27 g of limonene per pound of body weight (0.6 g/kg) showed decreased levels of triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and liver fat accumulation compared to the control group ( ).

In another study, stroke-prone rats given 0.04 grams of limonene per pound of body weight (20 mg/kg) showed a significant reduction in blood pressure compared to health-matched rats that did not receive the supplement ().

Keep in mind that human studies are necessary before strong conclusions can be drawn.

Other benefits

In addition to the benefits listed above, limonene can:

Reduce appetite. The odor of limonene has been shown to significantly reduce the appetite of flies. However, this effect has not been studied in humans ().
Reduce stress and anxiety. Rodent studies suggest that limonene may be used in aromatherapy as an anti-stress and anti-anxiety agent ().
Supports healthy digestion. Limonene may protect against stomach ulcers. In a study on rats, citrus aurantium oil, which is 97% limonene, protected almost all rodents from drug-induced ulcers ().

Limonene may offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-heart disease benefits, among others. However, more research in humans is needed.

Harm of limonene

The carcinogenicity of limonene is a controversial issue. On the one hand, the effect of this substance is associated with the occurrence of malignant formations of the reproductive organs and mammary gland. On the other hand, terpene carbon, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is not classified as a carcinogen. Its effects are the same as those from daily use of coffee. The positive effect of lemon concentrate on various tumors is currently being studied.

There is also no clear answer to the allergenicity of a substance. Limonene can cause irritation of mucous membranes and skin, but as studies have proven, the number of these side effects is no more than with other flavorings. People prone to allergies should use products with lemon scents with caution.

When reacting with ozone, every second molecule of the terpene carbon mutates. This leads to the formation of formaldehyde, which can trigger the development of asthma and breathing problems. Constant use of cosmetics containing limonene leads to irritation, chronic inflammation of the skin, and disruption of collagen synthesis.

Safety and side effects

Limonene is considered safe for people with little risk of side effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes limonene as a safe food additive and flavoring agent ().

However, when applied directly to the skin, limonene may cause irritation in some people, so care should be taken when handling its essential oil (,).

Limonene is sometimes taken as a concentrated supplement. Because of how your body breaks it down, it is probably safe to consume in this form. However, human studies on these supplements are lacking ().

Notably, high-dose supplements may cause side effects in some people. Moreover, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether limonene supplements are appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

It is best to consult your healthcare professional before taking limonene supplements, especially if you are taking medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a medical condition.

Aside from possible skin irritation associated with direct use, limonene is likely safe for most people to use and consume in moderation.

Saint Petersburg

skin lightening agent. d-Limonene can be used in its pure form, mixes well with other solvents and can be easily emulsified to produce water-soluble cleaning products.
d-Limonene is used in a wide variety of industries due to its diverse properties. It is included in many perfume products, shampoos, detergents and cleaning products, solvents - in everyday life and in production. It probably has no competitor when it comes to removing chewing gum marks or stickers from metal, wood or plastic surfaces. d-Limonene is used for degreasing metal before industrial painting, in household chemicals, for example, for cleaning wooden surfaces, and for removing grease from the skin of hands. It is an excellent environmentally friendly alternative to toxic and dangerous solvents and petroleum products such as: acetone, benzene, butyl cellosolve, toluene, trichlorethylene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone, white spirit, etc. Cleaning products based on d-limonene have a natural citrus aroma, They leave behind a smell of freshness and, importantly, are biodegradable. In addition to household chemicals, it is widely used in perfumes and cosmetics. The current trend of using environmentally friendly products is contributing to the growing popularity of natural citrus scents. It has long been recognized that the smell of citrus fruits is very useful for creating a good mood and generally has a calming effect on the nervous system. The use of d-limonene as an insecticide is interesting. It appeared because Ohio University entomology professor Fred Hinck discovered poisons that were lethal to fleas in orange peels. “These may be the only natural insecticides available that kill adult insects, their larvae and eggs,” he says. Russian scientists have protected a patent for the use in the alcoholic beverage industry of an additive to improve the quality of alcoholic beverages in the form of a complex of essential oils, which includes d-limonene. According to the authors, the use of such an additive makes it possible to obtain vodka with increased stimulating and tonic effects, without an unpleasant “fume” smell after consumption, reduces the severity of hangover syndrome and, in general, weakens the harmful effects of alcohol on the body. With the help of d-limonene, domestic pharmacologists have developed a method for reducing the hepatotoxicity of drugs such as paracetamol, caffeine, phenacytine, which are metabolized in the human liver to active metabolites, i.e. substances that are easily processed by the liver. As a result of medical and biochemical studies, data have been obtained on the hormone-regulating effect of d-limonene, which promotes the detoxification of estrogens by inducing the synthesis of the corresponding enzymes in the liver. This suggests that this substance may be effective in the prevention and treatment of breast and other tissue cancers. The tables below highlight several popular uses of d-limonene. Information on its recommended dosages can be used as a guide to develop effective mixtures.

Studies of d-limonene for carcinogenicity and genotoxicity have shown that it is located in the “sustainable safety zone”. Its effects are approximately equal to the effects of caffeic acid from daily coffee consumption. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies d-limonene as class 3, which means it is not classified as a carcinogen. Due to its unique properties, d-limonene has found wide application in various industries. Through the efforts of chemists, biologists, doctors and scientists of other specialties, the range of applications of this amazing natural substance will undoubtedly be expanded and our world around us will become more pleasant, harmonious and safe.

How to use limonene, effective dosages

Because there are few human studies of limonene, it is difficult to make dosage recommendations.

However, studies have safely used doses up to 2 grams per day.

Capsule supplements that can be purchased online contain doses of 250–1000 mg. Limonene is also available in liquid form with typical doses of 0.05 ml per serving.

Jarrow Formulas, d-Limonene, 1000 mg, 60 Softgels

However, supplements are not always necessary. You can easily get this compound by eating citrus fruits and peels. For example, fresh orange, lime, or lemon zest can be used to add limonene to baked goods, drinks, and other foods. Moreover, fleshy citrus juices, such as lemon or orange, also boast limonene ().

Although there is no dosage recommendation for limonene, 2 grams daily has been used safely in studies. In addition to supplements, you can get limonene from citrus fruits and zests.

conclusions

Limonene is a compound extracted from the peel of citrus fruits.

Research shows that limonene may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. However, more human studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

Try adding lemon, lime, or orange zest to your favorite dishes to increase your lemon intake.

D-Limonene

Dietary supplement based on orange peel oil - d-limonene from Jarrow Formulas. The drug stimulates the detoxification of enzymes in the liver and improves immunity. The product is taken daily during or after meals, 1 capsule. If an upset stomach occurs, it is better to discard the dietary supplement. You can buy D-Limonene in specialized departments, pharmacies and online stores. The price range for 60 capsules in Moscow and St. Petersburg is from 760-2000 rubles. By purchasing multiple packs you can save on cost.

Chemical properties

When heated to 300 °C, the optically active forms of limonene racemize into dipentene; at high temperatures (passing vapor over a hot metal surface) it decomposes to form isoprene.

Limonene is oxidized at the allylic position of the cyclohexene core to carvone, but in industry carvone is synthesized from limonene by nitrosation with nitrosyl chloride, followed by hydrolysis of the resulting carvone oxime. Dehydrogenation of limonene in the presence of sulfur leads to the formation of cymene.

Limonene

Limonene is an oily liquid solvent designed to effectively remove support material used in the 3D printing process - the composition is effective in dissolving polystyrene HIPS, PS and is absolutely harmless for materials such as ABS, PLA, PC, POM.
The main advantages of the product include insolubility in water, effective degreasing of the surface, low toxicity, which makes limonene a qualitatively better analogue of alcohol and acetone.

The composition is easy to use - thoroughly wipe the printed part with a small amount of the product, using skin protection (at least gloves), and rinse the product with plenty of cold water.

Characteristics Product type Purpose Product type Composition Molar mass, g/mol Density, g/cm³ Melting point, °C Boiling point, °C Foaming temperature, °C Ignition temperature, °C Vapor pressure, Pa (at 20 °C) ? Country of Origin ? Availability

Meaning
Solvent
Cleaning finished models from support material
Technical citrus oil
С10H16
136,24
0,8411
74,25
175,5-176,5
42
237
139,6
Russia
In stock

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