Lemon

Scientific Name(s): Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. [medica × aurantifolia]
Common Name(s): Lemon

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 30, 2022.

Clinical Overview

Use

Lemon is primarily used for its vitamin C nutritional value and potassium content. Epidemiological studies associate the intake of citrus fruit with a reduction in the risk of various diseases. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities have been investigated. Small clinical trials have suggested potential roles in hypocitraturic calcium nephrolithiasis, aromatherapy, and reducing glycemic response.

Dosing

Clinical data are lacking to provide dosing recommendations. Daily consumption of 120 mL of concentrated lemon juice (containing 5.9 g of citric acid) diluted in 2 L of water (mean treatment duration, 44.4 months) was used in a very small study to evaluate effects on urinary metabolic parameters and stone formation in patients with hypocitraturic calcium nephrolithiasis.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Lemon has generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status when used as food. Avoid dosages greater than those found in food because safety and efficacy are unproven.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Erosive effects on tooth enamel and anaphylactic allergy to lemon soap have been reported. Citrus juice is often implicated in the worsening of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms.

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

Rutaceae (rue)

Botany

The lemon tree is an evergreen, growing to more than 6 m in height. Its toothed leaves are light green and the citrus fruit (lemon) is oval, small, and green to yellow. Unlike other citrus varieties, the lemon tree bears fruit continuously. The plant is cultivated in Mediterranean and subtropical climates worldwide.(Chevallier 1996, Ensminger 1995, USDA 2022)

History

The lemon originated in Southeast Asia, probably in India or southern China. Its history is sometimes unclear because of the confusion with the similarly appearing citron, a closely related species. The lemon may have been depicted in Roman artwork as early as the first century AD.(Ensminger 1995)

In the 1600s, physicians became aware that daily intake of lemon juice prevented outbreaks of scurvy among sailors on long sea voyages. English ships were required by law to carry enough lemon or lime juice for each sailor to receive 1 oz daily, earning them the nickname "limeys."(Carper 1988)

The California lemon industry was established after the gold rush of 1849. From 1940 to 1965, production increased and the United States became a major provider of lemons. More than 50% of the US lemon crop is processed into juice and other drink products. The peel, pulp, and seeds are used to make oils, pectin, or other products.(Ensminger 1995)

Lemon juice has traditionally been used as an astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, gargle, lotion, and tonic.(Ensminger 1995) Application of lemon juice in conjunction with exposure to sunlight was once thought to fade tattoos, but this theory was disproven.(Chapel 1983) Lemon has also been used externally for acne, fungus (ringworm and athlete's foot), sunburn, and warts.(Chevallier 1996)

Chemistry

Citrus fruits generally contain sugars, polysaccharides, organic acids, lipids, carotenoid (pigment), vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, bitter limonoids, and volatile components.(Ranganna 1983a, Ranganna 1983b) The lemon is a good source of potassium (145 mg per 100 g of fruit), bioflavonoids, and vitamin C (40 to 50 mg per 100 g, twice the amount in oranges).(Chevallier 1996, Ensminger 1995) Vitamin C has been isolated from lemon juice.(King 1979) Calcium (61 mg) is also present, along with vitamins A, B₁, B₂, and B₃. The fruit is also low in calories, containing 27 Kcal per 100 g.(Chevallier 1996, Ensminger 1995, Murray 1993) Other constituents of lemon include volatile oil (2.5% of the peel), limonene, alpha-terpinene, alpha-pinene, citral, coumarins, mucilage, pectins, and bioflavonoids (mostly from pith and peel).(Chevallier 1996, Fisher 2006, Manners 2007, Miyake 1999, Miyake 2007) The flavonoids eriocitrin and hesperidin have been evaluated.(Miyake 2007, Miyake 1998) Flavonoid content of commercial standardized lemon products/supplements varies.

Uses and Pharmacology

Lemon is primarily used for its vitamin C and potassium content. Epidemiological studies associate the intake of citrus fruit with a reduction in the risk of various diseases.(Johnsen 2003, Manners 2007, Pavia 2006)

Acetylcholinesterase/Butylcholinesterase inhibitory activity

In vitro data

The dried leaf powder extract of lemon demonstrated moderate inhibitory activity against both acetylcholinesterase and butylcholinesterase in vitro and was not found to be neurotoxic at low concentrations.(Amat-Ur-Rasool 2020)

Antidiarrheal activity

Animal data

In a study in mice with induced diarrhea, C. limon peel appeared to possess antidiarrheal effects via antisecretory and antimotility mechanisms.(Adeniyi 2017)

Anti-inflammatory/Analgesic activity

Animal data

In a review, anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions were reported with lemon essential oil and ethanolic peel extract, respectively, in rats; antinociceptive properties were comparable with diclofenac.(Singh 2021)

Antimicrobial and antiviral effects

Animal and in vitro data

Lemon juice and oil have been evaluated for antimicrobial action. The oil shows some bacteriostatic and antiviral action thought to be due to citral and linalool content.(Fisher 2006, Gonzalez-Molina 2010, Manners 2007) Significant activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio cholerae, including some multidrug-resistant strains, has been observed with lemon peel extracts, lemon juice, and/or essential oils.(Singh 2021) Lemon has been shown to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus mold(Ballot 1987) and the yeast-like fungus Malassezia furfur(Singh 2021), and has been used to disinfect drinking water(Alderman 1976) as well as to inactivate rabies virus.(DAquino 1994) In cats, lemon essential oil exerted activity against Microsporum canis.(Mugnaini 2012)

In vitro, antileishmanial activity of lemon essential oil was comparable with the reference drug miltefosine.(Maaroufi 2021) In vitro and/or in vivo investigations suggest extracts of lemon leaves and peels may have antihelmintic activity against Eicinia foetida and Ascaridia galli.(Singh 2021)

Antioxidant effects

German studies in the late 1980s, antioxidant effects were reported for lemon peel.(Carper 1988) The pectin fiber and lemon oil also possess antioxidant properties.(Polunin 1997)

Animal data

One group of researchers, having identified eriocitrin, hesperidin, and coumarins as antioxidants, pursued experiments in diabetic rats(Miyake 1998) and venous endothelial cells,(Miyake 2007) as well as in activated Epstein-Barr virus models.(Miyake 1999) Antioxidant mechanisms include the inhibition of radical formation and radical scavenging.(Manners 2007, Miyake 2007, Miyake 1999)

Antiulcer activity

Animal and in vitro data

A review of animal and in vitro data indicated that lemon juice, lemon essential oil, and limonene provide protection for the gastric mucosa against ulcers.(Singh 2021)

Aromatherapy

Clinical data

In a retrospective analysis, aromatherapy use of lemon essential oil provided relief from nausea and vomiting in 73% of applications in 66 patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care.(Kreye 2022) In a controlled trial (N=46), test anxiety was reduced by a mean of 43.3% in nursing students using lemon aromatherapy compared with control, based on post-test scores on State Test Anxiety Scale and Test Anxiety Schedule.(Özer 2022)

Bladder

Clinical data

The American Urology Association's updated guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (2022) states that self-care practices and behavioral modifications that can improve symptoms should be discussed and implemented as feasible, which includes avoidance of certain foods known to be common bladder irritants like citrus products (clinical principle).(Clemens 2022)

Cancer

The structure of various chemical constituents of lemon and their relationship to cancer prevention have been investigated.(Benavente-Garcia 2007, Manners 2007)

Animal data

In experiments with the flavonoid eriocitrin and its metabolites(Ogata 2000) and with coumarins extracted from lemon fruit,(Miyake 1999) apoptosis was demonstrated in acute myelomonocytic leukemia cells.

Clinical data

Quality clinical studies are lacking. A meta-analysis of epidemiological studies associates the consumption of citrus fruit with a larger protective effect against oral cancer (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.56) than with overall fruit consumption.(Pavia 2006)

Cardioprotective effects

Animal data

A study in rodents reported prolonged bleeding and thrombin time with C. limon, suggesting a cardioprotective role in preventing thrombosis.(Riaz 2014)

Diabetes

Animal and in vitro data

Beneficial effects of lemon leaf and peel extracts on glucose metabolism in diabetic rat models have been reported. In vitro assays pointed to strong alpha-amylase inhibition.(Singh 2021) In a tumor necrosis factor alpha–induced insulin resistance model in vitro, lemon extract restored adipocyte insulin sensitivity and function via increased proliferator-activated receptor gamma gene expression.(Sorrenti 2021)

Clinical data

In a small randomized, crossover study (N=10), lemon juice imbibed with a serving of bread resulted in lowered glycemic response compared with bread consumed with water or black tea. Gastric content volume was also increased, along with the rate of gastric emptying.(Freitas 2022)

Hepatoprotective effects

Animal data

Effects of lemon extracts and essential oil on hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen or aspirin have been studied in rats. Constituents of the extract (eg, naringenin, hesperidin) were hepatoprotective against acetaminophen.(Bouzenna 2016, Singh 2021)

Insect repellent

Animal and in vitro data

Lemon peel extract and essential oils have been reported to repel mosquitoes (Anopheles, Aedes, Culex) and other insects, including carpenter ants.(Singh 2021)

Clinical data

In a study documenting indigenous knowledge on plants used as mosquito/insect repellents in 6 selected localities, topical application of C. limon as a mosquito repellent was reported by malaria-endemic locales in Cameroon.(Youmsi 2017)

Intestinal microbiome

Clinical data

In 10 healthy male university students enrolled in a controlled study, those who drank 100 mL of 10% lemon water before each meal for 4 weeks had a significant decrease in the intestinal Bilophila species microbes (P=0.036) and non-significant changes in Adlecreutzia, Haemophilus, Megamonas, and Roseburia species compared to those who drank only water before meals. No differences were observed in the other 54 species analyzed.(Iida 2021)

Metabolic effects

Animal data

Beneficial effects on lipid parameters have been demonstrated with lemon juice in rabbits.(Singh 2021) A review reported antiobesity potential of C. limon due to various mechanisms.(Gamboa-Gomez 2015) In mice with high-fat diet–induced obesity, lemon peel fermentation supernatant inhibited weight gain.(Pan 2022)

Myocardial imaging

Clinical data

Lemon juice accelerated the transit of tetrofosmin through the liver parenchyma and improved myocardial imaging in a small study.(Cherng 2006)

Nephrolithiasis/Nephrotoxicity

Animal data

Studies in rodents suggest lemon juice has protective activity against urolithiasis.(Touhami 2007) Effects of lemon essential oil on nephrotoxicity induced by aspirin has been studied in rats.(Bouzenna 2016)

Clinical data

In a small (N=15), long-term (mean duration, 44.4 months) trial, lemon juice increased citrate levels in patients with hypocitraturic calcium nephrolithiasis; daily consumption of 120 mL of concentrated lemon juice (containing 5.9 g of citric acid) diluted in 2 L of water resulted in a clinically important reduction in stone formation.(Kang 2007, Seltzer 1996) However, few quality clinical trials are available.(Pachaly 2016)

Dosing

Pregnancy / Lactation

Lemon has GRAS status when used as food. Avoid dosages greater than those found in food because safety and efficacy are unproven.

The sperm-immobilizing properties of lemon juice have been investigated in vitro.(Clarke 2006) Animal studies have reported reversible suppressed fertility and decreases in sperm count in male rodents subsequent to administration of extracts of lemon leaf or seeds for 1 to 2 months.(Singh 2021)

Interactions

Chloroquine plasma concentrations may be reduced if concomitantly administered with lemon, decreasing therapeutic effect.(Mahmoud 1994) Lemon juice may increase iron absorption.(Ballot 1987)

In a study in rodents, increased bleeding and thrombin time was observed with C. limon dosing. Interactions with concurrent anticoagulant medicines may theoretically occur.(Riaz 2014)

Adverse Reactions

Lemon juice may cause loss of gloss, alteration in enamel color, and irregular dental tissue on tooth enamel.(Allan 1967, Grando 1996, Pias 1972, Takaoka 1971)

Anaphylactic allergy to lemon soap has been reported, resulting from a possible cross-sensitivity of citrus seed to peanut allergen.(Glaspole 2007)

Citrus juice is often implicated in the worsening of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. However, no effect on lower esophageal sphincter pressure was demonstrated in a small study, and the effects are not considered to be related to fruit juice acidity.(Kaltenbach 2006)

The sperm-immobilizing properties of lemon juice have been investigated in vitro.(Clarke 2006) Lemon seed extract produced a decrease in sperm count and fertility suppression in murine models.(Singh 2021)

Toxicology

Research reveals little or no information regarding toxicology with the use of lemon.

References

Disclaimer

This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. This product has not been reviewed by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality standards and safety information collection standards that are applicable to most prescription drugs. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this product. This information does not endorse this product as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this product. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this product. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You should talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this product.

This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used before surgery or other medical procedures. It is important to fully inform your doctor about the herbal, vitamins, mineral or any other supplements you are taking before any kind of surgery or medical procedure. With the exception of certain products that are generally recognized as safe in normal quantities, including use of folic acid and prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, this product has not been sufficiently studied to determine whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or nursing or by persons younger than 2 years of age.

Adeniyi OS, Omale J, Omeje SC, Edino VO. Antidiarrheal activity of hexane extract of Citrus limon peel in an experimental animal model. J Integr Med. 2017;15(2):158-164. doi:10.1016/S2095-4964(17)60327-328285621

Alderman GG, Marth EH. Inhibition of growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus parasiticus by citrus oils. Z Lebensm Unters Forsch. 1976;160(4):353-358. doi:10.1007/BF01106324973437

Allan DN. Enamel erosion with lemon juice. Br Dent J. 1967;122(7):300-302.5227291

Amat-Ur-Rasool H, Symes F, Tooth D, et al. Potential nutraceutical properties of leaves from several commonly cultivated plants. Biomolecules. 2020;10(11):1556. doi:10.3390/biom1011155633203123

Ballot D, Baynes RD, Bothwell TH, et al. The effects of fruit juices and fruits on the absorption of iron from a rice meal. Br J Nutr. 1987;57(3):331-343. doi:10.1079/bjn198700413593665

Benavente-García O, Castillo J, Alcaraz M, Vicente V, Del Río JA, Ortuño A. Beneficial action of Citrus flavonoids on multiple cancer-related biological pathways. Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2007;7(8):795-809. doi:10.2174/15680090778322043518220529

Bouzenna H, Dhibi S, Samout N, et al. The protective effect of Citrus limon essential oil on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by aspirin in rats. Biomed Pharmacother. 2016;83:1327-1334. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2016.08.03727571876

Carper J. The Food Pharmacy: Dramatic New Evidence That Food is Your Best Medicine. Bantam Publishing; 1988:222-223.

Chapel JL, Leonard MW, Millikan LE. Lemon juice, sunlight, and tattoos. Int J Dermatol. 1983;22(7):434-435. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4362.1983.tb02167.x6629611

Cherng SC, Chen YH, Lee MS, Yang SP, Huang WS, Cheng CY. Acceleration of hepatobiliary excretion by lemon juice on 99mTc-tetrofosmin cardiac SPECT. Nucl Med Commun. 2006;27(11):859-864. doi:10.1097/01.mnm.0000243377.57001.3317021425

Chevallier A. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants: A Practical Reference Guide to Over 550 Key Herbs and their Medicinal Uses. DK Publishing; 1996.

Clarke GN, McCoombe SG, Short RV. Sperm immobilizing properties of lemon juice. Fertil Steril. 2006;85(5):1529-1530.16566931

Clemens JQ, Erickson DR, Varela NP, Lai HH. Diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain wyndrome. J Urol. 2022;208(1):34-42. doi:10.1097/JU.000000000000275635536143

D'Aquino M, Teves SA. Lemon juice as a natural biocide for disinfecting drinking water. Bull Pan Am Health Organ. 1994;28(4):324-330.7858646

Ensminger A, Ensminger ME, Konlande JE, Robson JRK. The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods & Nutrition Encyclopedia. 2nd ed. CRC Press; 1995:1299-1302.

Fisher K, Phillips CA. The effect of lemon, orange and bergamot essential oils and their components on the survival of Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in food systems. J Appl Microbiol. 2006;101(6):1232-1240. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03035.x17105553

Freitas D, Boué F, Benallaoua M, et al. Glycemic response, satiety, gastric secretions and emptying after bread consumption with water, tea or lemon juice: a randomized crossover intervention using MRI. Eur J Nutr. 2022;61(3):1621-1636. doi:10.1007/s00394-021-02762-235013789

Gamboa-Gómez CI, Rocha-Guzmán NE, Gallegos-Infante JA, Moreno-Jiménez MR, Vázquez-Carbal BD, González-Laredo RF. Plants with potential use on obesity and its complications. EXCLI J. 2015;14:809-831. doi:10.17179/excli2015-18626869866

Glaspole IN, de Leon MP, Rolland JM, O'Hehir RE. Anaphylaxis to lemon soap: citrus seed and peanut allergen cross-reactivity. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2007;98(3):286-289. doi:10.1016/S1081-1206(10)60720-X17378262

González-Molina E, Domínguez-Perles R, Moreno DA, García-Viguera C. Natural bioactive compounds of Citrus limon for food and health. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2010;51(2):327-345. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2009.07.02719748198

Grando LJ, Tames DR, Cardoso AC, Gabilan NH. In vitro study of enamel erosion caused by soft drinks and lemon juice in deciduous teeth analysed by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Caries Res. 1996;30(5):373-378. doi:10.1159/0002623458877092

Iida T, Ishigami S, Kunishige M, Sasagawa S, Ikeda H, Aoi S, Harada T. Effects of citric acid in lemon water on the human intestinal microbiota: a comparison between pre-meal intake of water and lemon water. Intern Med J. 2021;28(6):625-628.

Johnsen SP, Overvad K, Stripp C, Tjønneland A, Husted SE, Sørensen HT. Intake of fruit and vegetables and the risk of ischemic stroke in a cohort of Danish men and women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;78(1):57-64. doi:10.1093/ajcn/78.1.5712816771

Kaltenbach T, Crockett S, Gerson LB. Are lifestyle measures effective in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease? An evidence-based approach. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(9):965-971. doi:10.1001/archinte.166.9.96516682569

Kang DE, Sur RL, Haleblian GE, Fitzsimons NJ, Borawski KM, Preminger GM. Long-term lemonade based dietary manipulation in patients with hypocitraturic nephrolithiasis. J Urol. 2007;177(4):1358-1362. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2006.11.05817382731

King CG. The isolation of vitamin C from lemon juice. Fed Proc. 1979;38(13):2681-2683.389665

Kreye G, Wasl M, Dietz A, et al. Aromatherapy in palliative care: a single-institute retrospective analysis evaluating the effect of lemon oil pads against nausea and vomiting in advanced cancer patients. Cancers (Basel). 2022;14(9):2131. doi:10.3390/cancers1409213135565260

Maaroufi Z, Cojean S, Loiseau PM, et al. In vitro antileishmanial potentialities of essential oils from Citrus limon and Pistacia lentiscus harvested in Tunisia. Parasitol Res. 2021;120(4):1455-1469. doi.org/10.3390/cancers1409213133426571

Mahmoud BM, Ali HM, Homeida MM, Bennett JL. Significant reduction in chloroquine bioavailability following coadministration with the Sudanese beverages Aradaib, Karkadi and Lemon. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1994;33(5):1005-1009. doi:10.1093/jac/33.5.10058089046

Manners GD. Citrus limonoids: analysis, bioactivity, and biomedical prospects. J Agric Food Chem. 2007;55(21):8285-8294. doi:10.1021/jf071797h17892257

Miyake Y, Mochizuki M, Okada M, Hiramitsu M, Morimitsu Y, Osawa T. Isolation of antioxidative phenolic glucosides from lemon juice and their suppressive effect on the expression of blood adhesion molecules. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2007;71(8):1911-1919. doi:10.1271/bbb.7011517690486

Miyake Y, Murakami A, Sugiyama Y, Isobe M, Koshimizu K, Ohigashi H. Identification of coumarins from lemon fruit (Citrus limon) as inhibitors of in vitro tumor promotion and superoxide and nitric oxide generation. J Agric Food Chem. 1999;47(8):3151-3157. doi:10.1021/jf980999y10552623

Miyake Y, Yamamoto K, Tsujihara N, Osawa T. Protective effects of lemon flavonoids on oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Lipids. 1998;33(7):689-695. doi:10.1007/s11745-998-0258-y9688172

Mugnaini L, Nardoni S, Pinto L, et al. In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of some essential oils against feline isolates of Microsporum canis. J Mycol Med. 2012;22(2):179-184. doi:10.1016/j.mycmed.2012.04.00323518021

Murray, M. The Healing Power of Herbs. Prima Publishing Co; 1993:143,366.

Ogata S, Miyake Y, Yamamoto K, Okumura K, Taguchi H. Apoptosis induced by the flavonoid from lemon fruit (Citrus limon BURM. f.) and its metabolites in HL-60 cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2000;64(5):1075-1078. doi:10.1271/bbb.64.107510879486

Özer Z, Teke N, Turan GB, Bahçecik AN. Effectiveness of lemon essential oil in reducing test anxiety in nursing students. Explore (NY). Published online February 2022. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2022.02.00335190270

Pachaly MA, Baena CP, Carvalho Md. Therapy of nephrolithiasis: where is the evidence from clinical trials? J Bras Nefrol. 2016;38(1):99-106. doi:10.5935/0101-2800.2016001527049371

Pan Y, Tan J, Long X, Yi R, Zhao X, Park KY. Anti-obesity effect of fermented lemon peel on high-fat diet-induced obese mice by modulating the inflammatory response. J Food Biochem. Published April 28, 2022. doi:10.1111/jfbc.1420035484880

Pavia M, Pileggi C, Nobile CG, Angelillo IF. Association between fruit and vegetable consumption and oral cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;83(5):1126-1134. doi:10.1093/ajcn/83.5.112616685056

Pias MJ. The effects of lemon juice (citric acid) on the surfaces of teeth. Chronicle. 1972;35(8):217-218.4501705

Polunin M. Healing Foods. DK Publishing; 1997:64-65.

Ranganna S, Govindarajan VS, Ramana KV. Citrus fruits. Part II. Chemistry, technology, and quality evaluation. B. Technology. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 1983;19(1):1-98. doi:10.1080/104083983095273746380950

Ranganna S, Govindarajan VS, Ramana KV. Citrus fruits—varieties, chemistry, technology, and quality evaluation. Part II. Chemistry, technology, and quality evaluation. A. Chemistry. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 1983;18(4):313-386. doi:10.1080/104083983095273666354594

Riaz A, Khan RA, Mirza T, Mustansir T, Ahmed M. In vitro/in vivo effect of Citrus limon (L. Burm. f.) juice on blood parameters, coagulation and anticoagulation factors in rabbits. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2014;27(4):907-915.25015459

Seltzer MA, Low RK, McDonald M, Shami GS, Stoller ML. Dietary manipulation with lemonade to treat hypocitraturic calcium nephrolithiasis. J Urol. 1996;156(3):907-909.8709360

Singh N, Yarla NS, Siddiqi NJ, de Lourdes Pereira M, Sharma B. Features, pharmacological chemistry, molecular mechanism and health benefits of lemon. Med Chem. 2021;17(3):187-202. doi:10.2174/157340641666620090910405032901586

Sorrenti V, Consoli V, Grosso S, et al. Bioactive compounds from lemon (Citrus limon) extract overcome TNF-α-induced insulin resistance in cultured adipocytes. Molecules. 2021;26(15):4411. doi:10.3390/molecules2615441134361563

Takaoka S, Okada N, Tsugawa K, Morimoto M. Initial changes in human enamel surface caused by the topical application of fresh lemon juice. Article in Japanese. Koku Eisei Gakkai Zasshi. 1971;21(1):6-11. doi:10.5834/jdh.21.65122397

Touhami M, Laroubi A, Elhabazi K, et al. Lemon juice has protective activity in a rat urolithiasis model. BMC Urol. 2007;7:18. doi:10.1186/1471-2490-7-1817919315

Citrus x limon (L.) Burm. f. (pro sp.) [medica × aurantifolia]. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 June 2022). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

Youmsi RDF, Fokou PVT, Menkem EZ, et al. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used as insects repellents in six malaria endemic localities of Cameroon. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2017;13(1):33. doi:10.1186/s13002-017-0155-x28595645

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer