Limonene | vital.ly

Limonene

Limonene

Scientific names: Limonene

Alternate names: Alpha-Limonene, Alpha-Limonène, Dipentene, D-Limonene, D-Limonène, L-Limonene, L-Limonène, Limonène, R-Limonene, R-Limonène, S-Limonene, S-Limonène, Limoneno

Scientific names: Limonene

Alternate names: Alpha-Limonene, Alpha-Limonène, Dipentene, D-Limonene, D-Limonène, L-Limonene, L-Limonène, Limonène, R-Limonene, R-Limonène, S-Limonene, S-Limonène, Limoneno

Background

Limonene is a chemical found in the peels of citrus fruits and in other plants. It is used to make medicine.

Limonene is used for obesity, cancer, and bronchitis, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, beverages, and chewing gum, limonene is used as a flavoring.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Limonene is LIKELY SAFE when taken in food amounts. It is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts for up to one year.

When applied to the skin: Limonene is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in amounts typically found in fragrances and personal hygiene products. It can cause skin reactions in people who are allergic to limonene.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Limonene is LIKELY SAFE in food amounts, but there's not enough information to know if it's safe in larger medicinal amounts. Stay on the safe side and stick to the amounts found in foods.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Cancer. One form of limonene (D-limonene) seems to build up in tumors in people with advanced cancer when it is taken by mouth. The high levels of limonene in the tumors may slow down the progress of the cancer, but their effect on the person's survival is uncertain.
Obesity.
Short-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (acute bronchitis).
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of limonene for these uses.

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of limonene depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for limonene. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Limonene might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking limonene along with some medications that are changed by the liver can lead to a variety of effects and side effects. Before taking limonene talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some of these medications that are changed by the liver include diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin), meloxicam (Mobic), and piroxicam (Feldene), amitriptyline (Elavil), warfarin (Coumadin), glipizide (Glucotrol), losartan (Cozaar), and others.

Medications that decrease breakdown of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) inhibitors)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Limonene might be broken down by the liver. Taking limonene along with medications that decrease the break down of limonene in the liver might increase the effects and side effects of limonene.

Some medications that might decrease the breakdown of limonene in the liver include cimetidine (Tagamet), fluvoxamine (Luvox), omeprazole (Prilosec); ticlopidine (Ticlid), topiramate (Topamax), and others.

Medications that decrease breakdown of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) inhibitors)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Limonene might be broken down by the liver. Taking limonene along with medications that decrease the break down of limonene in the liver might increase the effects and side effects of limonene.

Some medications that might decrease the breakdown of limonene in the liver include amiodarone (Cordarone), fluconazole (Diflucan), lovastatin (Mevacor), paroxetine (Paxil), zafirlukast (Accolate), and many others.

Medications that increase breakdown of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) inducers)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Limonene might be broken down by the liver. Taking limonene along with medications that increase the breakdown of limonene in the liver might decrease the effects of limonene.

Some medications that might increase the breakdown of limonene in the liver include carbamazepine (Tegretol), prednisone (Deltasone), and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane).

Medications that increase breakdown of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) inducers)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Limonene might be broken down by the liver. Taking limonene along with medications that increase the breakdown of limonene in the liver might decrease the effects of limonene.

Some medications that might increase the breakdown of limonene in the liver include rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) and secobarbital (Seconal).

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

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This monograph was last reviewed on 26/08/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 26/12/2012 18:21:14. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.

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