Limonene: Aroma of innovation in health and disease

Abstract

Natural products obtained in dietary components may aid the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases. Reports in the scientific literature have demonstrated that the consumption of terpenes is a successful alternative in the treatment of several diseases, triggering beneficial biological effects in clinical and preclinical studies. The monoterpene limonene is largely used in alimentary items, cleaning products, and it is one of the most frequent fragrances used in cosmetics formulation. The therapeutic effects of limonene have been extensively studied, proving anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperalgesic, antiviral, and gastroprotective effects, among other beneficial effects in health. In this review, we collected, presented, and analyzed evidence from the scientific literature regarding the usage of limonene and its activities and underlying mechanisms involved in combating diseases. The highlighting of limonene applications could develop a useful targeting of innovative research in this field as well as the development of a limonene-based phytomedicine which could be used in a variety of conditions of health and disease.

Effects of dietary Bergamot ( Citrus bergamia ) peel oil on growth, haematology and immune response of European sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax ) juveniles

“…Similar and significant decreases were observed in CHOL levels in the current study (p < .05), which might be attributed to the limonene contents, a major component of BPO. Blood lipid level regulating effects of limonene have been reported in earlier studies (Ahmad & Beg, ; Vieira, Beserra, Souza, Totti, & Rozza, ). The hepatic enzymes, ALP and GOT, have associated with increased liver damage.…”

“…Blood lipid level regulating effects of limonene have been reported in earlier studies (Ahmad & Beg, 2013;Vieira, Beserra, Souza, Totti, & Rozza, 2018). The hepatic enzymes, ALP and GOT, have associated with increased liver damage.…”

Effects of orange essential oil on intestinal microflora in mice

“…Orange essential oil can help to improve anxiety caused by insomnia, and relieve tension and stress, but it can also prevent colds, help collagen formation and balance the pH value of the skin. It functions as an expectorant, cough relief and anti‐asthmatic agent, and can be used to relieve stress, improve insomnia and lower blood pressure . It also contains many antioxidant and antifungal active ingredients, which inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus , and induce colon cancer cell apoptosis and scavenging of free radicals .…”

“…It functions as an expectorant, cough relief and anti-asthmatic agent, and can be used to relieve stress, improve insomnia and lower blood pressure. 3,4 It also contains many antioxidant and antifungal active ingredients, 5 which inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus, 6,7 and induce colon cancer cell apoptosis and scavenging of free radicals. 8 It has a wide range of applications in the chemical, tobacco, food and other industries.…”

Variations in aroma and specific flavor in strawberry under different colored light‐quality selective plastic film

“…1 Moreover, lots of VOCs, especially terpenoids such as E-nerolidol, limonene, and eugenol, have showed health benefits in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive, anticancer, and anti-obesity activities. [1][2][3][4][5] Therefore, improving food natural aroma is very important for the benefits of consumers.…”