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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
How does Citrus aurantifolia work to support the immune system?
Citrus aurantifolia supports immune function primarily through its high vitamin C content and flavonoid profile. Vitamin C enhances phagocytic cell function and protects against oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. Flavonoids like hesperidin act as antioxidants, while limonene provides antimicrobial properties. These compounds collectively contribute to its traditional use for immune support and scurvy prevention (Evidence Level: C).
Does lime juice interact with prescription medications?
While Citrus aurantifolia has fewer documented drug interactions than grapefruit, caution is still warranted. Compounds like bergapten can cause photosensitivity, potentially increasing the risk of sunburn when taken with photosensitizing medications like tetracyclines or thiazide diuretics. Although the juice is generally safe, concentrated peel extracts may affect how the liver processes certain drugs. Patients should consult a healthcare provider regarding specific interactions (Evidence Level: C).
What is the recommended daily dosage of Citrus aurantifolia for immune support?
The standard adult dosage for immune support and digestive aid is the juice of one to two limes daily, preferably diluted in water. This amount provides a natural source of vitamin C and flavonoids without exceeding safe upper limits. For peel extracts used in aromatherapy or topical applications, proper dilution is essential to prevent skin irritation (Evidence Level: Traditional).
Is Citrus aurantifolia safe to consume during pregnancy?
Yes, Citrus aurantifolia is considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in typical dietary amounts, such as the juice of one to two limes per day. The vitamin C content aids in iron absorption, which is beneficial during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should avoid excessive intake to prevent heartburn or dental enamel erosion. Peel oil applications should be used cautiously due to potential photosensitivity risks (Evidence Level: C).
What are the side effects of using lime peel oil on skin?
Topical application of Citrus aurantifolia peel oil can cause phytophotodermatitis due to the presence of bergapten. This reaction results in skin redness, blistering, or hyperpigmentation upon exposure to sunlight. To minimize risks, the oil must be properly diluted and users should avoid direct sun exposure after application. Individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use (Evidence Level: C).
PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Citrus aurantifolia, also known as Mexican or key lime, is a nutrient-rich fruit used globally in food, pharmaceuticals, and the chemical industry [PMID: 28082795, PMID: 37238855]. It is recognized for various biological activities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID: 28082795, PMID: 37238855].
Background
Citrus aurantifolia (family: Rutaceae) is an interspecific hybrid between Citrus hystrix var. micrantha and Citrus medica [PMID: 28082795, PMID: 40974318]. It is widely consumed in daily diets, cultural cuisines, and juice production [PMID: 28082795].
Traditional uses
It is widely used for its antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammation, anti-lipidemia, and antioxidant properties, and is used to protect the heart, liver, and bone, as well as prevent urinary diseases [PMID: 28082795].
Active compounds
Secondary metabolites include alkaloids, carotenoids, coumarins, essential oils, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids [PMID: 28082795, PMID: 37238855]. Specific constituents include apigenin, hesperetin, kaempferol, limonoids, quercetin, naringenin, nobiletin, rutin, and citropten [PMID: 28082795, PMID: 37260315]. Essential oils are predominantly composed of limonene, γ-terpinene, and β-pinene [PMID: 31500259].
Mechanism of action
Citropten attenuates RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and function by lowering MAPK and PLCγ/Ca2+ signaling pathways [PMID: 37260315]. Standardized lime peel supplements may enhance non-rapid eye movement sleep by activating the GABA type A receptor [PMID: 39270541]. Lime juice may improve sexual behavior by increasing NO production and inhibiting activities of PDE-5, arginase, ACE, MAO, ATPdase, and AMPdase [PMID: 35034363].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DHyperlipidemia
Oral administration of lime essential oil improved serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, ALT, and AST levels in a rat model [PMID: 31500259]
Evidence DHelicobacter pylori infection
Citrus aurantifolia extract decreased the number of colonies of H. pylori strain ATCC 43526 and triple drug resistant (TDR) H. pylori strains [PMID: 29942354]
Evidence DErectile Dysfunction
Lime juice at 1.0 ml/kg significantly improved the therapeutic properties of sildenafil in rats [PMID: 35034363]
Evidence DSleep latency
Standardized lime peel supplement (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly decreased sleep latency and increased non-rapid eye movement sleep in mice [PMID: 39270541]
Evidence AOral and pharyngeal cancer
A systematic review and meta-analysis quantified the relationship between Citrus intake (including C. aurantifolia) and risk of oral cavity and pharynx cancer [PMID: 29753688]
Safety & adverse effects
Citrus essential oils have safety considerations summarized in reviews [PMID: 29976894]. Coumarins found in the rind and pulp can cause phytophotodermatitis (a non-immunologic skin reaction) upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation [PMID: 8505017, PMID: 39202761].
Evidence summary
The evidence consists primarily of preclinical animal models (rats, mice, chickens) and in vitro studies (D), with one systematic review/meta-analysis (A) regarding oral cancer risk. Most findings are based on extracts, essential oils, or juices rather than standardized clinical dosages.
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 29976894 (2018) — Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oils. · International journal of molecular sciences
3.PMID: 37260315 (2023) — Citropten Ameliorates Osteoclastogenesis Related to MAPK and PLCγ/Ca2+ Signaling Pathways through the Regulation of Amyloid Beta. · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
4.PMID: 29942354 (2018) — Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) inhibits the growth of triple drug resistant Helicobacter pylori. · Gut pathogens
5.PMID: 37238855 (2023) — Bioactive Components and Their Activities from Different Parts of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle for Food Development. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
6.PMID: 8505017 (1993) — Phototoxic coumarins in limes. · Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association
7.PMID: 40974318 (2025) — Diploid assembly of the Mexican lime genome. · G3 (Bethesda, Md.)
8.PMID: 35034363 (2022) — Influence of lemon (Citrus limon) and lime (Citrus aurantifolia) juices on the erectogenic properties of sildenafil in rats with L-NAME-induced erectile dysfunction. · Journal of food biochemistry
9.PMID: 39691301 (2024) — The protective effect of hydroalcoholic Citrus aurantifolia peel extract against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity. · Research in pharmaceutical sciences
10.PMID: 29753688 (2018) — Citrus fruits intake and oral cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. · Pharmacological research
11.PMID: 39270541 (2024) — Novel neuropharmacological activity of citrus lime (Citrus aurantifolia): A standardized lime peel supplement enhances non-rapid eye movement sleep by activating the GABA type A receptor. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
12.PMID: 38072881 (2023) — Therapeutic efficacy of Citrus aurantifolia (lime) juice in experimental Eimeria tenella-infected broiler chickens. · Tropical animal health and production
14.PMID: 40453528 (2025) — Bioprospecting the Rodriguan Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) as a Novel Source of Antioxidants and Antimicrobials for Food Application. · International journal of food science
15.PMID: 39202761 (2024) — New Insights Concerning Phytophotodermatitis Induced by Phototoxic Plants. · Life (Basel, Switzerland)