Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• AA, acid lime, Adam's apple, agua de limón, areca quid, ascorbic acid, β-pinene, baladi (Egypt, Sudan), bara nimbu, bijapura, bisabolene, citral, Citrus acida, Citrusaurantiifolia, Citrus lima, Citrus limetta, Citrus limetta var. aromatica, Citrus limmerttioides, Citrus medica var. acida, common lime, dayalap (Tagalog), dayap (Tagalog), dehydrofelodipine, doc (Morocco), felodipine, fenchone, furocoumarins, jeruk neepis (Malay), jeruk nipis (Indonesia), jeruk pecel (Indonesia), key lime, Krôôch chhmaa muul (Khmer), lamoentsji (Netherlands), lamunchi (Netherlands), large lime, lebu (India), lemmetje (Dutch), lima ácida (Portuguese, Spanish), lima boba (Spanish), lima chica (Spanish), limah (Arabic), limão galego (Portuguese), limau asam (Malaysia), limau neepis (Malay), limau nipis (Malay), limbu (India), lime (Danish), limeade, lime essential oil, lime juice, lime mexicaine (French), lime oil, limetta (Italian), Limettae fructus, Limette (German), limette acide (French), Limettenbaum (German), Limettenzitrone (German), limettier (French), limey, limoen (Flemish), limón agria (Spanish), limón agrio (Spanish), limón chiquito (Spanish), limón corriente (Spanish), limón criollo (Spanish), limón sutil (Spanish), limonene, Limonia aurantiifolia, limun (India), limûn baladi (Egypt, Sudan), manao (Thai), Mexican lime, naaw (Laotian), ndimu (East African), nebu (India), nimbu (India), Opuntia vulgaris pads, polyphenolic, Rutaceae (family), saure Limette (German), som manao (Thai), sour lime, suwa (Visayan), sweet limes, terpineol, turanj, West Indian lime.
• Note: For a more in depth review of lime's constituent ascorbic acid, please see the ascorbic acid monograph. Lime flower (Tilia cordata Mill.) is not covered in this review.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• "Lime" refers to a number of citruses with typically round, green to yellow fruits, three to six centimeters in diameter, generally containing sour pulp, and frequently associated with the lemon. Lime trees blossom much of the year in tropical and sub-tropical climates, such as California, Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean, with the most blooms following a cool winter or a rather long dry period.
• Lime fruit, particularly its juice and zest, is used in food and beverages for its flavor and floral aroma. Due to its acidity, it is also used for pickling. Dried limes are typically used as flavoring in Persian cuisine.
• Preliminary study investigating the use of limeade in iron-deficient and healthy women has yielded conflicting results, and better-designed clinical trials are needed to make any firm recommendations about lime's efficacy. Based on preliminary study, lime may also exhibit a protective effect against cholera, but again, there are no available well-designed clinical trials evaluating this use.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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