Lemon
Scientific Name(s): Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. [medica × aurantifolia]
Common Name(s): Lemon
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 2, 2022.
Clinical Overview
Use
Pharmacologically, lemon is primarily important for its vitamin C nutritional value and for its potassium content. Epidemiological studies associate the intake of citrus fruit with a reduction in the risk of various diseases. Antioxidant and anticancer actions are being investigated, and a role in hypocitraturic calcium nephrolithiasis has been suggested. Lemon also shows some antimicrobial activity.
Dosing
Clinical information is limited. To increase citrate levels, 120 mL of lemon juice, containing citric acid 5.9 g, was diluted and consumed daily.
Contraindications
Contraindications have not been identified.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Generally recognized as safe when used as food. Avoid dosages above those found in food because safety and efficacy are unproven.
Interactions
Chloroquine plasma concentrations may be reduced; iron absorption may be increased.
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
Research reveals little or no information regarding toxicology.
Scientific Family
- Rutaceae
Botany
The lemon tree is an evergreen, growing to over 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.1, 2, 3
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.3
In the 1600s, physicians became aware that daily intake of lemon juice would prevent 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 get 1 ounce daily, earning them the nickname "limeys."4
The California lemon industry became 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.3
Lemon juice has long been used as an astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, gargle, lotion, and tonic.3 Application of lemon juice in conjunction with exposure to sunlight was once thought to fade tattoos, but this theory was disproven.5 Lemon has also been used externally for acne, fungus (ringworm and athlete's foot), sunburn, and warts.2
Chemistry
Citrus fruits in general contain sugars, polysaccharides, organic acids, lipids, carotenoid (pigment), vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, bitter limonoids, and volatile components.6, 7 The lemon is a good source of potassium (145 mg per 100 g fruit), bioflavonoids, and vitamin C (40 to 50 mg per 100 g, twice as much as oranges).
