(+)-Limonene

(+)-Limonene is a monoterpene that has been found in citrus oils and Cannabis and has diverse biological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemoprotective properties.{34447,34446,36762,36763} It inhibits the growth of bacteria including S. aureus, B. cereus, E. faecalis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis, and C. neoformans with MIC values ranging from 3 to 27 mg/ml.{34447} In a human BGC-823 gastric cancer nude mouse orthotopic transplantation model, (+)-limonene inhibits tumor growth by 47.6% compared to controls and reduces the number of metastases in the liver, peritoneum, and other organs when administered by gastric perfusion at a dose of 15 ml/kg of a 1% emulsion.{34445} Dietary administration of (+)-limonene (5 and 10% in chow) reverses doxorubicin-induced decreases in glutathione (GSH) levels in rat kidney.{36762} Formulations containing (+)-limonene have been used as flavoring and fragrance agents and in the treatment of gallstones, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder.