Studies have not established the effect of lemons on breast cancer
Lemons (Citrus limon) are a good source of vitamin C. Lemons are also a dietary source of chlorogenic acid, limonin, diosmin, hesperetin, hesperidin, eriocitrin and γ-terpinene, all of which have been reported to have anti-cancer properties. Lemons have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Consumption of lemons and lemon juice may improve cholesterol profile and reduce blood pressure. Hesperidin has been shown to inhibit androgen-dependent prostate cancer cell growth and to have chemopreventive action against carcinogen-induced lung cancer in mice. Limonin has been shown to suppression colon carcinogenesis in rats. Lemon consumption has been found to be associated with lower risk of thyroid cancer.
Lemon peel contains the monoterpene D-limonene, which is metabolized into perillic acid and some other components. D-limonene has been used in patients to dissolve cholesterol-containing gallstones and for the relief of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). D-limonene and its metabolites have been shown to inhibit the growth of human leukemia and lung cancer cells in the laboratory, as well as opposing lymphoma and skin, stomach, pancreatic, colon, and liver cancer in animals. D-limonene has been shown to enhance the antitumor effect of the chemotherapy drug docetaxel against prostate cancer cells without being toxic to normal prostate cells. Perillyl alcohol has been shown to inhibit androgen-induced prostate cancer cell growth and carcinogen-induced colon cancer in rats. Consumption of lemon peel has been found to be associated with lower risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
Breast cancer-related effects of eating lemons
Perillyl alcohol, hesperidin and limonin have all been shown to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells in the laboratory. Lemon extract has been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) of hormone receptor positive (ER+/PR+) breast cancer cells. D-limonene, which is a fat-soluble compound, has been shown to accumulate in breast tissue in levels much higher than levels in the systemic circulation, thus potentially impacting breast cancer risk. However, a phase II clinical trial of perillyl alcohol (an important D-limonene metabolite) in the treatment of advanced breast cancer reported in 2008 that there was no benefit for the treatment. No population studies have been performed that directly assess the association between consuming lemons or lemon rind and the risk of breast cancer.
Additional comments
Non-organic lemons may be waxed and therefore should be washed thoroughly before using to prevent a transfer of pesticides and other contaminants to the flesh during cutting.
Fresh lemonade has been shown to be a good source of D-limonene.
Tags: D-limonene, Taxotere, androgens, chemotherapy, docetaxel, inflammation, lemons, perillylAlcohol, proliferation, taxanes, vitaminC