Journal Article Review Epublish
PubMed: 40650139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26136359
Applications of Limonene in Neoplasms and Non-Neoplastic Diseases.
Int J Mol Sci 26(13)
Authors: Katarzyna Rakoczy, Natalia Szymańska, Jakub Stecko, Michał Kisiel, Monika Maruszak, Michał Niedziela, Julita Kulbacka
Affiliations
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland.
- Student Research Group No. K148, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland.
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland. Student Research Group No. K148, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland.
- Department of Immunology and Bioelectrochemistry, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania.
Abstract
Plants produce an extensive repertoire of secondary metabolites, developed over evolutionary time to support survival. Among these, D-limonene, a monoterpene exuded by citrus fruits, has demonstrated a broad range of pharmacological activities. This review elucidates limonene's biological versatility, spanning antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and gastroprotective domains. Synthesizing data from both preclinical and early-phase clinical research, we explore its molecular mechanisms, ranging from reactive oxygen species mitigation and apoptosis induction to metabolic remodeling and neurotransmitter modulation. Special attention is given to limonene's emerging role in oncological therapeutics, notably in breast and liver cancers, and its capacity to ameliorate pathophysiological hallmarks of diabetes and neurodegeneration. Its low toxicity and high bioavailability support its potential as a safe adjunct or alternative in phytotherapy. This review advocates for continued investigation into limonene's translational potential across a spectrum of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases.
MeSH
Diabetes Mellitus, Carcinoma, Hepatocellular, Breast Neoplasms, Neoplasms, Limonene, Neurodegenerative Diseases