Key result
D-limonene demonstrates broad pharmacological versatility, including antitumor, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities, supporting its potential as a safe adjunct in phytotherapy.
Why the study?
D-limonene demonstrates a broad range of pharmacological activities, but a synthesis of its biological versatility, molecular mechanisms, and translational potential across neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases was needed.
D-limonene shows biological versatility and potential as a safe adjunct or alternative in phytotherapy for various neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases.
Should not yet change clinical practice; leaves open efficacy confirmation in randomized trials.
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.
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Rakoczy et al. (2025) conducted a review in Neoplasms and Non-Neoplastic Diseases. D-limonene was evaluated. D-limonene demonstrates broad pharmacological versatility, including antitumor, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities, supporting its potential as a safe adjunct in phytotherapy.
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