Limonin is a limonoid, and a bitter, white, crystalline substance found in citrus and other plants. It is also known as limonoate D-ring-lactone and limonoic acid di-delta-lactone. Chemically, it is a member of the class of compounds known as furanolactones.
Limonin and other similar compounds are the main cause of citrus fruit's bitter taste, and researchers have developed products such as orange juice to remove limonin using polymer films. Limonin compounds mainly exist in the fruits of rutaceae, such as Poncirus aurantii (navel orange, citrus, orange) and pomelo. The content in the kernel (seed) is higher, the content in the peel is less.
Limonin has anti - tumor, anti - feeding insect, anti - virus, analgesic, anti - inflammatory, hypnotic and other biological activities. It can be used as functional food additive, anti-cancer food, pesticide, feed additive, etc. Limonin has been shown to inhibit the growth of several cancer cell lines, including leukemia, cervical cancer, breast cancer and liver cancer.
Limonin analogues has antioxidant activity, antimicrobial properties, inhibition of HIV, lower cholesterol, significant diuretic effect, improving circulation and improve sleep of heart head blood-vessel, antiviral, adjust the cell pigment etc, has the very good health care function, moreover, limonin nerve protective effect and the anti-obesity effect research is in progress.
