Source : Wellness Resources
D-Limonene, an oil nutrient called a terpene, is an amazing natural compound found in lemon and orange peels. It has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offers assistance for a variety of metabolic and health problems, has anti-cancer properties, and even helps with weight management.
In a recent animal experiment with diabetic rats, d-Limonene treatment for 45 days was found to significantly improve all major antioxidant enzymes, reducing serious health ramifications from having this metabolic problem. Other animal studies with oils rich in d-Limonene show that it reduces food intake and body weight, and can help lower blood lipids such as cholesterol. In animals fed a high fat diet d-Limonene prevented the buildup in fat that results in a fatty liver while also preventing insulin resistance.
The ability of d-Limonene to act as an antioxidant, suppress food intake, and help fat flow along in metabolism are all attributes.
Anxiety, Sleep & Mood
D-Limonene is a selective activator of the adenosine A(2A) receptor on cell membranes, which senses molecules outside the cell and in turn triggers activity within the cell. These receptors are vital for nervous system function. The lack of their activation is associated with anxiety, insomnia, and impaired dopamine transmission (addictive tendencies and lack of motivation). A lack of activation of adenosine A(2A) receptors on immune cells results in a hyperimmune response (allergic reactions).
Various doses of d-Limonene have a potent anti-anxiety effect. Even inhaling the vapors of d-Limonene can calm down nerves as well as allergic reactions.
Taking d-Limonene before bedtime will help calm nerves and promote restful sleep, yet another benefit of this multitalented nutrient.
Animal Tumor Research
Researchers demonstrated in 1984, 1986, 1989, and 1994 that d-Limonene could prevent the formation of experimentally induced breast tumors as well as eradicate existing breast tumors. It did so with very low toxicity, either from the d-Limonene or from the manner in which the cancer was being killed.
In terms of preventing the start of breast cancer, it was found that d-Limonene assisted the liver with detoxification of chemical toxins, preventing the toxins from inducing DNA damage, which led to cancer. In established cancer, d-Limonene utilizes its solvent properties to enter tumors and directly influence cell signaling to help kill the tumor. While it acts as an antioxidant for healthy cells it seems to know the difference when cancer has taken hold. It actually turns up free radical production in cancer cells to help kill them. While this seems to be yet another example of a nutrient displaying intelligent operation within the body, it is more likely that the gene signaling of the human body is quite adept at using common nutrients that have been around since the beginning of human evolution to defend itself.
Other researchers have shown that d-Limonene has anti-cancer properties for gastric cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.
A recent study shows that d-Limonene improves important aspects in the NF-kappaB signaling pathways, thereby preventing and reducing skin cancer. The researchers showed that d-Limonene also restored antioxidant enzyme function for healthy function.
