Discover the unexpected effects of oranges and lemons

Co-author, Dr. Leah Wright, from the University of Adelaide (Australia) explained: Cancer patients during radiotherapy and other treatments often have dry mouth, which not only makes them unable to swallow comfortably but can also cause negative consequences, according to the medical news site News Medical.

To remedy this, these patients are often given Limonene, which protects saliva production during radiation therapy.

Citrus essential oil increases the effectiveness of anti-dry mouth medication for radiotherapy patients

Photo: AI

Although limonene can be taken orally, it is not well tolerated, especially by people with dry mouth, says Wright. Furthermore, poor absorption prevents the drug from reaching the salivary glands effectively. Poor solubility requires high doses to be effective, and these effects include indigestion, abdominal pain and heartburn.

Combining citrus essential oils helps increase drug effectiveness and reduce side effects.

To address this issue, scientists from the University of South Australia, in collaboration with the School of Medicine at Stanford University (USA), tested the use of lipid-soluble essential oils of orange or lemon, then combined them into a formula with limonene and examined the effectiveness of the drug.

As a result, the new formula showed 180 times better solubility and 4,000% increased bioavailability compared to pure limonene, according to News Medical.

Lead researcher Professor Clive Prestidge, from the University of South Australia, said the new limonene-lipid combination created a "super-soluble" drug that relieved dry mouth at lower doses and without unpleasant side effects.

For cancer patients, dry mouth is the most commonly reported side effect of radiation therapy.

Illustration: AI

Because limonene is an oil, it forms a film on the surface of the stomach, causing discomfort, explains Clive Prestidge. Combining limonene with fats and citrus essential oils creates a super-soluble compound that is easily absorbed by the body with fewer unpleasant side effects. This increases the dispersion of limonene in the stomach, promoting absorption and controlling biodistribution, while also increasing saliva production and reducing dry mouth.

Dr. Wright said the formulation has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients and those suffering from dry mouth. This innovative and highly effective limonene-lipid formulation provides an effective treatment for dry mouth, providing cancer patients with long-lasting comfort, improved oral health and enhanced quality of life.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phat-hien-tac-dung-bat-ngo-cua-cam-chanh-185250324235815564.htm