Scientists validate lemon as possible cure for cancer, HIV

In recent times there have been claims and counter claims on the use of lemon (Citrus limon) to effectively treat degenerative diseases such as cancer and Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Results of a study published September 2017 in Journal of Advances in Molecular Biology suggest that lyophilized pure fruit juice powder of lemon has anti-proliferative effect against human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line by suppressing its growth.

The Indian researchers from Presidency College Chennai concluded: “Our results showed that lyophilized pure fruit juice powder of Citrus limon inhibited the proliferation of human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 with an IC50 98.16 μg/ml at 48 h incubation, it was shown to promote apoptosis as seen as Deoxy ribonucleic Acid (DNA)/genetic material fragmentation using ladder assay.

These results suggest that lyophilized pure fruit juice powder of Citrus limon has anti-proliferative effect against MCF-7 cell by suppressing its growth.”

Australian researchers had reported that laboratory tests show that lemon juice is a potent destroyer of both HIV and sperm. The team at Melbourne University, led by Roger Short, said if planned tests in primates and people are successful, lemon juice could be ideal for women without easy access to safe barrier contraceptives, such as condoms.

But experts in anti-AIDS medications warn that the safety of using the juice internally and its efficacy in people are as yet unknown.Short said a solution of 10 per cent lemon juice produced a 1000-fold reduction in HIV activity in a lab sample. And half a teaspoon of the juice wiped out two teaspoons of sperm in 30 seconds.

The high acidity of the juice is responsible for killing HIV and sperm. Short said the great advantage of lemon or lime juice as an anti-viral contraceptive is that the fruit can be grown very cheaply in the developing world.

– guardian.ng