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Lime Powder Extract

Also known as: Lime powder extract, Powdered lime fruit extract, Citrus extract, Citrus aurantiifolia Extract

Overview

Lime powder extract is a botanical supplement derived from the dried and pulverized fruit of *Citrus aurantiifolia* or related *Citrus* species. It is a rich natural source of vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds. Primarily utilized for its antioxidant properties, it also shows promise in improving lipid profiles and increasing urinary citrate levels, which can aid in kidney stone prevention. It is also used as a natural preservative and food additive. The research supporting its benefits is moderate, often grouped with broader citrus extracts, with some clinical trials meeting randomized controlled trial (RCT) standards, though specific data on lime powder extract alone are somewhat limited.

Benefits

Lime powder extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to cardiovascular health and kidney stone prevention. A meta-analysis of citrus extracts, including lime, demonstrated significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, with some increase in HDL cholesterol, indicating a potential benefit for dyslipidemia. While heterogeneity was high, the effect sizes were statistically significant. For kidney stone prevention, citrus-based products, including lime powder, significantly increase urinary citrate levels and urine pH, comparable to potassium citrate therapy. This effect is clinically relevant for reducing the risk of urinary stone formation. Additionally, lime extract exhibits antioxidant activity, as shown in studies where it helped preserve fruit quality by reducing weight loss and maintaining ascorbic acid and phenolic content. These benefits are particularly relevant for individuals with dyslipidemia and those prone to kidney stones. The time course for observing lipid and urinary effects typically ranges from weeks to months in clinical trials.

How it works

Lime powder extract exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its rich content of antioxidant flavonoids and vitamin C helps reduce oxidative stress throughout the body. The high concentration of citric acid and citrate significantly increases urinary citrate levels, which in turn alkalinizes urine and inhibits the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Bioactive compounds within the extract are also believed to modulate lipid metabolism enzymes, potentially interacting with LDL receptor pathways to improve cholesterol profiles. These actions collectively impact the cardiovascular system by modulating lipids, the renal system by altering urine chemistry, and provide systemic antioxidant effects. The absorption of vitamin C and flavonoids occurs in the gut, with bioavailability varying based on the specific preparation.

Side effects

Lime powder extract is generally considered safe when consumed as a food or supplement. The most common side effect reported with citrus products, though less frequent than with potassium citrate, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects are not well documented in clinical trials, and rare side effects are limited to potential, though infrequent, allergic reactions to citrus. There are no major drug interactions reported, but caution is advised with medications that affect urine pH or antacids. Contraindications include known hypersensitivity or allergies to citrus. The safety of lime powder extract during pregnancy and lactation has not been well studied, so caution is advised in these populations.

Dosage

Specific minimum effective and optimal dosage ranges for lime powder extract are not well established, as clinical studies on citrus extracts often use variable doses and formulations. However, urinary citrate effects have been observed with doses equivalent to 60-120 mL of citrus juice or comparable amounts of powdered extract. There is no established maximum safe dose, but excessive intake may lead to gastrointestinal upset. To improve tolerance, divided doses may be considered. When using powdered extracts, it is advisable to choose products standardized for key active compounds like vitamin C and flavonoids. Co-ingestion with food may influence absorption. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is lime powder extract effective for cholesterol?

Yes, evidence from studies on citrus extracts, including lime, suggests it can modestly improve lipid profiles by reducing total and LDL cholesterol.

Can it prevent kidney stones?

Yes, by increasing urinary citrate and alkalinizing urine, lime powder extract can help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.

Is it safe long term?

Generally, lime powder extract is considered safe for long-term use, but specific long-term data exclusively on lime powder extract are limited.

How soon do effects appear?

Lipid and urinary effects from lime powder extract typically begin to appear within a few weeks of consistent supplementation.

Does it interact with medications?

No major drug interactions have been reported, but caution is advised if taking medications that affect urine pH or antacids.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8884359/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Carvalho et al. (2022) investigated the effects of citrus extracts on dyslipidemia. It found significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol with citrus extracts, highlighting their potential lipid-lowering effects. The study included both clinical and preclinical data, noting high heterogeneity among included studies but demonstrating a promising role for citrus in managing cholesterol.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5428529/ – Rahman et al. (2017) conducted a review comparing citrus-based products, such as lemon juice and lime powder, to potassium citrate for managing urinary citrate and pH in kidney stone patients. The review of RCTs showed that citrus products significantly increased urinary citrate and alkalinized urine, comparable to potassium citrate, with better tolerability and compliance, supporting their use in kidney stone prevention.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01140671.2025.2513682?src= – This experimental study (2025) focused on natural coatings, including lime extract, for fruit preservation. It demonstrated that lime extract coatings exhibited antioxidant activity and helped retain vitamin C and phenolic content in preserved fruit. While not a human clinical trial, this research supports the inherent antioxidant potential of lime extract.