Limonene acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer agent and an anti-oxidant.
A 2017 study entitled “D-limonene Exhibits Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties in an Ulcerative Colitis Rat Model” that was published in the journal Molecular Medicine Reports found limonene to be of potential benefit to those suffering allergies, asthma, and cancer due to its immunoregulatory properties (an illustration of how terpenes synergize with the endocannabinoid system to improve the immune system and, thus, more effectively respond to disease and illness).
The study found that limonene “demonstrated to have important immunomodulatory properties, including antitumor effects, and may alleviate asthma and allergies.” Research states, “In conclusion, limonene [conveys]… potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.,”
A 2007 study entitled “D-Limonene: Safety and Clinical Applications” that was published in the journal Alternative Medicine Review found limonene to be a potential agent in the treatment of cancer and gallstones and that it features an acceptable safety profile, including toxicity levels after prolonged use. The study reports, “In humans, d-limonene has demonstrated low toxicity after single and repeated dosing for up to one year. Being a solvent of cholesterol, d-limonene has been used clinically to dissolve cholesterol-containing gallstones. Because of its gastric acid neutralizing effect and its support of normal peristalsis, it has also been used for relief of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). D-limonene has well-established chemopreventive activity against many types of cancer.”