# Black Lime

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/black-lime
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-15
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Citrus aurantifolia, Mexican lime, Key lime, Dried lime, Loomi

## Overview

Black Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) contains bioactive flavonoids like hesperidin and limonoids including limonin that demonstrate potent anticancer activity through apoptosis induction in pancreatic cancer cells. The compounds work by upregulating Bax and p53 expression while downregulating Bcl-2, achieving 73-89% growth inhibition at 100 μg/mL in laboratory studies.

## Health Benefits

- **Supports healthy [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)**: by providing citric acid and dietary fiber, which aid gut motility and reduce bloating.
- **Combats [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)**: and protects cellular integrity through its high content of vitamin C, polyphenols, and flavonoids.
- **Enhances [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)**: and reduces [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) due to its significant vitamin C content and inherent antibacterial properties.
- **Promotes [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health)**: by supplying potassium and bioactive compounds that improve circulation and help regulate blood pressure.
- **Aids natural detoxification**: processes, supporting [liver function](/ingredients/condition/detox) and the elimination of metabolic waste.

## Mechanism of Action

Black Lime's flavonoids (rutin, hesperidin) and limonoids (limonin, limonexic acid) induce apoptosis by upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, p53, and caspase-3 while downregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. These compounds also provide antioxidant effects through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging by donating hydrogen atoms to neutralize [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s. Additionally, limonoids suppress [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s by downregulating Cox-2, NF-κB, and IL-6 expression.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence derives exclusively from in vitro laboratory studies with no human clinical trials reported. Methanol extracts demonstrated IC50 of 81.20 μg/mL against pancreatic cancer cells (Panc-28) after 72 hours, with 73-89% growth inhibition at 100 μg/mL after 96 hours. Chloroform extracts showed 85.4-90% [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in DPPH/ABTS assays at 624 μg/mL. While traditional use supports digestive benefits, rigorous clinical research is needed to validate therapeutic efficacy and safety in humans.

## Nutritional Profile

- Dietary Fiber
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Flavonoids
- Polyphenols

## Dosage & Preparation

- Commonly used whole, crushed, or powdered in Middle Eastern and Persian cuisine to flavor soups, stews, and rice dishes.
- Modern applications include marinades, cocktails, baked goods, and herbal teas for digestive and detoxifying support.
- Recommended serving: 1–2 whole Black Limes or 1 teaspoon of Black Lime powder per dish.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No specific safety concerns, drug interactions, or contraindications have been reported in available research literature for Black Lime extracts. However, this absence reflects limited human safety data rather than confirmed safety, as studies have focused on in vitro bioactivity without adverse effect monitoring. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution due to lack of safety data in these populations. Patients taking medications should consult healthcare providers before use, particularly those on anticoagulants or medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes.

## Scientific Research

While Black Lime has a long history of traditional use in Middle Eastern and Persian cultures for digestive ailments, specific clinical studies on its functional health benefits are limited. Its nutritional profile suggests [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and digestive support, but further targeted research is needed to validate specific mechanisms and efficacy.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Black Lime, known as "Loomi" or "Noomi Basra," has been a culinary and medicinal staple in Middle Eastern and Persian cultures for centuries. It was traditionally used to impart its distinctive tangy, smoky flavor to dishes and was valued for its perceived digestive and detoxifying properties.

## Synergistic Combinations

Role: Polyphenol/[antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) base
Intention: Cardio & Circulation | Gut & [Microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)
Primary Pairings: - Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the main bioactive compounds in Black Lime?

Black Lime contains flavonoids including rutin, neohesperidin, hesperidin, and hesperitin, along with limonoids such as limonin, limonexic acid, and isolimonexic acid. These compounds demonstrate potent antioxidant and anticancer activities in laboratory studies.

### How effective is Black Lime against cancer cells?

In vitro studies show Black Lime methanol extracts inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth by 73-89% at 100 μg/mL after 96 hours, with an IC50 of 81.20 μg/mL. However, these are laboratory results and human clinical trials have not been conducted.

### What is the difference between fresh lime and Black Lime?

Black Lime is made by boiling fresh Mexican limes (Citrus aurantifolia) and sun-drying them until they turn black and hard. This process concentrates certain bioactive compounds while creating a preserved form used traditionally in Middle Eastern cuisine and medicine.

### Are there any proven health benefits of Black Lime?

While Black Lime shows promising antioxidant and anticancer effects in laboratory studies, with up to 90% radical scavenging activity, no human clinical trials have validated these benefits. Traditional use supports digestive health, but scientific evidence remains limited to preclinical research.

### Is Black Lime safe to consume regularly?

No safety concerns have been reported in available research, but this reflects limited human safety data rather than confirmed safety. Since most studies are laboratory-based, long-term safety, appropriate dosages, and potential interactions in humans remain unclear and require further research.

### How should Black Lime be prepared or consumed for maximum digestive benefits?

Black Lime can be consumed as a dried powder mixed into water, tea, or smoothies, or steeped as a tea by breaking apart the dried fruit. To support digestion, consume 1-2 grams of powder or one dried Black Lime fruit daily, preferably with meals to aid nutrient absorption and gut motility. The citric acid and fiber are most effective when the ingredient is fully hydrated, allowing the compounds to interact with digestive enzymes in the stomach.

### Can Black Lime interact with medications that affect stomach acid or nutrient absorption?

Black Lime's high citric acid content may interact with medications that rely on specific pH levels for absorption, such as certain antifungals, bisphosphonates, or iron supplements. If you take prescription medications for acid reflux or stomach disorders, consult your healthcare provider before adding Black Lime supplements, as the ingredient may enhance or inhibit medication efficacy. Spacing consumption 2-3 hours apart from medications can help minimize potential interactions.

### Who would benefit most from Black Lime supplementation, and are there groups who should avoid it?

Black Lime is most beneficial for individuals with digestive sluggishness, weakened immune function, or those seeking antioxidant support from plant-based sources. People with active stomach ulcers, severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or hypersensitivity to citric acid should avoid or limit Black Lime intake, as the high acidity may exacerbate symptoms. Pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare providers before supplementing, as safety data in these populations remains limited.

## References

Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30845697; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.07.024; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352618119301158

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