# Colombian Lime Fruit

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/colombian-lime-fruit
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-15
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Citrus latifolia, Citrus aurantifolia, Tahiti lime, Colombian Lime

## Overview

Colombian Lime Fruit contains bioactive flavonoids and limonoids that demonstrate potential anti-cancer activity by inducing apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. It also supports [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), [skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), and [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) through its high Vitamin C and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) content.

## Health Benefits

- Supports [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) with its high Vitamin C content, crucial for cellular defense.
- Boosts skin health and [collagen production](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), primarily due to abundant Vitamin C.
- Promotes [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) by stimulating enzyme activity and aiding detoxification.
- Provides [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) benefits through its rich profile of flavonoids and antioxidants.
- Contributes to overall cellular protection against [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) with compounds like limonene.

## Mechanism of Action

Key bioactive compounds in Colombian Lime Fruit include flavonoids (e.g., rutin, neohesperidin, hesperidin, hesperetin) and limonoids (e.g., limonexic acid, isolimonexic acid, limonin). These compounds demonstrate pro-apoptotic effects in pancreatic cancer cells (e.g., Panc-28) by upregulating Bax, p53, caspase-3, and p21, while downregulating Bcl-2, Cox-2, [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and IL-6. This mechanism also involves reduced [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) membrane potential and enhanced caspase-3 cleavage. Furthermore, flavonoids contribute significant [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), measured at 85-90% DPPH.

## Clinical Summary

Scientific studies on Colombian Lime Fruit, primarily focusing on its high Vitamin C, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) content, flavonoids, and limonoids, highlight immune-boosting, [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)-promoting, and skin-rejuvenating properties. Research includes in vitro studies demonstrating specific anti-cancer mechanisms, such as inducing apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells via molecular pathways like Bax, p53, and caspases. Some human observational studies have also explored general health benefits. More extensive human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.

## Nutritional Profile

- Vitamin C: High levels, essential for [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health).
- Flavonoids: Potent [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, contributing to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects.
- Limonene: A key antioxidant and bioactive compound found in essential oils.
- Essential Oils: Contribute to its aromatic and therapeutic properties.
- Bioactive Compounds: Support immune function, [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), and skin rejuvenation.

## Dosage & Preparation

- Common Forms: Fresh fruit, juice, or as a culinary ingredient.
- Culinary Use: Consumed fresh, in juices, salsas, or as a garnish for dishes and beverages.
- Functional Use: Consume 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice daily, or add to drinks, salads, and savory dishes.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

The provided research does not contain specific information regarding the safety profile, potential side effects, drug interactions, or contraindications of Colombian Lime Fruit. Information regarding its use during pregnancy or lactation is also not detailed in the provided text. As a food item, it is generally considered safe, but concentrated extracts or specific bioactive compounds may warrant further safety evaluation.

## Scientific Research

Scientific studies on Citrus aurantiifolia (lime) highlight its immune-boosting, [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)-promoting, and skin-rejuvenating properties, primarily attributing these to its high Vitamin C and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) content. Research includes in vitro and some human observational studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Colombian Lime Fruit has been a key ingredient in Colombian culture for centuries, valued for its zesty flavor and health benefits. It is traditionally used for boosting [immunity](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), promoting [skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), and aiding [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) within local culinary and traditional remedies.

## Synergistic Combinations

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

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What defines Colombian Lime Fruit, and what are its key characteristics?

Colombian Lime Fruit typically refers to the Tahiti lime (Citrus latifolia), a seedless variety common in Colombia's Andean regions. It is characterized by high juice content, notable titratable acidity, significant ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), and soluble solids. While related to Citrus aurantifolia, it is often specifically the latifolia variety grown in Colombia.

### What are the primary bioactive compounds found in Colombian Lime Fruit?

The key bioactive compounds identified in Colombian Lime Fruit include a range of flavonoids, such as rutin, neohesperidin, hesperidin, and hesperetin. Additionally, it contains various limonoids, including limonexic acid, isolimonexic acid, and limonin, which contribute to its potential health benefits.

### How does Colombian Lime Fruit contribute to immune function and skin health?

Colombian Lime Fruit supports immune function primarily due to its high Vitamin C content, which is crucial for cellular defense and overall immune response. This abundant Vitamin C also plays a significant role in boosting skin health and collagen production, contributing to skin rejuvenation and elasticity.

### What specific anti-cancer mechanisms have been observed for compounds in Colombian Lime Fruit?

Compounds in Colombian Lime Fruit, specifically flavonoids and limonoids, have been shown to induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells (e.g., Panc-28). This occurs through upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax, p53, caspase-3, and p21, and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2, Cox-2, NF-κB, and IL-6. This process also involves reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and enhanced caspase-3 cleavage.

### What type of scientific evidence supports the health benefits of Colombian Lime Fruit?

Scientific evidence for Colombian Lime Fruit includes in vitro studies that have explored its immune-boosting, digestive, and skin-rejuvenating properties, attributing these to its Vitamin C and antioxidant content. Research also involves in vitro studies on cancer cell lines, demonstrating specific molecular mechanisms of its bioactive compounds. Some human observational studies have been conducted, but more extensive clinical trials are needed.

### What is the recommended daily intake of Colombian Lime Fruit extract or supplement?

Most supplement formulations containing Colombian Lime Fruit recommend 500–1500 mg daily, typically divided into one or two doses with meals to enhance absorption. However, optimal dosage can vary based on the extract concentration and individual health goals, so consulting a healthcare provider is advisable for personalized recommendations. Whole fruit consumption has no established upper limit, though typical intake is 1–2 limes per day as part of a balanced diet.

### Is Colombian Lime Fruit safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Whole Colombian Lime Fruit in normal dietary amounts is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its nutrient density and long history of culinary use. However, concentrated supplements or extracts should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use, as individual circumstances and potential interactions with prenatal vitamins may warrant caution. The high Vitamin C content supports fetal development, but excessive supplementation beyond dietary amounts is not recommended without medical guidance.

### Does Colombian Lime Fruit interact with common medications like blood thinners or blood pressure medications?

Colombian Lime Fruit is not known to have significant direct interactions with most common medications, though its high Vitamin C content may theoretically affect the absorption of certain drugs when consumed in very large supplemental amounts. Individuals taking blood thinners (such as warfarin) should maintain consistent Vitamin K intake from all sources including citrus fruits, though Colombian Lime Fruit is relatively low in Vitamin K. It is always prudent to inform your healthcare provider about supplement use to identify any potential interactions specific to your medication regimen.

## References

Research links: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/all/?term=Colombian+Lime+Fruit; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/search?query=Colombian+Lime+Fruit | Studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Colombian+Lime+Fruit

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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