# Persian Lime (Citrus × latifolia)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/persian-lime
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Citrus × latifolia, Tahiti lime, Bearss lime, seedless lime, Mexican lime, large lime

## Overview

Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia) peel extracts contain bioactive compounds that demonstrate [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity superior to ampicillin against certain bacterial strains in laboratory studies. The ethanolic peel extracts show potent [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through H2O2 radical scavenging mechanisms comparable to vitamin C.

## Health Benefits

• Antimicrobial activity: In vitro studies show peel extracts create clearer zones of inhibition than ampicillin against certain bacterial strains (preliminary evidence only)
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties: H2O2 radical scavenging activity comparable to vitamin C, with ethanolic peel extract containing 0.297 µg GAE/mg phenolics (in vitro evidence)
• Antifungal effects: Peel extracts demonstrated activity against Aspergillus flavus in laboratory studies (preliminary evidence)
• [Skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) support: Contains citric acid traditionally used for exfoliation, though clinical validation lacking (traditional use only)
• Potential [immune support](/ingredients/condition/immune-support): Rich in vitamin C content as traditional antiscorbutic agent (no clinical trials conducted)

## Mechanism of Action

Persian lime peel extracts exert [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects by disrupting bacterial cell walls and membranes, creating zones of inhibition larger than those produced by ampicillin. The antioxidant activity occurs through direct H2O2 radical scavenging, with ethanolic extracts neutralizing [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through phenolic compound donation of hydrogen atoms or electrons to stabilize free radicals.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence is limited to preliminary in vitro studies examining Persian lime peel extracts. Laboratory [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) testing shows peel extracts create clearer zones of bacterial inhibition compared to ampicillin against specific bacterial strains, though exact concentrations and bacterial species are not fully characterized. [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) studies demonstrate H2O2 radical scavenging activity equivalent to vitamin C using ethanolic peel extracts. No human clinical trials or standardized dosing studies have been conducted to establish safety or efficacy.

## Nutritional Profile

Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia) per 100g fresh juice/flesh: Calories ~30 kcal, Water ~88-90g, Carbohydrates ~10.5g (sugars ~1.7g, notably lower than key limes), Dietary fiber ~2.8g (peel contributes significantly more ~10-11g), Protein ~0.7g, Fat ~0.2g. Key micronutrients: Vitamin C ~29-35mg (32-39% DV; slightly lower than key lime due to thicker albedo dilution effect), Folate ~8µg, Potassium ~102mg, Calcium ~33mg, Magnesium ~6mg, Phosphorus ~18mg, Iron ~0.6mg. Bioactive compounds: Flavonoids including hesperidin (~40-60mg/100g peel dry weight), naringenin, and eriocitrin; limonoids including limonin and nomilin concentrated in seeds and peel (0.5-1.2mg/g dry peel); d-limonene as primary volatile (~50-70% of essential oil by GC analysis); hydroxycinnamic acids including ferulic and caffeic acid; peel ethanolic extract contains 0.297µg GAE/mg total phenolics as documented. Citric acid content ~48g/L juice (primary organic acid, higher than lemon in some cultivars). Bioavailability notes: Vitamin C bioavailability is high (~80%) from juice form; flavonoid glycosides require [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) deglycosylation for absorption, estimated 20-50% bioavailability; limonoids show good oral bioavailability in animal models but human data limited; fiber fraction largely insoluble in pulp, soluble pectin fractions concentrated in peel albedo.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges exist as human trials are absent. In vitro studies used peel extract concentrations of 10-100 µg/mL for [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Persian lime peel extracts as supplements is lacking due to absence of human studies. Citrus compounds may interact with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. Individuals with citrus allergies should avoid Persian lime supplements. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established, so use should be avoided during these periods without medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specific to Persian lime have been conducted. Research is limited to in vitro studies on [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties of peel extracts, with no PMIDs available from the current literature search.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Persian lime falls under broader citrus traditional uses in medicinal systems, valued for vitamin C as an antiscorbutic and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Peel has been traditionally used for skin diseases due to citric acid's exfoliating properties, though specific historical systems or duration of use for C. latifolia are not documented.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Citrus bioflavonoids, Key lime extract, Lemon peel extract, Hesperidin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What compounds in Persian lime provide antimicrobial benefits?

Persian lime peel contains bioactive compounds that create antimicrobial zones of inhibition superior to ampicillin in laboratory studies. However, the specific compounds responsible for this activity have not been fully identified or isolated in current research.

### How strong is Persian lime's antioxidant activity compared to vitamin C?

Persian lime ethanolic peel extracts demonstrate H2O2 radical scavenging activity comparable to vitamin C in laboratory testing. This suggests significant antioxidant potential, though human bioavailability and effectiveness remain unstudied.

### Are there any Persian lime supplement dosage recommendations?

No standardized dosage recommendations exist for Persian lime supplements since human clinical trials have not been conducted. Current evidence comes only from preliminary laboratory studies using various extract concentrations.

### Can Persian lime supplements interact with medications?

Persian lime may interact with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4, similar to other citrus compounds. Individuals taking prescription medications should consult healthcare providers before using Persian lime supplements.

### Is Persian lime safe during pregnancy?

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established through clinical studies. Due to lack of safety data, Persian lime supplements should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding without medical supervision.

### What is the difference between Persian lime peel extract and juice for health benefits?

Persian lime peel contains significantly higher concentrations of phenolic compounds and antioxidants (0.297 µg GAE/mg) compared to the juice alone, making peel extracts the primary source studied for antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Most clinical research demonstrating antimicrobial benefits against bacterial strains has focused on peel extracts rather than fresh juice, though both contain vitamin C and limonoids. If considering supplementation, peel-based extracts are likely to provide more potent bioactive compounds than consuming the juice.

### Can I get the same antimicrobial benefits from eating whole Persian limes as from supplements?

Whole Persian lime consumption provides vitamin C, fiber, and some phenolic compounds, but the concentrations may be lower than standardized supplement extracts designed to maximize antimicrobial activity. Research demonstrating antimicrobial effects comparable to ampicillin used concentrated peel extracts under laboratory conditions, which differ from the amounts present in typical dietary consumption. Supplements allow for consistent dosing of bioactive compounds, though evidence from human clinical trials remains limited compared to in vitro studies.

### What populations would benefit most from Persian lime supplementation?

Individuals seeking natural antimicrobial and antioxidant support, particularly those interested in complementary approaches to immune health, may benefit from Persian lime supplementation based on in vitro evidence. However, robust clinical trials in specific populations are lacking, so recommendations cannot yet target particular age groups or health conditions with certainty. Those already consuming adequate citrus fruits through diet may have minimal additional benefit from supplementation.

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