Limonin is a
limonoid, and a bitter, white, crystalline substance found in
citrus
''Citrus'' is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the family Rutaceae. Plants in the genus produce citrus fruits, including important crops such as oranges, mandarins, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, and limes.
''Citrus'' is nativ ...
and other plants. It is also known as limonoate D-ring-lactone and limonoic acid di-delta-lactone. Chemically, it is a member of the class of compounds known as
furanolactones.
Sources
Limonin is enriched in citrus fruits and is often found at higher concentrations in seeds, for example
orange and
lemon
The lemon (''Citrus'' × ''limon'') is a species of small evergreen tree in the ''Citrus'' genus of the flowering plant family Rutaceae. A true lemon is a hybrid of the citron and the bitter orange. Its origins are uncertain, but some ...
seeds.
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Presence in citrus products
Limonin and other limonoid compounds contribute to the bitter taste of some citrus food products. Researchers have proposed removal of limonoids from orange juice
Orange juice is a liquid extract of the orange (fruit), orange tree fruit, produced by squeezing or reaming oranges. It comes in several different varieties, including blood orange, navel oranges, valencia orange, clementine, and tangerine. As ...
and other products (known as "debittering") through the use of polymeric films.
Research
Limonin is under basic research
Basic research, also called pure research, fundamental research, basic science, or pure science, is a type of scientific research with the aim of improving scientific theories for better understanding and prediction of natural or other phenome ...
to assess its possible biological properties.
References
{{Reflist
External links
"Citrus Compound: ready to help your body!"
(Agricultural Research Service, USDA)
Epoxides
3-Furyl compounds
Delta-lactones
Terpenes and terpenoids