A spotlight on lime: a review about adverse reactions and clinical manifestations due to Citrus aurantiifolia

Abstract

Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) is a plant belonging to the family of Rutaceae and to the genus Citrus. The fruit is widely used in the United States, Mexico, Southeast Asia, Latin America, but is increasingly widespread all over the world. It is used as a fresh fruit, in the preparation of foods, sweets and drinks and its oils are used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. The main adverse reactions to lime seem to be represented by contact dermatitis, allergic and phototoxic type. In the context of allergic forms, several allergens have been identified in the citrus family, the main one being limonene, but no noteworthy cross-reactivity has been identified. However, a case of fruit protein contact dermatitis has been described, showing sensitization to other fruits, such as kiwi, avocado, pineapple and apple. There are several molecules responsible for phototoxic reactions and mainly belonging to the coumarin and furocoumarins families. Reactions related to ingesting the fruit or inhaling pollen from the tree appear to be rare, as there are no known cases reported in the literature. The increasing diffusion of lime in Europe must pay attention to possible adverse reactions due to contact with this fruit, which seem destined to increase in future years. Further importance must be placed on patch tests and on the possibility of using alternative extracts to classic fragrance mixes.