It’s a new formula.
A new formula developed by researchers from the University of South Australia and Stanford University may offer cancer patients relief from dry mouth, a common and distressing side effect of radiation therapy. This innovative formula combines limonene, a citrus oil derived from lemons, limes, and oranges, with lipids, or healthy fats, which help the body absorb the oil more effectively and reduce symptoms like dry mouth and stomach discomfort.
In laboratory tests, the new formulation was found to be 180 times more soluble than pure limonene. Early trials showed an increase in absorption by more than 4,000%, making it significantly more effective. Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, affects up to 70% of radiation therapy patients, particularly those treated for head and neck cancers. It can make activities like speaking and swallowing painful and negatively impact overall quality of life.
Professor Leah Wright, a chemical engineering expert at The University of Adelaide, explained that dry mouth is a common issue for cancer patients undergoing radiation, often leading to difficulties in swallowing and even more serious health complications. While limonene is known for stimulating saliva production, previous formulations required high doses that led to side effects such as indigestion and “citrus burps.”
Clive Prestidge, the lead author and head of the Nanostructure and Drug Delivery research group at the University of South Australia, noted that while limonene is widely used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mood-boosting properties, its volatility and poor solubility have hindered its development as an oral treatment. The new limonene-lipid formulation addresses these issues, offering a promising solution to dry mouth that could provide cancer patients with lasting relief, improved oral health, and a better quality of life during their treatment.
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