Citrus compound d-limonene put to the test against radiation-induced dry mouth
NCT ID NCT04392622
First seen Jul 28, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 1 trial tests whether d-limonene, a compound found in citrus peel, can safely prevent severe dry mouth (xerostomia) in people with head and neck cancer undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Participants take d-limonene capsules daily during their standard cancer treatment. The study primarily looks at safety and tolerability, checking for side effects that could delay radiation or require dose reductions.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a dietary supplement called d-limonene, a compound found in citrus peel
- What this could lead to
- If safe and effective, d-limonene could offer a simple, low-cost way to prevent severe dry mouth in people undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early phase 1 trial with only 40 participants, focused on safety. It is too small to prove whether d-limonene actually prevents dry mouth, and side effects like diarrhea or abdominal pain are possible.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Stanford University
RECRUITINGStanford, California, 94305, United States
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