Lemon juice is a HIV-killing spermicide

Laboratory tests show that lemon juice is a potent destroyer of both HIV and sperm, Australian researchers say.

A solution of 10 per cent lemon juice produced a 1000-fold reduction in HIV activity in a lab sample. And half a teaspoon of the juice wiped out two teaspoons of sperm in 30 seconds. The high acidity of the juice is responsible for killing HIV and sperm. Thus lemon juice could be ideal for women without easy access to safe barrier contraceptives, such as condoms, says the team at Melbourne University, led by Roger Short.

The great advantage of lemon or lime juice as an anti-viral contraceptive is that the fruit can be grown very cheaply in the developing world, says Short. Women might use the juice by inserting a soaked piece of sponge or cotton wool before intercourse, he says. 

Women researchers in Short’s lab said using the juice caused no pain. In fact, this method of contraception was widespread in the Mediterranean before the advent of modern methods.

But experts in anti-AIDS medications warn that the safety of using the juice internally and its efficacy in people are as yet unknown.