Lemon juice may help beat Aids, say scientists

Lemon juice could be the key to beating Aids, researchers have discovered.

Scientists from Melbourne University have found that a solution of lemon or lime juice can kill the HIV virus in women.

They hope the breakthrough could lead to a low-cost protection against Aids for thirdworld countries.

"Provided that clinical trials confirm that intravaginal lemon juice is acceptable, safe and effective, it could prove to be nature's own microbiocide," Professor Roger Short told the International Aids Conference in Bangkok.

In laboratory tests, Professor Short found a 10 per cent solution of lemon juice reduced HIV replication by two-thirds, and a 20 per cent solution destroyed up to 90 per cent of the virus.

However, other scientists warned that the breakthrough was still unproven.

Dr Richard Hillman of Sydney University, a virus expert, said: "Putting something fairly acidic in that area can cause quite a bit of irritation.

"That theoretically can enhance the rate at which HIV is transmitted, so it's a delicate balance."