Efficacy of Fresh Lime for Smoking Cessation
Suthat Rungruanghiranya MD, FCCP*, Chatchai Ekpanyaskul MD, MSc**, Chanin Sakulisariyaporn MD***, Prapada Watcharanat RN****, Kunyanit Akkalakulawas RN***
Affiliation : * Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand ** Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand *** Department of Psychiatry, Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot University, Nondhaburi, Thailand **** HRH Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
Objective : To determine the efficacy of fresh lime as a smoking cessation aid compared with nicotine gum.
Material and Method: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted between March 2009 and September 2009. Only
regular smokers aged 18 or older who were willing to quit were randomized to receive either fresh lime (n = 47) or nicotine
gum (n = 53). Smokers were excluded if they were using other smoking cessation aids, allergic to citrus, or had dental
problems. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO)-confirmed continuous abstinence rate (CAR) during week 9-12 was measured as
the primary outcomes. To grade the severity of craving, a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) was used.
Results : There was no significant difference in CO-confirmed CAR between the fresh lime group and the nicotine gum group
during weeks 9-12 (61.7% vs. 66.0%; p = 0.65), although 7-day point prevalence abstinence at week 4 of the fresh lime users
was statistically significant lower than those using nicotine gum (38.3% vs. 58.5%; p = 0.04). Cravings did not differ
significantly between the groups, although fresh lime users tend to report more cravings intensity.
Conclusion : Fresh lime can be used effectively as a smoking cessation aid, although not as good as nicotine gum in reducing
cravings.
Keywords : Fresh lime, Smoking cessation, Nicotine gum, Cravings
