Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - Saturday 10 August, 2002
According to the reports, placing thin slices of lime, or cotton soaked in lime juice, into the vagina had been found to kill sperm.
However, Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan said the results of the research had yet to be confirmed.
Lab tests had proved that lime juice with an acidity level of 2 could prevent the movement of sperm, as well as the HIV virus, for less than a minute, said Siriporn Kanchana, Health Department deputy director-general.
Even so, it was unlikely lime juice would be able to maintain an acidity level of 2 in the vagina, where it would become diluted with other fluids, she said.
Ms Sudarat urged the public to stick to reliable birth-control methods, especially condoms, which also reduced the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Meanwhile, Dr Thaweesap Siraprapasiri of the Communicable Disease Control Department said reports of the Australian research had caused confusion among Thais, many of whom believed lime juice could now be used to treat HIV.
Studies conducted about 20 years ago had disproved this theory, he said.
"The reports have created much confusion and could prompt HIV sufferers to shift away from condoms," he said.
"If we thought lime could prevent Aids, we would have already conducted research into it."
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