The Vitamin B of Lemon Rind

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Abstract
A group of 8 albino rats received a diet adequate in every factor except vitamin B. The only source of vitamin B was a 90% alcoholic extract of lemon rind which, fed at the rate of 0.5 cc. per head per day, was equivalent to 0.25 gm. of the rind. The lemon extract was made from the outer rind (the flavedo) of fresh Palermo lemons; the directions of the B.P. (1914) for Cortex Limonis were followed. Thus any findings on the extract could be applied to B.P. preparations in which lemon rind is used. Since vitamin C is not essential in the normal diet of the rat, its possible presence in the extract is of no consequence. Nearly normal growth resulted in the experimental group and there were no deaths during the 10 weeks of experiment. The animals exhibited all the characteristics of normally nourished rats. Moreover, the supply of vitamin B proved adequate for reproduction though not for successful rearing. Autopsies revealed normal animals. Spermatozoa were recognized. Osborne and Mendel''s tests were on 5 gm. amounts of orange, 20 times the quantity of lemon flavedo here found to be effective as a source of vitamin B; in the preparation of the albedo it is likely to be contaminated with oil from the flavedo. It is evident, therefore, that vitamin B is present in appreciable amounts in the outer rind of the fresh lemon.[long dash]S. G. Willimott.

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