Is lemon good for hemorrhoids?

Name: Is lemon good for hemorrhoids?
Published: 2026-10-05

In adults with symptomatic hemorrhoids, does drinking lemon juice or lemon water, or using lemon topically, reduce symptoms such as pain, itching, or bleeding, or shrink hemorrhoids, compared with no treatment or usual care?

Compiled 2026-10-05 · checked 2026-10-05 · next 2026-11-05 · automated review, how it works

Bottom line

No study has tested whether lemon helps hemorrhoids.

The related research found tests purified flavonoid drugs (like diosmin and hesperidin, which are extracted and concentrated from citrus fruits) in people who already had hemorrhoids or had hemorrhoid surgery — not lemon juice, lemon water, or lemon applied to the skin. None of the 5 randomized trials or 25 total studies gave anyone plain lemon, so this evidence cannot say whether lemon itself affects pain, bleeding, or hemorrhoid size.

How certain

Very low

The 10 human studies found measure a related question rather than this one, so they can only be read indirectly.

What it shows

Not studied

No study has measured this outcome in people with this condition.

studies found: 25studies found
randomised trials: 5randomised trials
people studied: 2,659people studied
reviews of trials: 4reviews of trials
years covered: 1997–2024years covered

What the research shows

Symptom score (pain, itching, bleeding combined)
No study measured a symptom score after giving people lemon. Trials measuring symptom scores used purified flavonoid drugs, not lemon.[1,2]
Not studied
Rectal bleeding frequency or severity
Bleeding was tracked in trials of flavonoid drugs, with some showing less bleeding, but none of these treatments was lemon itself.[1,2,3,4]
Not studied
Hemorrhoid size or grade on exam
One trial measured hemorrhoid size after a flavonoid drug, not lemon. No study has examined whether lemon shrinks hemorrhoids.[1]
Not studied
Time to symptom resolution
One flavonoid drug trial reported improvement after 12 days of treatment, but that treatment was not lemon.[1]
Not studied
Need for further medical or surgical treatment
No study in this search reported whether using lemon changed the chance of needing further treatment.
Not studied
Recurrence of symptoms at 3-12 months
No study followed people for 3 to 12 months after using lemon, or after any citrus-based treatment, to check for symptoms coming back.
Not studied

Important limitations

Every human trial here tested a purified, concentrated flavonoid drug (such as diosmin or hesperidin) rather than whole lemon, lemon juice, or lemon water, so the results don't describe what eating or applying lemon would do.[1,2,3,4,5,6]
Several of the 25 studies are animal experiments, lab dish experiments, or computer simulations, not tests in people with hemorrhoids at all.[1,2,3,4,5]
These review articles do not provide direct evidence on lemon: some only list traditional folk uses of other, unrelated plants (such as Sophora japonica, Gmelina arborea, Polygonum, and Rusci aculeati) without hemorrhoid-specific trial data, while others discuss clinical or laboratory research on purified pharmaceutical flavonoid extracts (such as diosmin or MPFF) derived from citrus fruit generally, not lemon itself.[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]
The largest and most relevant trials studied people recovering from hemorrhoid surgery, which is a very different situation from someone trying lemon at home for everyday hemorrhoid symptoms.[1,2,3]

Why people try it

Lemon is cheap, already in most kitchens, and feels like a 'natural' first thing to try before seeing a doctor.
Citrus fruits contain flavonoid compounds, and purified flavonoid drugs are sometimes used for hemorrhoids, so people assume eating or applying lemon has the same effect.
Lemon and vitamin C are often described online as being 'good for veins,' and that idea gets carried over to hemorrhoids.
Lemon juice feels astringent, or tightening, on the skin, which some people mistake for a sign that it is working.

What the studies found

Found a benefit13 · 52%
Found no clear effect1 · 4%
Mixed or unclear10 · 40%
Found possible harm1 · 4%

What kind of studies

Narrative review10 · 40%
Randomised trial5 · 20%
Laboratory study3 · 12%
Animal study2 · 8%
Meta-analysis2 · 8%
Systematic review2 · 8%
Case series1 · 4%

The studies that decided it

Pitesa et al. 2024
Flavonoids and post haemorrhoidectomy recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Less pain, less bleeding after surgery.Meta-analysisModerate qualityRelated question
775 people2024
significant decrease in post-operative pain and bleeding with flavonoids
Who was studied
patients having surgery to remove haemorrhoids
What they received
flavonoids given after haemorrhoid surgery
Compared with
not flavonoids
Main outcome
pain after surgery
Quality
It pools multiple randomized trials, but it studies flavonoid supplements after haemorrhoid surgery, not lemon or hemorrhoid treatment itself.
Limitations
Abstract does not specify flavonoid source, dose, or route; notes further research needed to standardize regimes and explore topical administration.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n Ten articles with 775 patients were included.
- population following excisional haemorrhoidectomy
- intervention the potential of flavonoids in alleviating the postoperative symptom burden
- comparator in favour of the flavonoid groups
- primaryOutcome The primary outcome investigated was post-operative pain.
- result statistically significant decreases in post-operative pain in favour of the flavonoid groups (Standardized Mean Difference -0.66 [95% confidence intervals (CI) -0.82, -0.52]; P < 0.00001), and bleeding (Odds Ratio 0.13 [95% CI 0.09, 0.19]; P < 0.00001).
ANZ J Surg · PMID 38847122 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Rabelo et al. 2021
Benefits of flavonoid and metronidazole use after excisional hemorrhoidectomy: a randomized double-blind clinical trial
Less pain, bleeding after hemorrhoid surgeryRandomised trialModerate qualityRelated question
68 people30 days
less severe pain and less bleeding in groups given flavonoids
Who was studied
patients who had surgery to remove hemorrhoids
What they received
flavonoid supplement and/or metronidazole antibiotic after surgery
Compared with
placebo
Main outcome
pain, bleeding, swelling, itching and straining after surgery
Quality
it was a well-designed double-blind randomized trial but very small, with only 17 patients per group.
Limitations
small group sizes (17 per group) and studies a different intervention (flavonoid supplement plus antibiotic) and population (post-surgical patients) than plain lemon use for hemorrhoids
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n Sixty-eight patients underwent excisional hemorrhoidectomy and were randomized into 4 groups of 17 patients each
- population patients undergoing excisional hemorrhoidectomy
- intervention receive double-placebo (G1), metronidazole plus placebo (G2), flavonoids plus placebo (G3) or metronidazole plus flavonoids (G4) in the postoperative period
- comparator double-placebo (G1)
- primaryOutcome Postoperative pain, bleeding, edema, pruritus and tenesmus were evaluated
- result There was less severe pain in all postoperative periods in the groups using flavonoids (G3 and G4, both p < 0.0001)
- result Flavonoid use was also associated with decreased bleeding (G3, p = 0.031 and G4, p = 0.016) between the first and second postoperative weeks
Tech Coloproctol · PMID 34057643 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Changazi et al. 2020
Calcium Dobesilate Versus Flavonoids for the Treatment of Early Hemorrhoidal Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Flavonoids helped more than calcium dobesilate.Randomised trialLow qualityRelated question
size not givenfour week
flavonoids reduced bleeding and hemorrhoid size in more patients than calcium dobesilate did
Who was studied
adults with early (grade I or II) hemorrhoids
What they received
flavonoid therapy
Compared with
calcium dobesilate treatment
Main outcome
change in bleeding frequency/amount and hemorrhoid size after treatment
Quality
The study does not report the total number of participants, uses only a four-week follow-up, and gives no detail on randomization or blinding, so it's hard to trust the size of the effect.
Limitations
No total sample size reported, short follow-up period, and no mention of blinding or randomization method.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Patients having grade I and grade II hemorrhoidal disease were recruited in the study.
- intervention One group received flavonoid therapy
- comparator the other group took calcium dobesilate treatment for three weeks
- primaryOutcome The symptoms and size of hemorrhoids were then assessed at the fourth week.
- result 80.8% of patients showed a decrease in frequency and amount of bleeding after being treated by flavonoids, whereas 67.3% showed a decrease in frequency and amount of bleeding after administration of calcium dobesilate.
- followUp assessed at the fourth week
Cureus · PMID 32953352 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Corsale et al. 2018
Flavonoid mixture (diosmin, troxerutin, rutin, hesperidin, quercetin) in the treatment of I-III degree hemorroidal disease: a double-blind multicenter prospective comparative study
No difference between flavonoid mixturesRandomised trialModerate qualityRelated question
154 people6 months
bleeding improved similarly in both groups with no significant difference, though satisfaction was higher with the study mixture
Who was studied
patients with grade I-III hemorrhoidal disease
What they received
flavonoid mixture of diosmin, troxerutin, rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin
Compared with
a different flavonoid mixture (diosmin, hesperidin, diosmetin, isoroifolin, linarin in micronized fraction)
Main outcome
bleeding from hemorrhoidal disease
Quality
it was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial but compared two active flavonoid products rather than a placebo, and is not a direct test of lemon.
Limitations
the abstract does not mention lemon as an ingredient or comparator, and the trial compares two flavonoid supplement mixtures rather than lemon itself
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n One hundred fifty-four consecutive patients with hemorrhoidal disease recruited in four colorectal units were enrolled to the study.
- population patients with hemorrhoidal disease
- intervention the mixture of diosmin, troxerutin, rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin (study group, SG)
- comparator a mixture of diosmin in combination with hesperidin, diosmetin, isoroifolin, and linarin in purified micronized fraction (control group, CG)
- primaryOutcome We evaluated the efficacy of new flavonoids mixture (diosmin, troxerutin, rutin, hesperidin, quercetin) to reduce bleeding from I-III degrees hemorrhoidal disease
- result bleeding improved after 1 and 6 months both in the SG (79.5 and 70.5%) and in the CG (80.2 and 75%) without significant differences between two groups
- result Satisfaction degree after 6 months was greater in the patients of the SG (4.05) towards the CG (3.25): this result was statistical significant (p 0.003)
Int J Colorectal Dis · PMID 29934701 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Giannini et al. 2015
Flavonoids mixture (diosmin, troxerutin, hesperidin) in the treatment of acute hemorrhoidal disease: a prospective, randomized, triple-blind, controlled trial
Flavonoid pills eased hemorrhoid symptoms, not lemonRandomised trialModerate qualityRelated question
134 people12 days
Pain, bleeding and the proportion of patients who reported persistence of edema and thrombosis decreased significantly after 12 days of treatment in group A
Who was studied
patients with an acute hemorrhoidal crisis
What they received
a mixture of diosmin, troxerutin and hesperidin (flavonoids)
Compared with
placebo
Main outcome
pain, bleeding, edema, prolapse and thrombosis symptoms of acute hemorrhoidal disease
Quality
It is a randomized, triple-blind, multicenter trial, but it tests a specific flavonoid drug mixture rather than lemon itself, so it only indirectly relates to the question.
Limitations
The abstract does not mention lemon or citrus fruit at all; it studies a pharmaceutical flavonoid blend, which is a different intervention.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n One hundred and thirty-four consecutive patients with an acute hemorrhoidal crisis recruited in five colorectal units entered the study.
- population patients with an acute hemorrhoidal crisis
- intervention a mixture of diosmin, troxerutin and hesperidin (group A)
- comparator 68 a placebo (group B)
- primaryOutcome The main symptoms, the use of oral painkillers and the Bristol scale score were recorded at each scheduled visit
- result Pain, bleeding and the proportion of patients who reported persistence of edema and thrombosis decreased significantly after 12 days of treatment in group A.
Tech Coloproctol · PMID 25893991 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Alonso-Coello et al. 2006
Meta-analysis of flavonoids for the treatment of haemorrhoids
Flavonoid supplements eased hemorrhoid symptoms, not lemon itself.Meta-analysisLow qualityRelated question
1,514 people2006
flavonoids reduced the risk of symptoms not improving by 58%, and reduced bleeding, pain, itching and recurrence
Who was studied
people with symptomatic hemorrhoids
What they received
flavonoids (plant-derived compounds, not lemon specifically)
Compared with
placebo or no treatment
Main outcome
symptoms not improving or persisting
Quality
The studies pooled were only moderate quality, showed inconsistent results, and there was a real chance that negative studies were never published.
Limitations
Limitations in methodological quality, heterogeneity and potential publication bias raise questions about the apparent beneficial effects of flavonoids
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n Fourteen eligible trials randomized 1514 patients.
- population patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids
- intervention any type of flavonoid
- comparator placebo or no therapy
- primaryOutcome flavonoids decrease the risk of not improving or persisting symptoms
- result flavonoids decrease the risk of not improving or persisting symptoms by 58 per cent (relative risk (RR) 0.42 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.28 to 0.61)) and showed an apparent reduction in the risk of bleeding (RR 0.33 (95 per cent c.i. 0.19 to 0.57)), persistent pain (RR 0.35 (95 per cent c.i. 0.18 to 0.69)), itching (RR 0.65 (95 per cent c.i. 0.44 to 0.97)) and recurrence (RR 0.53 (95 per cent c.i. 0.41 to 0.69))
- limitations Limitations in methodological quality, heterogeneity and potential publication bias raise questions about the apparent beneficial effects of flavonoids in the treatment of haemorrhoids.
Br J Surg · PMID 16736537 · Read it on PubMed ↗

What actually helps, on this site

More about the condition:

Hemorrhoids

All 25 studiesEvery study that answered the question, with its design, size and result.

The other 19 studiesEverything else the search returned, including anything retracted.

Kusumo et al. 2024
Synergistic therapeutic approach for hemorrhoids: integrating mesenchymal stem cells with diosmin-hesperidin to target tissue edema and inflammation
Reduced inflammation in mice, not about lemonAnimal studyVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2024
treatment significantly reduced tissue edema, inflammation, TNF-α expression, and MMP-9 activity, and increased TGF-β expression and collagen type I/III ratio
Who was studied
mice with hemorrhoids induced by croton oil
What they received
mesenchymal stem cells alone or combined with diosmin-hesperidin (MPFF)
Main outcome
tissue swelling, inflammation, and molecular markers (TNF-α, TGF-β, collagen ratio, MMP-9 activity)
Quality
This was an animal study using stem cells and a flavonoid drug combination, not lemon, so it offers no direct evidence about lemon for hemorrhoids.
Limitations
Animal model only, no human data, and the study tested stem cells and a pharmaceutical flavonoid fraction rather than lemon or citrus fruit.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Croton oil-induced hemorrhoid mouse models were established to assess tissue edema, inflammation
- intervention The effects of MSCs and their combination with MPFF (diosmin-hesperidin) were evaluated
- primaryOutcome tissue edema, inflammation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) expression, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression, collagen ratio, and MMP-9 activity
- result Treatment with MSCs alone or in combination with MPFF significantly reduced tissue edema, inflammation, TNF-α expression, and MMP-9 activity.
- result Additionally, MSCs increased TGF-β expression, and collagen type I/III ratio, and accelerated wound healing by resolving inflammation.
Arch Med Sci · PMID 39649264 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Rahman et al. 2024
Diosmin: A promising phytochemical for functional foods, nutraceuticals and cancer therapy
Possible help for hemorrhoid symptomsNarrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2024
general efficacy in managing hemorrhoids, attributed to anti-inflammatory effects, based on limited research
Who was studied
people with chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids
What they received
diosmin, a flavonoid compound derived from citrus fruits
Main outcome
management of hemorrhoids and venous insufficiency
Quality
This is a general review statement citing unspecified 'limited clinical trials' without any details on design, size, or outcomes, so it carries little evidential weight.
Limitations
The abstract gives no details on the clinical trials it references for hemorrhoids, no numbers, no comparator, and focuses mainly on cancer, not hemorrhoids specifically.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- intervention Diosmin, a potent bioflavonoid derived from citrus fruits
- population managing chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids
- result Extensive research encompassing cellular studies, animal models, and limited clinical trials underscores its efficacy not only against cancer but also in managing chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids, attributing to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- primaryOutcome managing chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids
Food Sci Nutr · PMID 39554345 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Liang et al. 2024
Natural Products with Potential Effects on Hemorrhoids: A Review
No specific lemon findings reported.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2024
the review screens natural products with potential hemorrhoid-improving activity but does not report a specific result for lemon
Who was studied
people with hemorrhoids
What they received
natural products (plant, fungal, algal compounds) for hemorrhoids
Main outcome
potential to improve hemorrhoid symptoms through effects like coagulation regulation, anti-inflammatory and tissue repair activity
Quality
This is a general narrative review summarizing ideas about natural products rather than reporting a specific study result or trial data.
Limitations
Abstract does not mention lemon specifically, provides no trial data, patient numbers, or outcome measures, and is a broad conceptual review rather than original research.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Hemorrhoid disease is a common anorectal disorder affecting populations worldwide
- intervention searching for available natural products to improve hemorrhoids exhibits tremendous potential
- primaryOutcome They have excellent coagulation pathway regulation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and tissue regeneration activities.
- result we screened natural products with potential hemorrhoid improvement activity, including polyphenols and flavonoids, terpenes, polysaccharides, and other types.
Molecules · PMID 38893547 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Idoudi et al. 2024
The genus Polygonum: An updated comprehensive review of its ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and phytopharmaceutical formulation
Not about lemon at all.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2024
Hemorrhoids listed only as one of many traditional uses of Polygonum, with no specific efficacy data given for it
Who was studied
Not a patient study; this is a review of plants in the Polygonum genus
What they received
Polygonum species used in traditional medicine (not lemon)
Main outcome
Overview of traditional uses, chemical compounds, and pharmacological activities of Polygonum species
Quality
This is a narrative review about a completely different plant genus (Polygonum) that only mentions hemorrhoids in passing as a traditional use, with no actual data about lemon or its effects on hemorrhoids.
Limitations
Abstract does not address lemon at all; it discusses Polygonum, an unrelated plant genus, and provides no clinical or experimental data on hemorrhoid treatment efficacy.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Polygonum is a plant genus that includes annual and perennial species and is found at various temperatures, from northern temperate regions to tropical and subtropical areas.
- intervention The genus Polygonum has been used for centuries for various disorders, including hypertension, intestinal and stomach pain, dysuria, jaundice, toothaches, skin allergies, hemorrhoids, cardiac disorders, kidney stones, hemostasis, hyperglycemia, and others.
- primaryOutcome The objective of this review is to give readers a better understanding, greater comprehension, and in-depth knowledge of the genus Polygonum's traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicological features, and galenic formulation.
- result hemorrhoids, cardiac disorders, kidney stones, hemostasis, hyperglycemia, and others
Heliyon · PMID 38638945 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Rao et al. 2024
In Silico Exploration of Potential Phytoconstituents from the Bark Extract of Boswellia serrata for Hemorrhoidal Disease: Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Analysis
Not about lemon; unrelated plant extract studied.Laboratory studyVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2024
Three compounds from the bark extract (camptothecin, justicidin B, and taxiphyllin) scored better than the standard drug in computer binding simulations
Who was studied
No patients studied; this was a laboratory and computer-based study of plant extract compounds
What they received
Chemical compounds extracted from Boswellia serrata tree bark, tested by computer modeling against a hemorrhoid-related protein
Compared with
A standard reference drug compound used for comparison in the computer docking analysis
Main outcome
How strongly plant compounds bind to the COX-2 protein in computer simulations, as a marker of potential anti-hemorrhoid activity
Quality
This is a computer-simulation and lab chemistry study with no patients, no lemon, and no testing in living animals or humans, so it cannot show whether this helps hemorrhoids in people.
Limitations
Purely in-vitro/in-silico (molecular docking and dynamics) study; no animal or human testing was done, and the plant studied was Boswellia serrata, not lemon.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Boswellia serrata Roxb. Ex Colebr is a popular medicinal plant used traditionally in herbal medicinal preparations to treat a variety of diseases.
- intervention the bark extract of B. serrata (BS)
- comparator Three compounds that have passed in drug-likeness and ADME-Tox properties are having more docking score than the standard.
- primaryOutcome The identified phytoconstituent(s) that could potentially interact with the target protein cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (PDB: 4RRW) using molecular dynamics simulation and in silico docking were studied.
- result camptothecin, justicidin B, and taxiphyllin are identified as potential lead compounds with anti-hemorrhoidal properties
Chem Biodivers · PMID 38078787 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Skowrońska et al. 2024
Wound healing potential of extract from Sambucus nigra L. leaves and its fractions
Elderberry extract aided wound healing in cellsLaboratory studyVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2024
the extract supported wound healing and changed inflammatory signaling (TNF-α and interleukins) in cells, with the dichloromethane fraction most active
Who was studied
human skin cells involved in wound healing (fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and neutrophils) studied in the lab
What they received
elderberry (Sambucus nigra) leaf extract and its chemical fractions
Compared with
untreated cells / different fractions of the extract
Main outcome
effect on wound healing and inflammation markers in skin cells
Quality
this is a lab dish study on isolated skin cells, not a human trial, and it does not test lemon or hemorrhoids at all.
Limitations
in vitro cell-based study only; no human participants, no testing on actual hemorrhoid patients, and the substance studied is elderberry leaf extract, not lemon.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population the inflammatory response of cells involved in wound healing (fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and neutrophils)
- intervention 70% (v/v) ethanolic extract and its fractions of different polarities
- primaryOutcome the effect of 70% (v/v) ethanolic extract and its fractions of different polarities on the inflammatory response of cells involved in wound healing
- result The supportive effect of the elderberry leaves extract towards wound healing and modulation of the inflammatory response was demonstrated by induction of the keratinocytes.
- result Examinations of fractionated extract have shown that active principles were mainly contained in dichloromethane fraction.
- comparator Examinations of fractionated extract have shown that active principles were mainly contained in dichloromethane fraction.
J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 37979821 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Hasan et al. 2023
Neuroprotective Potential of Flavonoids in Brain Disorders
No real data on hemorrhoids.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2023
abstract only mentions flavonoids being implicated as therapy for hemorrhoids among other conditions, with no specific data or findings on hemorrhoids presented
What they received
flavonoids (plant compounds, not specifically lemon)
Main outcome
neuroprotection in brain disorders; hemorrhoids only mentioned in passing
Quality
This is a general review about flavonoids and brain health, not hemorrhoids, and gives no actual study data on hemorrhoids.
Limitations
The abstract does not study hemorrhoids directly, does not mention lemon specifically, and provides no data, population, or results related to hemorrhoids.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- intervention flavonoids have been implicated as a therapy source for many diseases and conditions, including inflammation, vasculitis, venous insufficiency, and hemorrhoids
- result flavonoids have been implicated as a therapy source for many diseases and conditions, including inflammation, vasculitis, venous insufficiency, and hemorrhoids
- primaryOutcome This review aims to elucidate those mechanisms and explore the neuroprotective role of flavonoids.
Brain Sci · PMID 37759859 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Dhakal et al. 2023
Investigation of anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties of Parkia javanica bark and fruit extracts in zebrafish
Lab study, not about hemorrhoids directly.Laboratory studyVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2023
Fruit extract showed stronger anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects than bark extract, with lower toxicity
Who was studied
Zebrafish embryos (not human patients or hemorrhoid patients)
What they received
Parkia javanica bark and fruit extracts
Main outcome
Anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects (cell growth and blood vessel formation)
Quality
This is a preliminary lab study in zebrafish embryos, not humans, and does not test hemorrhoids directly.
Limitations
Preliminary animal/lab study only; not tested in humans or for hemorrhoid treatment specifically.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population analyzed for anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties using a battery of assays in zebrafish embryos
- intervention crude extracts of P. javanica fruit and bark were obtained
- primaryOutcome analyzed for anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties using a battery of assays in zebrafish embryos
- result The anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties were more pronounced for the fruit extract compared to the bark extract.
PLoS One · PMID 37478119 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Ortiz-Andrade et al. 2022
Citroflavonoids as Promising Agents for Drug Discovery in Diabetes and Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Experimental Studies
Does not address hemorrhoids directly.Systematic reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2022
studies were too varied in methods and outcomes to draw clear conclusions; more research is needed
Who was studied
animal models used to study diabetes and high blood pressure (not hemorrhoid patients)
What they received
citrus plant compounds called citroflavonoids (mainly naringenin and hesperetin)
Main outcome
effectiveness of citroflavonoids for diabetes and hypertension in animal studies
Quality
this review looked at animal studies for diabetes and blood pressure, not hemorrhoids, and found the evidence too inconsistent to draw conclusions.
Limitations
abstract reports high heterogeneity in outcomes and methodology across the 29 studies analyzed, and states more investigation is needed.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population efficacy of citroflavonoids in diabetes and hypertension in in vivo models
- intervention Naringenin and hesperetin derivates were the most studied citroflavonoids in both experimental models
- primaryOutcome We aimed to systematically search for evidence on the efficacy of citroflavonoids in diabetes and hypertension in in vivo models
- result There was high heterogeneity in both outcomes and methodology.
- result More investigation is still needed to determine its potential for drug design and development.
Molecules · PMID 36432034 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Biswas et al. 2022
A Comprehensive Review of C. capsularis and C. olitorius: A Source of Nutrition, Essential Phytoconstituents and Pharmacological Activities
No evidence on lemon at allNarrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2022
mentions traditional use of the plant for piles among many other conditions, but reports no study data on lemon or hemorrhoids
Who was studied
not a patient study; this is a review of Corchorus capsularis and olitorius plants
What they received
Corchorus plant compounds (leaves, stem, seed, root), not lemon
Main outcome
general pharmacological properties (antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, etc.)
Quality
this is a general narrative review of an unrelated plant's phytochemistry and does not test lemon or hemorrhoids with any clinical data
Limitations
abstract does not describe lemon at all; it only lists traditional folk uses of a different plant including piles, with no clinical evidence presented
Taken word for word from the abstract
- intervention C. capsularis and C. olitorius have broad applications ranging from textile to biocomposite
- population This review systematically summarized and emphasized the nutritional attributes, mostly available bioactive compounds, and biological and potential pharmaceutical properties of C. capsularis and C. olitorius
- result young leaves and shoots are used as healthy vegetables and have long been used as traditional remedies for fever, ascites, algesia, liver disorders, piles, and tumors in many cultures
- primaryOutcome antitumor, anticancer, antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antiviral, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic and antiobesity, and cardiovascular properties
Antioxidants (Basel) · PMID 35883849 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Lohsiriwat et al. 2022
Strategies to Reduce Post-Hemorrhoidectomy Pain: A Systematic Review
Studied other treatments, not lemon.Systematic reviewLow qualityRelated question
size not given2022
Several anesthesia methods, surgical techniques, and topical or oral treatments reduced pain after hemorrhoid surgery; lemon is not mentioned anywhere in the abstract as a treatment studied.
Who was studied
people having surgery to remove hemorrhoids
What they received
various pain-reducing methods used during or after hemorrhoid surgery (anesthesia choices, surgical techniques, topical creams, oral medicines)
Compared with
a different intervention, a sham treatment, or a placebo
Main outcome
pain after hemorrhoid removal surgery
Quality
It is a systematic review of randomized trials, but it looks at surgical pain-control methods, not lemon, so it cannot tell us whether lemon helps hemorrhoids.
Limitations
The abstract does not study lemon at all; it covers pain after hemorrhoidectomy surgery using other pharmacological and surgical methods.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- design This systematic review aims to identify pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for reducing post-hemorrhoidectomy pain.
- population Excisional hemorrhoidectomy is considered as a mainstay operation for high-grade hemorrhoids and complicated hemorrhoids.
- intervention pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for reducing post-hemorrhoidectomy pain
- comparator between an intervention and another intervention (or a sham or placebo)
- primaryOutcome post-hemorrhoidectomy pain as their primary outcomes
- result local anesthesia-alone or combined with intravenous sedation was the most effective anesthetic method for excisional hemorrhoidectomy
- result Postoperative administration of oral metronidazole, flavonoids, and laxatives was associated with a significant reduction in post-hemorrhoidectomy pain.
Medicina (Kaunas) · PMID 35334594 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Warrier et al. 2021
Gmelina arborea- an indigenous timber species of India with high medicinal value: A review on its pharmacology, pharmacognosy and phytochemistry
Not about lemon; no evidence.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2021
the plant is traditionally described as useful for several conditions including piles, but no studies or data on lemon or hemorrhoids are reported
Who was studied
people with various ailments, based on traditional medicine use
What they received
Gmelina arborea (an unrelated timber tree, not lemon) whole plant preparations
Compared with
none reported
Main outcome
traditional medicinal uses and pharmacological activities of Gmelina arborea
Quality
this is a traditional-use review of a different plant with no clinical studies, data, or methodology for treating hemorrhoids presented
Limitations
abstract does not describe any clinical trial, mechanism study, or data specific to hemorrhoids; it only lists traditional uses of an unrelated plant species
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population The whole plant is used in medicine.
- intervention Gmelina arborea Roxb.ex Smith, a fast-growing deciduous tree belongs to the family Lamiaceae
- comparator MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on G. arborea was gathered from various sources like textbooks, literature, databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Scopus, Inflibnet, Sci-Finder and Google Scholar.
- primaryOutcome This review provides an insight into the medicinal aspects of G. arborea.
- result It improves digestion, memory, helps overcome giddiness and is useful in burning sensation, fever, thirst, emaciation, heart diseases, nervous disorders and piles.
J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 33217516 · Read it on PubMed ↗
He et al. 2016
Local and traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Sophora japonica L.: A review
Different plant studied, not lemon, no clinical evidence.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2016
About 153 chemicals were isolated from the plant and showed various biological effects (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, hemostatic, etc.) in lab and animal studies, but no clinical outcome data for hemorrhoids were given
Who was studied
People in traditional Chinese medicine who use the plant Sophora japonica for various ailments, including hemorrhoids
What they received
Flower buds and fruits of Sophora japonica (traditional herbal remedy), not lemon
Compared with
No comparison group reported; this is a narrative review of traditional uses and lab/animal studies, not a controlled trial
Main outcome
Review of the plant's traditional uses, chemical makeup, and biological effects, including its historical use for hemorrhoids
Quality
This is a traditional-use and lab-based review of an unrelated plant (Sophora japonica), not lemon, and includes no clinical trial evidence for hemorrhoid treatment.
Limitations
Information on evaluating the safety of S. japonica is very limited, so further study is required; no clinical trials on hemorrhoids are reported.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population to treat hemorrhoids, hematochezia, hematuria, hematemesis, hemorrhinia, uterine or intestinal hemorrhage, arteriosclerosis, headache, hypertension, dysentery, dizziness, and pyoderma
- intervention The flower buds and fruits of S. japonica, also known as Flos Sophorae Immaturus and Fructus Sophorae in China, are most commonly used in Asia (especially in China) to treat hemorrhoids
- comparator this review highlights the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicology of S. japonica based on studies published in the last six decades
- primaryOutcome this review highlights the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicology of S. japonica based on studies published in the last six decades
- result Approximately 153 chemical compounds, including flavonoids, isoflavonoids, triterpenes, alkaloids, polysaccharides, amino acids, and other compounds, have been isolated from the leaves, branches, flowers, buds, pericarps, and/or fruits of S. japonica.
- result exhibit a wide range of biological activities in vitro and in vivo such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-osteoporotic, antioxidant, radical scavenging, antihyperglycemic, antiobesity, antitumor, and hemostatic effects.
J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 27085938 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Dey et al. 2016
Gastrokinetic activity of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber in rats
Faster gut movement in rats (unrelated plant).Animal studyLow qualityRelated question
size not given7 days
the tuber extract increased stool output, sped up stomach emptying, and increased intestinal transit, similar to the reference drug
Who was studied
rats
What they received
Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (suran) tuber extract given by mouth
Compared with
a standard prokinetic drug (metoclopramide)
Main outcome
gut movement measures: amount of stool, stomach emptying speed, and intestinal transit time
Quality
This is a small animal study on a different plant (not lemon), so it offers little direct evidence for the question asked.
Limitations
Animal (rat) study only, extract was from a different plant (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, not lemon), and exact number of animals is not stated in the abstract.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Rats were orally administered methanolic (APME) or aqueous (APAE) extract
- intervention methanolic extract was standardized with the major phenolic compound, betulinic acid
- comparator Metoclopramide (MET) (3 mg/kg, orally) was used a reference prokinetic drug.
- primaryOutcome number of feces, wet and dry weight and moisture content of feces, gastric emptying, and intestinal transit were evaluated
- result The pre-treatment of extracts significantly increased the number of feces, wet and dry weight of feces, moisture content, gastric emptying, and intestinal transit. Results were comparable to MET.
- followUp for 7 days
J Intercult Ethnopharmacol · PMID 27069720 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Hnátek 2015
[Therapeutic potential of micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) of diosmin and hesperidin in treatment chronic venous disorder]
May help hemorrhoid symptoms, no real dataNarrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2015
the abstract states the substance is effective for venous symptoms, oedema, and ulcers, and lists hemorrhoidal disease as another indication, without giving specific data
Who was studied
people with chronic venous disorder, including hemorrhoid disease
What they received
micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) of diosmin and hesperidin
Compared with
not stated
Main outcome
relief of venous symptoms such as pain, fatigue, swelling, and ulcers
Quality
this is a narrative review summarizing general claims about a flavonoid drug without any specific study data, numbers, or methods for hemorrhoids.
Limitations
No study design, sample size, or specific results are given for hemorrhoids; this is a general review about a purified flavonoid drug (not lemon itself) mainly for venous disease.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Chronic venous disorder (CVD) is a common illness with high incidence existing especially in Europe and North America.
- intervention micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) of diosmin and hesperidin
- comparator The other indications for MPFF of diosmin hesperidin is hemorrhoidal disease and the accessory treatment of lymphedema.
- primaryOutcome The main goal of micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) of diosmin and hesperidin is to eliminate the symptoms of CVD (venous pain, fatigue, etc).
- result But MPFF of diosmin and hesperidin has good effectiveness for treatment of venous oedema and venous ulcer too.
Vnitr Lek · PMID 26465280 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Milano et al. 2014
Uncommon serum creatine phosphokinase and lactic dehydrogenase increase during diosmin therapy: two case reports
Diosmin raised muscle enzymes, not hemorrhoid benefit.Case seriesVery low qualityRelated question
2 people2014
both patients showed abnormal rises in muscle/tissue enzymes (creatine phosphokinase and lactic dehydrogenase) linked to diosmin use
Who was studied
an adult with leg vein problems and an older man with acute hemorrhoid flare-up
What they received
diosmin (a vein medication), not lemon
Compared with
none, before-and-after comparison in the same patients
Main outcome
side effects during diosmin treatment, including muscle and blood enzyme levels
Quality
This is just two individual patient case reports with no control group, so it cannot show whether diosmin or lemon actually helps hemorrhoids.
Limitations
Only two cases, no control group, and the drug studied (diosmin) is not lemon; one case was unrelated to hemorrhoids.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n Within a 4-year period, a general practitioner noticed 17 cases of mild, diosmin-induced side effects, two of which showed particular interest.
- population A 79-year-old Caucasian man, who was diagnosed with acute hemorrhoidal syndrome.
- intervention she was prescribed diosmin 450 mg twice a day
- comparator She made a spontaneous attempt of drug rechallenge and her leg pain reappeared.
- primaryOutcome increased levels of serum lactic dehydrogenase were detected
- result Creatine phosphokinase values normalized only after prolonged discontinuation of the therapy.
J Med Case Rep · PMID 24934505 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Bylka et al. 2005
[Butcher's Broom, in the treatment of venous insufficiency]
Not about lemon, no results givenNarrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2005
not stated
Who was studied
people with chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids
What they received
Butcher's Broom (Rusci aculeati rhizoma) extract
Main outcome
not clearly stated
Quality
This is a narrative review with no study data, numbers, or outcomes reported, and it does not even discuss lemon.
Limitations
No data, methodology, or results are given; the abstract only states the review's topic without findings.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids
- intervention Rusci aculeati rhizoma
- primaryOutcome This review is concerning Rusci aculeati rhizoma, which recently taken in Poland on the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids.
- result This review is concerning Rusci aculeati rhizoma, which recently taken in Poland on the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids.
Pol Merkur Lekarski · PMID 16245442 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Garner et al. 2002
Comparison of the absorption of micronized (Daflon 500 mg) and nonmicronized 14C-diosmin tablets after oral administration to healthy volunteers by accelerator mass spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting
Better absorption of drug, not symptomsRandomised trialLow qualityRelated question
12 people2002
the micronized form was absorbed significantly more than the nonmicronized form
Who was studied
healthy male volunteers
What they received
micronized diosmin tablet (a purified citrus flavonoid drug, Daflon 500 mg)
Compared with
nonmicronized diosmin tablet of the same drug
Main outcome
how much of the diosmin drug was absorbed into the body, measured by radioactivity in urine
Quality
this is a very small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers measuring drug absorption, not hemorrhoid symptoms or outcomes in patients.
Limitations
only 12 healthy male volunteers studied, no hemorrhoid patients included, and the outcome measured was drug absorption rather than any clinical symptom or benefit for hemorrhoids
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n 500 mg tablets containing trace amounts (approximately 25 nCi) of (14)C-diosmin were administered to 12 healthy male volunteers as a single oral dose
- population administered to 12 healthy male volunteers as a single oral dose
- intervention micronized (mean particle size = 1.79 microm, with 80% of particles having a size lower than 3.45 microm)
- comparator nonmicronized diosmin (mean particle size = 36.5 microm, with 80% of particles comprised between 19.9 and 159 microm)
- primaryOutcome Absorption of (14)C-diosmin from the gastrointestinal tract, measured by the urinary excretion of total radioactivity
- result was significantly improved with the micronized (57.9 +/- 20.2%) compared with the nonmicronized material (32.7 +/- 18.8%)
J Pharm Sci · PMID 11782895 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Hitzenberger 1997
[Therapeutic effectiveness of flavonoids illustrated by daflon 500 mg]
Flavonoid drug helped hemorrhoid symptoms.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given1997
described as statistically highly significant effects
Who was studied
people with chronic venous insufficiency, leg ulcers, or hemorrhoids
What they received
Daflon 500 mg (a micronized flavonoid drug)
Main outcome
effects on chronic venous insufficiency, venous leg ulcers and hemorrhoids
Quality
this is a general review summarizing a drug's effects without describing specific study design, numbers, or comparison data.
Limitations
No study design, sample size, or methodology details are given; this concerns a specific flavonoid pharmaceutical, not lemon itself.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- intervention Daflon 500 mg, consisting of a micronized fraction of flavonoids
- primaryOutcome clinically the effects on chronic venous insufficiency, venous leg ulcers and hemorrhoids were statistically highly significant
- result were statistically highly significant
- population clinically the effects on chronic venous insufficiency, venous leg ulcers and hemorrhoids were statistically highly significant
Wien Med Wochenschr · PMID 9454438 · Read it on PubMed ↗

How we searchedThe exact query, the date it ran, and what came back — so you can run it yourself.

Searched: PubMed · ClinicalTrials.gov · Crossref on 2026-10-05
The exact search — paste this into PubMed to repeat it: ("Hemorrhoids"[Mesh] OR hemorrhoid*[tiab] OR piles[tiab]) AND (lemon*[tiab] OR "Citrus"[tiab] OR "Citrus limon"[tiab] OR diosmin[tiab] OR hesperidin[tiab] OR flavonoid*[tiab] OR "ascorbic acid"[tiab] OR "vitamin C"[tiab]); PubMed expanded that to: ("Hemorrhoids"[MeSH Terms] OR "hemorrhoid*"[Title/Abstract] OR "piles"[Title/Abstract]) AND ("lemon*"[Title/Abstract] OR "Citrus"[Title/Abstract] OR "Citrus limon"[Title/Abstract] OR "diosmin"[Title/Abstract] OR "hesperidin"[Title/Abstract] OR "flavonoid*"[Title/Abstract] OR "ascorbic acid"[Title/Abstract] OR "vitamin C"[Title/Abstract])
What came back: 209 records found · 200 read · 25 answered the question
Included: Human, animal or laboratory studies reporting an outcome relevant to the question
Excluded: Records about a different condition or intervention
Records reporting no outcome
Retracted publications, which are listed but excluded from every count
Limits: Details were read from abstracts, not full papers, so anything reported only in a paper's methods section is not captured here.
Fields were read from abstracts, not full text, so detail reported only in a paper's methods section is not captured.
Evidence strength is adapted from the GRADE framework. It is not a GRADE assessment and was not produced by a GRADE panel.

209records came back from the search
200were read
25actually answered the question

Common questionsShort answers, drawn from the same studies.

Does lemon juice help hemorrhoids?: No study has given people lemon juice or lemon water for hemorrhoids. The closest research tested purified flavonoid drugs made from citrus, not lemon itself, so this evidence cannot answer whether lemon helps.
Can I put lemon juice directly on hemorrhoids?: This hasn't been studied, so there's no evidence either way about whether it's safe or useful. Lemon juice is acidic, and applying acid to skin that's already irritated or has small tears is something to be cautious about even without a study on it.
Are lemon and the flavonoid drugs used in these studies the same thing?: No. The trials used purified, concentrated compounds like diosmin and hesperidin, not whole lemon or lemon juice. The amount and form you'd get from eating or applying lemon is very different from a drug dose.
Should I stop using lemon if I've already been trying it?: There's no evidence it treats hemorrhoids, but there's also no evidence it causes harm, because it simply hasn't been studied. If it isn't stinging or irritating you, there's nothing here that says you must stop, but don't let it delay getting checked, especially if you're bleeding.
What was actually tested in these studies, if not lemon?: Mostly purified flavonoid drugs given to people with hemorrhoids or recovering from hemorrhoid surgery, which showed less pain and bleeding in that specific situation. That's a different product, used a different way, than trying lemon at home.

This is information, not advice

This page summarises published research. It cannot tell you what is happening in your own body, and evidence changes. If something is bleeding, painful, or new, it is worth being looked at — that is a different question from the one on this page, and a better one to bring to a consultation.

Contact the office

Automated evidence review — PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Crossref. Search strategy, grading rules and the checks that must pass before anything publishes were written by Allen Kamrava, MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS, colon & rectal surgery, Beverly Hills. The pages themselves are compiled by software running that method and are not read one by one before publication — saying otherwise would be the one claim here that could not be checked.

Allen Kamrava, MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS · 435 N. Bedford Dr., Suite 308, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · 424.279.8222

Educational information — not medical advice.