Preliminary research by Dr Mwethera of Kenya, finds that lemon juice can be effective against HIV infection and pregnancy. He also found that when researchers administered neat lemon juice into a baboon's vagina, it "killed the HIV virus" and sperms deposited by the male baboon.

The findings published in the Kenyan Daily explains the science behind lemon juice saying that lemon juice is very acidic, with a pH level of about 2. The HIV virus and sperm cannot survive within an acidic environment. The optimum pH for survival of HIV virus and sperm is between 7.2 and 7.4, lemon juice simply makes the vagina too acidic.

However, HIV/Aids health experts are divided by the unconventional study not to mention skeptical about the efficacy and safety of Dr Mwethera's innovation.

Dr John Skibiak of Population Council, Kenya, dismisses the Mwethera's research saying that it ss lacking any scientific merit and he has no basis for assuming effectiveness, saying it may even spiral HIV infection.

Dr John Skibiak warns, "Lemon juice is very acidic and therefore very caustic. Using it will cause damage and lesions to the sexual organs. The broken wall or the lesions open up routes for HIV infection."

On the other hand Scientists from the US-based CONRAD program at the Eastern Virginia Medical School warn women against using lemon or limejuice for the purpose of preventing HIV infection or pregnancy.

Now a researchers across the globe are continuing discussions Mwertha's research has stirred.