What is Grapefruit Seed Extract?

Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit) is from a subtropical fruit tree that belongs to the family Rutaceae. Dr Jacob Harich discovered the health properties of grapefruit seeds in 1919 12. Grapefruit seed extract (GFSE) is a citrus seed extract, the oil is extracted from the grapefruit seeds and pulp and is often an ingredient in cosmetics, culinary, pharmaceuticals, and food supplements. GFSE has been used by naturopathic physicians for over twenty years to address internal and external infections caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria, and fungus. GFSE exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and cardioprotective effects 1. GFSE is rich in vitamin C, phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids and coumarins) and terpenic substances (carotenoids and limonoids). These bioactive compounds serve as antioxidants and modulate enzymatic activity as well as protecting against disease 1.

What are the Clinical Uses of Grapefruit Seed Extract?

• Anti-bacterial activity 

• Antibacterial activities are known for their abilities to kill or inhibit bacteria and fungi. Reports on GFSE show to be effective against over 800 bacterial and viral strains, 100 strains of fungus and high amounts of single and multicellular parasites. These strains were treated with GFSE in-vitro and investigated for antibacterial activity at several time intervals, concentration levels and for tissue toxicity at the various concentrations.

• Antimicrobial activity 

• Antimicrobial activities are known for their abilities to destroy microbes. GFSE demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter. Pylori . Studies show antimicrobial activity against food pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli .

  Data has shown GFSE as an antimicrobial against gram-negative and gram-positive organisms at dilutions found to be safe. GFSE has been shown to disrupt the bacterial membrane and liberate cytoplasmic contents within 15 minutes at dilute concentrations .

  Studies demonstrated an antimicrobial activity of GFSE against urinary tract bacteria. Bacteria known to cause urinary tract infections, which include Escherichia coli in many cases. In chronic cases UTIs may become resistant to antibiotic therapy, hence the reason for different treatment strategies. GFSE was screened against three bacterial isolates recovered from UTIs: Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli, were demonstrated to be most sensitive to GFSE. .

• Anti-fungal activity 

• GFSE is effective at inhibiting several fungal strains, the main being Candida albicans. Flavonoids in research have demonstrated inhibitory effects on gram- positive and gram-negative bacteria including some Candida species by different mechanisms. The mechanisms of action associated with the antifungal effects of flavonoids are different depending on subclasses of flavones, flavanols, isoflavones and chalcones. Flavones and isoflavones encourage apoptosis through the inhibition of the efflux pump, which removes infected cells. Flavanols prompt cell wall damage and chalcones induce cytoplasmic membrane disruption whereby inhibiting the infectious activity of the fungi .

• Anti-viral activity 

Research revealed viricidal activity of GFSE against avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Effects of GFSE against pathogens were shown within 5 seconds. This was done when GFSE spray was sprayed from 30cm. This research suggests GFSE extract effective against pathogens on clothes and suitability for use on humans. However, further research is required to determine anti-viral activity on human consumption of GFSE.

Antiparasitic activity 

Citrus medicinal plants have shown antiparasitic, antiprotozoal, molluscicidal and insecticidal effects against a wide range of parasites. GFSE has displayed antiparasitic action against microorganisms and parasites, including Giardia Lamblia and Entamoeba Histolytica. These are parasites which infect humans and animals usually via water contamination and cause diarrhoea and dysentery.

Digestive support 

GFSE can help with digestive health, as it is naturally acidic it can restore the normal pH of the stomach 8. GFSE is suitable for reducing pathological organisms in the gastrointestinal tract, Candida, Geotrichum and haemolytic E coli. These can occur if intestinal acidity is out of balance which may allow an overgrowth of pathological organisms.

GFSE exerts gastroprotective activity, it can restore acidity levels back to where they need to be ensuring easy digestion. GFSE may benefit in treatment for conditions including, abnormal bowel flora, irritable bowel disease and autoimmune diseases such as Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and Ankylosing spondylitis.

Ingredients

Grapefruit Seed Extract 400mg
(Standardised 45% by flavonoids – no chemicals used in the extraction of GFSE) In a base of Alfalfa, Spirulina and Bilberry.

Safety / Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not safe in pregnancy, suitable for children 12+ years. Contraindications: Drug interactions depends on disposition and toxicity profile of the drug being

administered. Interaction with drugs are as follows:
Any medication for blood pressure or heart disease – consult with GP 5 Contraindicated with Warfarin – anticoagulant/blood thinner 6

Affecting absorption of itraconazole, an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections. Quinidine is an anti-malaria drug also used for treating irregular heartbeat patterns. Safety is depending on the dose, check with GP to ensure safe amounts 6.

Recommended uses for Viridians Grapefruit Seed Extract 400mg

can be taken 1-3 capsules daily with food. Optional addition to be combined with a Viridian Synerbio supplement.

Related products: Antioxidants such as Beta-carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, Selenium, Vitamin A, and digestive support agents such as Peppermint, Ginger, Synerbio and fibre products.