Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract is a liquid substance extracted from the fruit and seeds of grapefruit, a sub-tropical citrus tree that grows in abundance throughout many countries. The extract from grapefruit seed was first documented for its medicinal uses in 1972 by Dr. Jacob Harich, a physicist who noticed its traditional use as a disinfectant in a multitude of countries.¹ Many traditional societies, from South America to Europe, to Asia have used the extract to clean the skin, hair, and home surfaces. These societies also valued the extract as a powerful anti-viral and bacterial.5

The Health Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) has very high amounts of disease-fighting, free-radical eliminating antioxidants and phytonutrients called bioflavonoids. One of these powerful bioflavanoids (plant antioxidants) include the chemical component hesperidin, a well-known natural immune-system stimulator and booster.4

Chemical analysis of grapefruit seed extract shows additional antioxidant constituents including Vitamin C, sterols, tocopherols, citric acid, liminoids, and other trace minerals. Perhaps most exciting in regard to GSE's health benefits is its anti-cancer potentials. Studies done on the compounds in GSE's seed and pulp have found that these bioactive agents may be able to inhibit the occurrence of colon cancer. 6

A recent study done by Microbiologists from the University of Georgia found that GSE was a very effective non-toxic disinfectant. Sadly, commonly-used disinfectant have high levels of toxicity and are harmful to humans, animals and the environment. The same study found that GSE demonstrates a "wide spectrum of activity," including antiviral, antimycotic, and antiprotozoan capacities against many bacteria and viruses, including E.Coli.¹ It was also found to be an effective cleanser as a a pre-surgical soap.¹

Another recent study from The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that grapefruit-seed extract was effective in killing over "800 bacterial and viral strains, 100 strains of fungus, and a large number of single and multi-celled parasites."² No other naturally-occuring anti-microbial can come close to these results.

Ingredient Spotlight

Grapefruit Seed Extract's pain-relieving properties make it an important ingredient in NutraCool- Dr. Group's topical cream for muscular discomfort, sprains and strain.

Grapefruit Seed Extract is associated with the following potential health benefits:

·         Powerful natural antiseptic.

·         Antiviral and anti-fungal agent.

·         Possible anti-cancer properties.6

·         Promotes the healing of wounds and scar tissue.

·         Possible cholesterol-lowering properties due to the presence of the flavanoid naringin (a well-known plasma lipid reducer and plasma antioxidant activator).7

·         Excellent remedy for toenail fungal infections.4

·         Treatment for sinus, vaginal and topical skin infections.

·         Evironmentally-friendly fruit and vegetable wash for removing toxins.³

·         Effective preventative for Candida and other forms of yeast infection.4

·         Inhibits the formation of harmful intestinal organisms, including Giardia, without reducing levels of healthy bowel flora.4,5

·         Acts as a natural preservative for cosmetics.

·         Can replace chlorine in swimming pools, public baths, water and sewage treatment centers, and it also used as a general water-purifying mechanism.5

·         May reduce chances of developing coronary heart disease in high-risk patients due to high pectin content in Grapefruit seed extract.8

·         Possible anti-biotic activity.

·         Aids to alkalize the body, and is one of the world's most alkaline forming foods, helping to stabilize acidic pH levels, a central component for health rejuvenation.

·         Great general immune system booster.

Other Home-Friendly Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract

An excellent extract to have on hand while traveling into foreign countries, GSE acts as a natural germ-killer and an effective preventative mechanism for food borne illnesses that cause diarrhea and dysentery. It is also useful for our pets, and can be applied in both internal and external infections of the skin, including fleas. It is also highly useful for the modern eco-conscious gardener, and can used to remove fungus and mold from tools and supplies. It is also a great bug and plant spray. Grapefruit seed extract can be used to clean surfaces and even sprinkled into soaps for an added anti-microbial and viral effects.

REFERENCES:

1.       HYPERLINK "http://www.nutriteam.com/index2.html" http://www.nutriteam.com/index2.html

2.       The effectiveness of processed grapefruit-seed extract as an antibacterial agent: II. Mechanism of action and in vitro toxicity. . 2002 Jun;8(3):333-40. J Altern Complement Med 2002 Aug;8(4):521. Reagor Lana [corrected to Reagor Lee]. HYPERLINK "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12165191"

3.       The Best Supplements for Your Health By Donald Goldberg, Arnold Gitomer, Robert Abel. p.185. http://books.google.com/books?id=eLPakvLPpVgC&pg=PA185&dq=grapefruit+seed+extract+uses

4.       Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible. Earl Mindell. p. 69. http://books.google.com/books?id=5lnV9G30MIUC&pg=PA68&dq=grapefruit+seed+extract+benefits

5.       The Parasite Menace. Skye Weintraub. p.160. http://books.google.com/books?id=lU3D6g3H3sUC&pg=PA160&dq=grapefruit+seed+extract

6.       Vanamala J, Leonardi T, Patil BS, et al. (June 2006). "Suppression of colon carcinogenesis by bioactive compounds in grapefruit". Carcinogenesis 27 (6): 1257–65. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16387741" 16387741

7.       Gorinstein S, Leontowicz H, Leontowicz M, et al. (April 2005). "Changes in plasma lipid and antioxidant activity in rats as a result of naringin and red grapefruit supplementation". J. Agric. Food Chem. 53 (8): 3223–8. "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15826081" 15826081.

8.       Cerda JJ, Robbins FL, Burgin CW, Baumgartner TG, Rice RW (September 1988). "The effects of grapefruit pectin on patients at risk for coronary heart disease without altering diet or lifestyle". Clin Cardiol 11 (9): 589–94. "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3229016" 3229016.

9.       Heggers JP, Cottingham J, Gusman J, et al. (June 2002). "The effectiveness of processed grapefruit-seed extract as an antibacterial agent: II. Mechanism of action and in vitro toxicity". J Altern Complement Med 8 (3): 333–40. PMID HYPERLINK "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12165191" 12165191.

10.   Armando C, Maythe S, Beatriz NP (December 1997). Antioxidant activity of grapefruit seed extract on vegetable oils". Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 77 (4): 463–7. 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0010(199808)77:4<463::AID-JSFA62>3.0.CO;2-1.