Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) which is also called citrus seed extract is a highly concentrated extract derived from the pulp, crushed seeds and membrane of the grapefruit. It is a much more potent extract that bears little resemblance to grapefruit juice.

It has been growing in popularity since its medicinal benefits were first recorded in the 1970s. Grapefruit seed extract is used today to treat a fairly broad range of conditions and is probably best known for its ability to treat fungal infections like candida.

It contains limonoids and naringenin in much higher concentrations than grapefruit juice. These potent compounds exhibit significant antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. While it has many supporters, there is a certain amount of controversy regarding its effectiveness and some disagreement about how it works.

Its range of therapeutic treatment potential is due to its natural antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties. Laboratory tests have demonstrated that grapefruit seed extract can destroy a number of bacterial, fungal and viral microbes but like many natural treatments good quality research on human subjects is lacking up to now.

Despite the lack of concrete human research, many health practitioners and patients claim that grapefruit seed extract can effectively fight a range of infections.

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is readily available these days in capsule and liquid form and in a range of concentration and dosage. The liquid has a bitter taste and vegetable glycerin is often added to make it more palatable. If you still find the liquid too difficult to swallow then you can use the capsule form; a single capsule is the equivalent of around 10 drops of liquid.

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT BENEFITS

YEAST INFECTIONS AND CANDIDA

Grapefruit seed extract is often recommended as a treatment for Candida albicans and reports suggest that it is a very effective treatment. Candida is a pathogen that thrives in the digestive and urogenital tract of both men and women.

Left untreated, the yeast can spread through the blood and take up residence in the internal organs. Once this happens there are a number of adverse effects to the body which include fatigue, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, depression and anxiety.

When Candida is out of control, it can also lead to bladder and skin infections as well as vaginal infection in women.

Many of the most commonly prescribed medications for Candida are known to be toxic to the body in general and specifically harmful for the liver. So finding an effective, natural and safe treatment like GSE has long been a priority.

Many medical experts are happy to prescribe grapefruit seed extract for infants as a yeast infections treatment in the diaper area. Dr. Sachs a leading expert on grapefruit seed extract states that it is in excellent formulation for treating yeast infection that has been safely used even on very young babies. (1)

DOSAGE

Start off by taking one capsule or 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract twice a day between meals.
After the first three days, increase the dosage to 15 drops twice a day for the next seven days.
Continue dosing with 15 drops but increase the frequency to three times a day for the next three weeks.

FOR DANDRUFF

While there are no human trials that demonstrate its efficacy, grapefruit seed extract might help to treat dandruff due to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. To treat dandruff or scalp fungus there are several methods that you can try.

12 Proven Grapefruit Seed Extract Benefits

WHAT IS GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT?

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Despite the lack of concrete human research, many health practitioners and patients claim that grapefruit seed extract can effectively fight a range of infections.

Note:
A report published by investigators in 2012 discovered that many commercial grapefruit seed extract products contained synthetic chemicals which were not listed on the product’s labels. Because of this many experts do not recommend that you take grapefruit seed extract internally. Obviously a well-respected and lab tested company would be recommended in purchasing any GSE supplement.

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT BENEFITS

YEAST INFECTIONS AND CANDIDA

When Candida is out of control, it can also lead to bladder and skin infections as well as vaginal infection in women.

DOSAGE

Start off by taking one capsule or 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract twice a day between meals.
After the first three days, increase the dosage to 15 drops twice a day for the next seven days.
Continue dosing with 15 drops but increase the frequency to three times a day for the next three weeks.

FOR DANDRUFF

Add two or three drops of grapefruit seed extract to your chosen shampoo. Let it sit on your scalp for around three minutes then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Apply the grapefruit seed extract liquid directly to your scalp instead of adding it to your shampoo.
Take it internally according to directions.

AS A MOUTHWASH

Because grapefruit seed extract is a natural and potent antiseptic, it can be used to make a mouthwash to combat a number of conditions including gingivitis, ulcers, halitosis and thrush.

To make your own grapefruit seed extract mouthwash, simply add five drops of liquid to a glassful of water and gargle the mixture three times a day. Not only should this keep your mouth clean and your breath fresh but it might help treat any oral problems that you have and protect against any future infection.

Alternatively, you could add a drop or two of grapefruit seed extract to your toothpaste and brush as normal. As it is potent like grapefruit essential oil—only a small amount is required.

FOR SINUS INFECTION

Because of its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties grapefruit seed extract might help to relieve sinusitis but most of the evidence for this seems to be anecdotal.

The most effective way to use it for sinusitis treatment is to irrigate the sinuses in combination with a saline water mixture. Because of its high concentration and its potential to cause irritation, you should always dilute your grapefruit seed extract with water before treating your sinuses.

Add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract and a quarter of a teaspoon of salt to a glass of bottled warm water.
Wash out your nasal cavities with a neti pot or a squeeze bottle.
Repeat the process three times a day for as long as necessary. You can gradually increase the quantity of grapefruit seed extract that you add to your mixture up to a maximum of five or six drops.

TO TREAT ACNE

Many people recommend using grapefruit seed extract on the skin to help keep the skin healthy and to treat certain skin complaints like acne. Grapefruit seed extract has antioxidant and astringent properties that can help to regulate the build-up of oil in the pores that leads to acne.

Not only is grapefruit seed extract free of the chemicals found in many prescription acne medications but it is a rich source of vitamin C which is known to be beneficial to the skin.

Treating your skin with grapefruit seed extract is easy and safe enough to repeat on a long term basis.

First wash your face thoroughly as a clean face is far more receptive to absorption.
Dilute three or four drops of grapefruit seed extract with the water on your hands.
Apply it to your entire face being careful to avoid contact with your eyes.
Let it sit on your face for two or three minutes to ensure that it has absorbed, rinse your face with clean water and pat your skin dry.
Repeat the process every morning and before bedtime.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Research has demonstrated the potential of grapefruit seed extract in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Subjects were given 150mg capsules or two drops of grapefruit seed extract liquid three times a day for a month.

All of those treated with the capsules exhibited significant reduction in their symptoms which included flatulence, discomfort and constipation while 20% of those treated with the liquid form reported significant improvement. (2)

COLDS AND SORE THROAT

If you are suffering from a sore throat, gargling with grapefruit seed extract might help you ease the symptoms even when the soreness is caused by strep germs.

Simply add four or five drops to a glass of water and gargle with it three times a day until your symptoms have gone.

MAY PROTECT AGAINST DIABETES

Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, afflicting millions each year. One suffers from diabetes when they have high blood lipid levels and high blood sugar levels. Currently, animal studies show that grapefruit seed extract may manage these high blood sugar levels.

These animal studies also found that grapefruit seed extract dramatically lowered bad cholesterol while raising levels of good cholesterol in rats. These results may be due to the fact that grapefruit seed extract is rich in phytonutrients such as cardiac glycoside and flavonoids. There is currently no human studies replicating these results, but they the results are promising.

PROTECT THE HEALTH OF YOUR STOMACH

Modern life can wreak havoc on your gut: stress, alcohol, and a lousy diet. All of these factors can take a major toll on your stomach, tearing it up and making healthy digestion difficult. One study found that grapefruit seed extract provides significant protection against the damage that alcohol may inflict on the stomach lining. These studies also found that grapefruit seed extract may protect against lesions that form on the stomach lining due to stress.

Grapefruit seed extract hunts down free radicals and prevents the tissue damage that they cause. Meanwhile, the high antioxidant levels in grapefruit seed extract help heal the damage caused by these roaming free radicals. Rich in the antioxidants limonoids, naringenin, and flavonoids help protect the stomach against ulcers, especially ulcers caused by aspirin.

PRESERVE FOOD

Grapefruit seed extract not only provides a wide array of health benefits, but it also serves as an effective way to preserve food as well. One study found that grapefruit seed extract helps prevent the growth of yeast and bacteria in some beverages over an extended period of time in comparison to other beverages not treated with grapefruit seed extract. Another study found that food treated with grapefruit seed extract prevented the growth of food-borne pathogens.

Many people find grapefruit seed extract as an effective method for disinfecting vegetables. It is important to make sure your veggies disinfected because it’s not always certain what conditions they were exposed to while being grown and harvested. Thousands of people suffer from food poisoning from tainted vegetables every year. To protect yourself from such food-borne illnesses, try the following method to disinfect your vegetables:

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT VEGGIE WASH

1. Add 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract to your sink or a basin filled with fold water.
2. Let the vegetables soak in the treated cold water.
3. Another method is to fill a spray bottle with 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract oil and water. Cover the bottle and shake, ensuring that the oil and water are thoroughly mix together. Then simply spray on your veggies. You can also use this spray to disinfect your meat, cutting boards, and tabletops. Ensuring that you properly wash all surfaces after handling meat and even vegetables prevents the spread of vicious food-borne illnesses.

MAY IMPROVE COGNITIVE FUNCTION

Although there are currently no human studies, animal studies show that grapefruit seed extract may improve cognitive function. These results indicate that grapefruit seed extract may turn back the damage caused by oxidative stress resulting in hippocampal dysfunction. Some studies indicate that grapefruit seed extract may also protect against Alzheimer’s disease. This research is promising, but more studies have to be done to see how effective grapefruit seed extract is in the cognitive health of humans.

PACKED WITH ANTIOXIDANTS

One of the best things about grapefruit seed extract is that it comes packed with powerful antioxidants which protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals or oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is linked to a number of chronic illnesses ranging from heart disease and diabetes to cancer. Antioxidants can also help delay many of the external signs of aging like wrinkles or fine lines on the skin.

Studies done into the compounds found in grapefruit seed extract has found they are a rich source of essential oils, flavonoids, polyphenols and vitamin E. All of these act as effective antioxidants in the body.

One powerful polyphenol called naringin is found in very high levels in grapefruit seeds and is the compound which gives the fruit its distinctive bitter taste. Naringin has excellent antioxidant effects and animal studies have found that it helped protect the tissues against radiation damage. (3)

FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Because grapefruit seed extract has proved it kills bacteria so effectively, researchers have started to investigate its ability to treat certain infections.

One small scale study published in 2005 found that people who ate grapefruit seeds several times a day for two weeks recovered better from a urinary tract infection.

The researchers believe that the antimicrobial compounds and antioxidants found in the fruit’s seeds helped the body to stave off bacteria growing within the urinary tract. (4)

While more research is needed in the future, the results of the study are certainly promising.

TO PREVENT DAMAGE CAUSED BY POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION

All of the cells in a person;s body need a steady blood flow to make sure they get the oxygen and the nutrients they need and carry away any waste. When the flow of blood is restricted for some reason like stroke or blood clots, the cells in the area affected but the condition can get damaged or die.

Some studies have demonstrated that supplementing with grapefruit seed extract can reduce the severity of the damage. One study found that rats fed with GSE supplements 30 minutes prior to cutting blood supply to one of the organs experienced significantly less organ damage. Inflammation was also reduced significantly in the affected area of the body after blood supply was restored. (5)

The researchers theorized that the powerful antioxidant abilities of grapefruit seed extract helped protect the organs as well as its ability to increase the flow of blood to the tissues. However, to date there have been no human studies to confirm these findings.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DO YOU USE GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT FOR?

Grapefruit seed extract is a supplement which is made with the seeds and the pulp of the grapefruit. It is high in essential oils and rich various antioxidants that can protect the body from oxidative stress. Grapefruit seed extract may help protect the heart from damage as well as protecting against cancer and digestive illness. It also has excellent antimicrobial properties and can be used to clean the skin, as a mouthwash or to treat dandruff.

DOES GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS?

While the whole grapefruit may help promote weight loss, there is no evidence that grapefruit seed extract can help you to lose weight. However, it may help improve digestive health which in turn can help your body process its food better and potentially lose weight in the long run. It is definitely not a magic pill for weight loss.

IS GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT SAFE?

There are a few precautions you should take before using grapefruit seed extract either internally or on your skin. First of all, GSE may interact with certain medications and you should speak to your doctor if you are concerned. It can also cause irritation when it is applied topically so make sure you dilute it well before applying to your skin.

1. Antifungal and Antiviral Properties

Grapefruit seed extract has the potential to kill viruses and fungi. Various studies have revealed that grapefruit extract can kill over 800 types of bacteria and viruses, including salmonella, E. coli, herpes, parasites, and fungi.

One Polish study from 2001 found that grapefruit extract had a particularly potent effect against the fungal infection known as candida. Grapefruit seed extract’s antifungal properties work against Candida albicans strains by killing yeast cells that have overgrown in the body.

Grapefruit seed extract is also used for other fungal infections such as histoplasmosis, yeast infections, athlete’s foot, and toenail fungus.

2. Anti-Cancer Properties

Grapefruit seed extract has anti-cancer properties, because it contains antioxidants, sterols, tocopherols, citric acid, limonoids, and other minerals.

In a 2006 study, researchers from the University of Colorado discovered that colon cancer cells treated with GSE had a higher chance of dying, compared to the cells not treated with grapefruit seed extract.

3. Wound-Healing Properties

Consuming grapefruit seed extract can help heal wounds and scar tissue at a quicker rate.

According to a study published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine, grapefruit extract accelerated wound healing and minimized scarring by encouraging the body to produce more of the compound that regenerates blood vessels that have been damaged, while also increasing the number of free radicals that help clear bacteria.

4. Antioxidant Effect on Cardiometabolic Disorders

Grapefruit seed extract also has antioxidant properties responsible for protecting the heart muscle from damage due to oxidative stress.

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer Research in 2009 found that animals treated with grapefruit seed extract had significantly less heart muscle damage than those not receiving GSE.

Some of the animals were treated with GSE before receiving an anti-cancer drug called doxorubicin, known for its cardiotoxic side effects. Other animals in the study had taken GSE after being given doxorubicin.

The flavonoid naringenin in grapefruit seed extract is also known for its protective antioxidant effects against cardiometabolic disorders. It specifically has a protective effect against myocardial cells, and has also been shown to help reduce cholesterol in rats.

Other research shows that naringenin has a positive effect against the progression of abnormal enlargement of the heart muscle (cardiac hypertrophy) induced by pressure overload.

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2017 found that naringenin produces cardioprotective effects in the hearts of one-year-old rats through the activation of mitochondrial large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels.

Also, consuming GSE could help reduce the risk of developing a coronary heart disease (for high-risk patients) due to its high levels of pectin.

5. May Treat Acne

GSE may help treat acne. After you cleanse your face, add two to three drops of GSE to your fingertips and massage your face in a circular motion for one minute. After you rinse your face, you might feel a tingling sensation, but that’s just the bacteria-killing properties doing their job.

6. May Improve Immune System

Studies have shown that HIV-positive people can improve their immune systems by consuming GSE. According to a 2002 study published in the journal Biological Research, GSE can lower the amount of certain HIV receptors and cause a cellular decrease in the number of co-receptors, meaning GSE may effectively reduce the impact of HIV.

7. May Heal Stomach Ulcer and Gastric Injury

In a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2005, researchers discovered that the high amounts of flavonoids in grapefruit seed extract can help activate the gastric defense mechanism, which has been able to protect animals from laboratory-induced gastric injury.

Some of the animals were pretreated with GSE, while others were not. The animals were then induced with stress that led to gastric damage. The animals pretreated with GSE sustained significantly fewer gastric lesions than those not pretreated.

Consuming grapefruit seed extract can also help heal stomach ulcers. Dissolve one GSE capsule into juice or water and consume with food. If you don’t feel irritation in the stomach, start taking two a day and then eventually increase to three capsules a day.

8. Kills Antibiotic-Resistant UTIs

Researchers have found resistance rates above 25% to 50% to antibiotics often used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Most UTIs are caused by E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria that can live around the urinary tract, bowels, and vaginal cavities.

Symptoms include urinating difficulty, abdominal pain, and pelvic pain in women.

One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2005 found that grapefruit seeds effectively killed antibiotic-resistant UTIs. Patients were given five to six grapefruit seeds every eight hours for two weeks.

9. Treats Eczema-Related Digestive Complaints

Eczema is a skin condition that produces symptoms like redness, inflammation, scaling, dryness, itchiness, and blisters. This skin problem is often caused by food allergies or sensitivities and poor digestion overall.

In one study published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine in 1990, researchers examined the effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract on atopic eczema patients who also had intestinal dysbiosis—also called microbial imbalance of the digestive tract.

All patients had bleeding lesions over their limbs, trunk, and face, while some of them also had intermittent diarrhea, gas, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and bloating.

The participants were given either 150 mg of encapsulated grapefruit seed extract three times daily or two drops of 0.5% liquid grapefruit seed extract concentrate twice daily.

After a month, those taking the GSE capsules had experienced significant improvements in gas, constipation, and abdominal discomfort symptoms. Also, 20% of those taking the liquid GSE had significantly improved digestive symptoms.

10. Protects against Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas—a small organ near the upper abdomen, in front of the spine and behind the stomach.

Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and may last just a few days. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is thought to be incurable, and symptoms are often worsened by drinking alcohol or consuming a large, high-fat meal.

One study published in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology in 2004 found that laboratory rats treated with grapefruit seed extract suffered significantly less pancreatic damage from ischemia and reperfusion than those that hadn’t received grapefruit seed extract.

The positive effect of GSE was due to the flavonoid naringenin.

11. Fights Tooth Decay

Streptococcus mutans is a bacterium naturally found in the mouth of humans; however, it is also the top cause of tooth decay. Grapefruit seed extract may help inhibit the growth and acid production of this strain of strep.

A study published in the journal Acta Academiae Medicinae Militaris Tertiae in 2011 found that low concentrations of GSE were not only effective against the S. mutans bacterium, but they also exhibited additional antibacterial activity as well.

Other Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract

What are other grapefruit seed extract benefits? The following are some additional grapefruit seed extract benefits and uses to keep in mind.

Rather than use chlorine, add GSE as a germicide to swimming pools and your bath water to help keep your skin clean and healthy.
For those with diarrhea or dysentery due to food poisoning or another illness, use one drop of GSE with an ounce of filtered water.
If your dog has fleas, put one or two drops of GSE into your dog’s food twice a day. This is also a great way to help prevent your pet from getting fleas and other infections.
Spray GSE onto your plants to prevent bugs from eating them—it’s a non-toxic disinfectant.
Add 10 to 15 drops of GSE to the final rinse in your laundry to kill bacteria and fungi.
Add a few drops of GSE to carpet cleaners for killing pathogenic bacteria.

Recommended Doses

Consume GSE between meals; if the extract irritates your stomach, then consume with your meals. Try incorporating GSE into your diet for approximately one month.

The following recommended dosages are for individuals who weigh approximately 150 pounds:

Day 1 to 3: Take 10 drops of GSE twice daily. Alternatively, take one 125 mg capsule twice daily.
Day 4 to 10: Increase the dosage to 15 drops twice daily or one capsule three times daily.
Day 11 to 28: Increase the dosage to 15 drops three times daily or three capsules three times daily.

The recommended dosages depend on a number of factors, including an individual’s weight. I recommend speaking with your doctor first before introducing any new supplements into your diet. Your doctor can also help you figure out what the correct dosage would be for your body.

Grapefruit Seed Extract Side Effects

Although there are many benefits, there are also grapefruit seed extract side effects to consider. For instance, never put grapefruit seed extract into your eyes, and avoid using GSE at full strength in your ears, nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas of the body.

When used at full strength on the skin, it can lead to irritation.

See a doctor immediately if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction after using grapefruit seed extract. Allergic reaction symptoms include tingling or swelling in your throat or mouth, trouble breathing, chest tightness, rash, hives, or swelling in your hands or face.

Some commercial GSE products contain benzethonium chloride and preservatives like methylparaben and triclosan. These may affect the effectiveness of GSE and cause allergic reactions.

Other reports suggest that grapefruit seed extract significantly increases levels of the drug warfarin (“Coumadin”) in the body, which will increase the risk of bleeding.

It is also a good idea to consult your doctor before using GSE if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant while using GSE.

Moreover, be sure to tell your doctor before taking GSE if you are allergic to any medicine, are currently taking medications such as blood thinners or medicines used after an organ transplant, or have any other health issue like hypertension or a blood vessel or heart problem.

Grapefruit seed extract side effects are not common when taken as directed. That being said, other possible adverse effects include a swollen or painful tongue; vomiting; nausea; and burns of the throat, mouth, or stomach. Stop using GSE if you experience any negative effects.

Using Grapefruit Seed Extracts

Where can you find grapefruit seed extract? It is available as a supplement in tablet, capsule, or liquid concentrate form, and can be purchased online or at a health food store.

Always avoid grapefruit seed extract brands with synthetic chemicals like triclosan, methylparaben, or benzethonium. Look for GSE formulas with only grapefruit seed extract and vegetable glycerin.

What is the best dosage of grapefruit seed extract? Follow the instructions on the GSE label or consult your health care provider about the proper dosage. In general, the recommended dosage for grapefruit seed liquid extract is 10 to 12 drops. Take it in at least five ounces of filtered water one to three times daily.

For tablets and capsules with dried GSE, the general recommendation is 100 mg to 200 mg one to three times per day. The dosage will depend on why you are taking GSE and the strength of the supplement.

Grapefruit seed extract can reduce the amount of good bacteria in the gut when taken for long periods of time. When taking GSE for three or more days in a row, consume a probiotic supplement a few hours before taking GSE.

Also, when storing GSE, make sure it is kept away from direct light and heat, or it may negatively affect the supplement.

Final Thoughts on Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract is a popular supplement derived from the seeds and pulp of grapefruit. GSE is often praised for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, and wound-healing properties.

As a result, grapefruit seed extract may also benefit heart health, kill antibiotic-resistant UTIs, fight candida and fungal infections, treat stomach ulcers and digestive issues associated with eczema, boost immunity, fight tooth decay, and protect against pancreatitis.

When it comes to grapefruit seed extract, quality matters. Look for GSE with grapefruit seed extract and vegetable glycerin, and free of synthetic harmful ingredients such as triclosan, methylparaben, and benzethonium.

Consult your doctor for the proper dosage. They will also be able to tell you if GSE is the right fit for you.