Grapefruit Seeds

by Kat Matina March 12, 2020

We all know the story of the tarte tatin, a deliciously famous dessert born from a cook's mistake. Many discoveries are the result of chance, handling errors or technical problems opening up unsuspected paths. It is a This is not the case with grapefruit seed extract, which comes from the observation of the compost of a well-inspired gardening physicist...

Overview of Grapefruit Seed

Grapefruit seed extract or GSE is a natural extract of citrus paradisii produced from the seeds and pulp of grapefruit. It was in 1980 that Serbian immunologist physicist Jacob Harich realized, by pure chance, that the grapefruit seeds he had placed in his compost did not rot, unlike other seeds.

This is how he began to work on the medicinal properties of grapefruit seeds , arriving at the extract we know today.

How is grapefruit seed extract made?

First, the seeds and pulp of the grapefruit are dried and crushed to be reduced to powder. This powder is then dissolved in water and distilled to remove the fibers and pectin. The distillate obtained goes into the drying phase, until a powder with concentrated active ingredient is obtained.

Glycerin is added to this concentrate by heating them to obtain a homogeneous mixture, then vitamin C is sometimes added. The final mixture is then heated under high pressure in the presence of natural catalysts, then cooled, filtered and treated with UV.

Composition and medicinal properties of grapefruit seed extract

Grapefruit seed extract is very rich in flavonoids, compounds with very powerful antioxidant properties. As antioxidants, flavonoids act by fighting oxidative stress linked to free radicals, various pollutions, heavy metals etc. which all promote premature aging of the body.

Antioxidants prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases, reduce the risk of cancer, boost the immune system and help slow down the aging of cells.

Vitamin C is also very present in grapefruit seed extract. An essential element for the proper functioning of the metabolism, vitamin C contributes to a strong immune system , iron metabolism, collagen synthesis which improves tissue resistance, as well as the synthesis of red blood cells (to learn more about vitamin C, see our dedicated article here) .

EPP contains tocopherol, one of the eight organic molecules that make up vitamin E. In addition to its antioxidant role, which reinforces the action of flavonoids, tocopherol allows optimal fixation of minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium. It also has a hypocholesterolemic and immunostimulant action.

Grapefruit seed extract is known to have a very broad spectrum of action. Indeed, it is known to have interesting properties for treating digestive disorders, ENT infections, urinary tract or genital tract infections, but also skin problems such as acne, oral infections such as canker sores, gingivitis or herpes, and the phenomenon of chronic fatigue.

What does science say about grapefruit seed extract?

In 2004, a study examined the effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract on about twenty bacteria and about ten fungi. The results clearly confirmed the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of GSE (1).

Other studies have addressed the anti-cancer effects of grapefruit seed extract. One of them showed that the limonoids present in GSE inhibit the development of cancer cells very significantly (30 to 50% depending on the cases and dosages) (2).

Another study on the same topic showed that grapefruit seed extract is very effective in preventing treatment resistance in patients with leukemia or colon cancer. Thus, the use of GSE enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments (3).

Other research has highlighted the effects of grapefruit extract on cholesterol metabolism. Consuming grapefruit extract alters cholesterol metabolism and reduces the harmful activity of cholesterol on cells , thereby improving overall balance (4).

Finally, let us mention a study on the effects of grapefruit seed extract on glucose metabolism. This animal study revealed that the consumption of GSE leads to a decrease in blood glucose levels, but also a decrease in insulin and triglyceride levels.

This action had the effect of reducing the weight of the mice tested (5). Human research supports these effects. For 12 weeks, a group of 91 people suffering from obesity and metabolic syndrome were given either placebo doses or doses of grapefruit. The results showed significant weight loss in those who consumed grapefruit , as well as a reduction in metabolic syndrome and an improvement in insulin resistance (6).

Grapefruit Seed Extract Dosage

EPP can be taken internally and externally. It can be applied directly to the face in case of acne or skin problems , but also to the mucous membranes or directly into the ear in case of infection (a few drops). The extract can also be diluted in a little vegetable oil to facilitate its application.

Internally, you can mix 6 to 20 drops of EPP in a glass of water, 3 times a day.

Side effects and contraindications of EPP

There are no known side effects from using grapefruit seed extract. However, it contains furanocoumarins which can inhibit the action of some medications.

Grapefruit seed extract should therefore be avoided when taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, certain anti-infectious, anti-cancer, immunosuppressive treatments, as well as certain medications linked to central nervous system disorders.

Grapefruit seed extract, an essential component of your natural pharmacy

Indeed, grapefruit seed extract seems to have its place in a natural medicine kit, with its very broad spectrum of action and its ease of use. Be careful, however, when purchasing GSE!

Choose a natural extract and not a synthetic one. Similarly, some manufacturers add food additives to their extract, such as benzethonium chloride or ammonium chloride. These molecules are controversial because they are harmful to the body and very powerful. Their presence in the EPP can mean an extract that is not very effective, of lower quality or at too low a concentration.

A minimum concentration of 400 mg of bioflavonoids is recommended.