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'''Grapefruit seed extract''' (GSE), also known as '''citrus seed extract''', is a liquid derived from the [[seed]]s, [[citrus#Uses|pulp]], and [[juice vesicles|white membranes]] of [[grapefruit]]. Self-made natural GSE processed in the laboratory without solvents or synthetic agents is prepared by grinding the grapefruit seed and juiceless pulp, then mixing with glycerin. Commercially available GSE sold to consumers are made from the seed, pulp, glycerin, and synthetic preservatives all blended together. Grapefruit seed extract is sold as a [[dietary supplement|food supplement]] and used in [[cosmetics]] because it is a claimed natural [[antimicrobial]].
'''Grapefruit seed extract''' (GSE), also known as '''citrus seed extract''', is a liquid derived from the [[seed]]s, [[citrus#Uses|pulp]], and [[juice vesicles|white membranes]] of [[grapefruit]]. Self-made natural GSE processed in the laboratory without solvents or synthetic agents is prepared by grinding the grapefruit seed and juiceless pulp, then mixing with glycerin. Commercially available GSE sold to consumers are made from the seed, pulp, glycerin, and synthetic preservatives all blended together. Grapefruit seed extract is sold as a [[dietary supplement|food supplement]] and used in [[cosmetics]] because it is a claimed natural [[antimicrobial]].


An early proponent was Dr. Jacob Harich (1919&ndash;1996).<ref name="E-Book"/> A long time promoter of GSE was Aubrey Hampton, the founder of Aubrey Organics.<ref name="Happi"/> This [[herbal extract|extract]] has been stated by some practitioners of [[alternative medicine]] to possess [[antiseptic|antibacterial]], [[antiviral drug|antiviral]], and [[antifungal drug|antifungal]] properties.<ref name="E-Book"/> It has been recommended by some [[nutritionist]]s for the treatment of [[candidiasis]], [[otalgia|earache]], throat infections, and [[diarrhea]].<ref name="E-Book"/> GSE is promoted at [[health food store|health food shops]] and on the [[internet]].
This [[herbal extract|extract]] has been stated by some practitioners of [[alternative medicine]] to possess [[antiseptic|antibacterial]], [[antiviral drug|antiviral]], and [[antifungal drug|antifungal]] properties.<ref name="E-Book"/> It has been recommended by some [[nutritionist]]s for the treatment of [[candidiasis]], [[otalgia|earache]], throat infections, and [[diarrhea]].<ref name="E-Book"/>

== History ==

The grapefruit is a subtropical [[citrus]] [[tree]] grown for its [[fruit]] which was originally named the "[[forbidden fruit]]" of [[Barbados]].<ref name="Forbidden_Fruit">{{cite book |author=Dowling, Curtis F.; Morton, Julia Frances |title=Fruits of warm climates |publisher=J.F. Morton |location=Miami, Fla |year=1987 |pages=152–8 |isbn=0-9610184-1-0|url=http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/grapefruit.html}}</ref> The fruit was first documented in 1750 by Rev. [[Griffith Hughes]] describing specimens from Barbados.<ref name="Q_A:Grapefruit">Michael Quinion. [http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-gra3.htm World Wide Words: Questions & Answers; Grapefruit]. 2009.</ref> All parts of the fruit have uses. The fruit is mainly consumed for a tangy [[juice]].<ref name="Citrus_Juice">{{cite journal |author=Fellers PJ, Nikdel S, Lee HS |title=Nutrient content and nutrition labeling of several processed Florida citrus juice products |journal=J Am Diet Assoc |volume=90 |issue=8 |pages=1079–84 |year=1990 |month=August |pmid=2380455 }}</ref> The peel is expressed into an [[aromatherapy]] [[essential oil|oil]]<ref name=Valerie>{{cite book |author=Worwood, Valerie Ann |title=The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy |publisher=New World Library |location=Novato, Calif |year=1991 |isbn=0-931432-82-0 }}</ref> and is also a source of [[dietary fiber]].<ref name="Pectin_Benefits">{{cite journal |author=Cerda JJ, Robbins FL, Burgin CW, Baumgartner TG, Rice RW |title=The effects of grapefruit pectin on patients at risk for coronary heart disease without altering diet or lifestyle |journal=Clin Cardiol |volume=11 |issue=9 |pages=589–94 |year=1988 |month=September |pmid=3229016 |doi=10.1002/clc.4960110902 }}</ref> The seed and pulp as a by-product of the juice industry is sold as cattle feed<ref name="Cattle_Feed">{{cite journal |author=Arthington JD, Kunkle WE, Martin AM |title=Citrus pulp for cattle |journal=Vet. Clin. North Am. Food Anim. Pract. |volume=18 |issue=2 |pages=317–26, vii |year=2002 |month=July |pmid=12235663 |doi=10.1016/S0749-0720(02)00023-3 }}</ref> and is manufactured for use to make an extract. GSE was originally developed by Dr. Jacob Harich, a nuclear physicist. In 1963, he journeyed to Florida, the [[heart (symbol)|heart]] of grapefruit country in the U.S., and began researching and later [[marketing]] of GSE.<ref name="E-Book"/> Aubrey Hampton, founder of Aubrey Organics, has promoted citrus seed extract, a component in "Aubrey’s Preservative", for more than 25 years.<ref name="Happi">Melissa Meisel. [http://www.happi.com/articles/2007/06/cosmetics-go-green Cosmetics Go Green]. Happi, Rodman Publishing, June 2007.</ref>


== Properties ==
== Properties ==
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== Precautions ==
== Precautions ==


Grapefruit can have a [[List of drugs affected by grapefruit|number of interactions]] with certain [[drug]]s, increasing the potency of many compounds,<ref name=NYTimes/> including [[warfarin]] (coumadin).<ref name="artificial_grapefruit_seed_extract"/> Grapefruit has components that inhibit the [[CYP3A4]] enzyme in the intestine.<ref name=NYTimes>Bakalar, Nicholas. [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/21/health/21grap.html?ex=1300597200&en=61e834f36b9afac9&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss Experts Reveal the Secret Powers of Grapefruit Juice]. ''The New York Times.'' March 21, 2006.</ref> Thus, it is this effect that increases the rate of absorption of several drugs.<ref name="GSE_Drug_Effect">{{cite journal |author=He K, Iyer KR, Hayes RN, Sinz MW, Woolf TF, Hollenberg PF |title=Inactivation of cytochrome P450 3A4 by bergamottin, a component of grapefruit juice |journal=Chem. Res. Toxicol. |volume=11 |issue=4 |pages=252–9 |year=1998 |month=April |pmid=9548795 |doi=10.1021/tx970192k }}</ref> There are concerns about the [[safety]] of ingesting synthetic preservatives found in grapefruit seed extract.<ref name="preservative_compounds"/>
Grapefruit can have a [[List of drugs affected by grapefruit|number of interactions]] with certain [[drug]]s, increasing the potency of many compounds,<ref name=NYTimes/> including [[warfarin]] (coumadin). Grapefruit has components that inhibit the [[CYP3A4]] enzyme in the intestine.<ref name=NYTimes>Bakalar, Nicholas. [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/21/health/21grap.html?ex=1300597200&en=61e834f36b9afac9&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss Experts Reveal the Secret Powers of Grapefruit Juice]. ''The New York Times.'' March 21, 2006.</ref> Thus, it is this effect that increases the rate of absorption of several drugs.<ref name="GSE_Drug_Effect">{{cite journal |author=He K, Iyer KR, Hayes RN, Sinz MW, Woolf TF, Hollenberg PF |title=Inactivation of cytochrome P450 3A4 by bergamottin, a component of grapefruit juice |journal=Chem. Res. Toxicol. |volume=11 |issue=4 |pages=252–9 |year=1998 |month=April |pmid=9548795 |doi=10.1021/tx970192k }}</ref> There are concerns about the [[safety]] of ingesting synthetic preservatives found in grapefruit seed extract.<ref name="preservative_compounds"/>


== Controversy ==
== Controversy ==

Revision as of 20:23, 8 January 2012

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE), also known as citrus seed extract, is a liquid derived from the seeds, pulp, and white membranes of grapefruit. Self-made natural GSE processed in the laboratory without solvents or synthetic agents is prepared by grinding the grapefruit seed and juiceless pulp, then mixing with glycerin. Commercially available GSE sold to consumers are made from the seed, pulp, glycerin, and synthetic preservatives all blended together. Grapefruit seed extract is sold as a food supplement and used in cosmetics because it is a claimed natural antimicrobial.

This extract has been stated by some practitioners of alternative medicine to possess antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.[1] It has been recommended by some nutritionists for the treatment of candidiasis, earache, throat infections, and diarrhea.[1]

Properties

There is evidence that the extract of citrus grapefruit seed has antioxidant properties.[2][3] Analysis shows the constituents of the seed extract and pulp are flavonoids,[4][5] ascorbic acid (commonly known as vitamin C[6][7][8]), tocopherols, citric acid,[2] limonoids,[9][10][11] sterols, and minerals.[12] A study suggests the consumption of the bioactive compounds found in grapefruit seed and pulp may help suppress the development of colon cancer.[13] Another study showed the flavonoid naringin is an excellent plasma lipid lowering and plasma antioxidant active elevating flavonone.[14]

Precautions

Grapefruit can have a number of interactions with certain drugs, increasing the potency of many compounds,[15] including warfarin (coumadin). Grapefruit has components that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme in the intestine.[15] Thus, it is this effect that increases the rate of absorption of several drugs.[16] There are concerns about the safety of ingesting synthetic preservatives found in grapefruit seed extract.[17]

Controversy

GSE usage has been popularized by many companies within the scope of the health food industry.[18] There are books exclusively dedicated to GSE.[1][19][20] This extract is promoted by marketers on the internet and some health food stores recommend its use.[17] Some consumers believe this extract is an effective natural preservative even though multiple scientific studies have concluded that the universal antimicrobial activity is merely from contamination with synthetic antimicrobials.Brandin H, Myrberg O, Rundlöf T, Arvidsson AK, Brenning G (2007). "Adverse effects by artificial grapefruit seed extract products in patients on warfarin therapy". Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 63 (6): 565–70. doi:10.1007/s00228-007-0289-1. PMID 17468864. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Sims, Judith. Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Available in e-book format. Thomson Gale. 2001.
  2. ^ a b Armando C, Maythe S, Beatriz NP (1997). "Antioxidant activity of grapefruit seed extract on vegetable oils". Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 77 (4): 463–7. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1097-0010(199808)77:4<463::AID-JSFA62>3.0.CO;2-1. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ Giamperi L, Fraternale D, Bucchini A, Ricci D (2004). "Antioxidant activity of Citrus paradisi seeds glyceric extract". Fitoterapia. 75 (2): 221–4. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2003.12.010. PMID 15030930. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Drewnowski A, Gomez-Carneors C (2000). "Bitter taste, phytonutrients, and consumer: a review". Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 72 (6): 1424–35. PMID 11101467.
  5. ^ Tirillini B (2000). "Grapefruit: the last decade acquisitions". Fitoterapia. 71: 29–37. doi:10.1016/S0367-326X(00)00176-3. PMID 10930710.
  6. ^ Andrew W. Saul, Ph.D. Vitamin C Has Been Known To Fight 30 Major Diseases... For Over 50 Years. Orthomolecular Medicine News Service. March 15, 2006.
  7. ^ Vitamin C. American Cancer Society. 2009.
  8. ^ The World's Healthiest Foods; Grapefruit. The George Mateljan Foundation. 2009.
  9. ^ Bennett RD, Hasegava S, Herman Z (1989). "Glucosides of acidic limonoids in citrus". Phytochemistry. 28 (10): 2777–81. doi:10.1016/S0031-9422(00)98087-7.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Ohta H, Fong CH, Berhow M, Hesegawa (1993). "Thin-layer and high-performance liquid chromatographic analyses of limonoids and limonoid glucosides in citrus seeds". J. Chromatogr. 639 (2): 295–302. doi:10.1016/0021-9673(93)80266-B.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ Braddock RJ, Bryan CR (2001). "Extraction parameters and capillary electrophorisis analysis of limonin glucoside and phlorin in citrus products". J. Agric. Food Chem. 49 (12): 5982–8. doi:10.1021/jf010737n. PMID 11743796.
  12. ^ Tushiswili LS, Durmishidze SV, Sulaberidze KV (1983). "Sterols of grapefruit, orange, mandarin pulps (Citrus paradisi, Citrus sinensis, Citrus unshiu)". Chem. Nat. Comp. 18: 445–7.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ Vanamala J, Leonardi T, Patil BS; et al. (2006). "Suppression of colon carcinogenesis by bioactive compounds in grapefruit". Carcinogenesis. 27 (6): 1257–65. doi:10.1093/carcin/bgi318. PMID 16387741. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ Gorinstein S, Leontowicz H, Leontowicz M; et al. (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. doi:10.1021/jf058014h. PMID 15826081. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ a b Bakalar, Nicholas. Experts Reveal the Secret Powers of Grapefruit Juice. The New York Times. March 21, 2006.
  16. ^ He K, Iyer KR, Hayes RN, Sinz MW, Woolf TF, Hollenberg PF (1998). "Inactivation of cytochrome P450 3A4 by bergamottin, a component of grapefruit juice". Chem. Res. Toxicol. 11 (4): 252–9. doi:10.1021/tx970192k. PMID 9548795. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ a b Todd Caldecott. Grapefruit seed extract antibiotic activity is due to preservative compounds. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. 2005.
  18. ^ Cite error: The named reference Contamination was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  19. ^ Sharamon, S., Baginski, B.J. The Healing Power of Grapefruit Seed. Lotus Press, Wisconsin. 1996. ISBN 0-914955-27-6
  20. ^ Allan Sachs (1997). The authoritative guide to grapefruit seed extract. Mendocino, CA: LifeRhythm. ISBN 0-940795-17-5.
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