Facts About Grapefruit Seed Extract

Many consumers today are interested in finding alternative medicine and healing agents from natural foods. Grapefruit seed extract has become popular for its multipurpose use for people of all ages.

Identification

• Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) should not to be confused with grapefruit juice or grapefruit essential oil. The extract is produced by taking the seeds, pulps and white membranes of a grapefruit and processing them in a chemical synthesis.

Types

• Grapefruit seed extract comes in liquid form and often can be purchased at health food stores or vitamin shops. Homemade GSE is made by grinding the juiceless pulp and seeds then mixing glycerin to the substance. The liquid is highly concentrated; therefore, it is always recommended that it be diluted with water.

History

• Although eating grapefruit is highly valuable in terms of nutrition, there are many conflicting arguments as to how beneficial GSE is and if there are any harmful side effects. When GSE first appeared in the late 1980s, it was deemed as dietary supplement. Soon, people realized the compounds in the seeds had powerful infection-fighting properties and the capability to control viruses, bacteria and mold.

Today's Function

• Today, people use GSE to cure yeast infection, athlete's foot and even bad breath. Topically, the extract is used to improve skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne, blisters and cold sores. It also can heal wounds or cuts. Some people use it as a "green" alternative to cleaning countertops and washing fruits and vegetables.

Warning

• Consuming grapefruit seed extract is not recommended for people with allergies to citrus. The main concern is that it must be properly diluted with water. Due to its high level of acidity, it may irritate sensitive tissues in the intestines or the skin.

Controversy

• The controversy arises from the word "organic" and "natural." Though GSE may seem like a natural by-product, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program, it is synthetic by definition: "A substance that is formulated or manufactured by a chemical process or by a process that chemically changes a substance extracted from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral sources." In the United States, there is no specific law or legal definition of the word "natural"; therefore, any company can use the word as part of its description for use.

Conclusion

• The controversy continues as companies push the various benefits of GSE and scientists continue to research. However, recent studies submitted to the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry in 2005 state that grapefruit seed extract might be more harmful than helpful: "The presence of benzalkonium chloride in a commercial product designated for internal and external use by human is troubling in light of its toxicity and allergenicity."