Grapefruit Seed Extract for Colon Infection

Grapefruit is a medium size citrus fruit with a yellow rind that comes from a sub-tropical tree originating in Barbados. The juice and pulp are usually made into drinks, while the peel is made into an aromatherapy oil. Recently, grapefruit seed extract has been manufactured and marketed as a natural preservative and a health supplement. One of the suggested benefits of the extracts is to alleviate the symptoms of and to prevent colon infection.

• Grapefruit

History

• Following World War I, fresh fruit was a rare commodity and a special treat throughout Europe. This made young scientist Jacob Harich savor his breakfast grapefruit even more. However, when he accidentally bit into a grapefruit seed one morning, he could not help but notice its bitter taste. This sparked his wonder and he decided to solve the riddle of what made it so bitter. It was not until almost six years later that he was able to carry out his research. He discovered that an extract of grapefruit seed had the amazing ability to fight two types of lethal bacteria--E. coli and Salmonella.

Theories/Speculation

• Grapefruit seed extract also known as citrus extract is believed to have beneficial effects on the whole gastrointestinal tract due to its acclaimed antibacterial properties. This has led a number of supplement manufacturers to sell grape seed extract supplements with the recommendation that it is suitable for cleansing the colon, promoting liver metabolism and gallbladder and pancreas functions. It has also been claimed to cure diarrhea and prevent certain types of food poisoning.

Grapefruit Seed Extract and Colon Infection

• Because grapefruit seed extract does have the ability to inhibit bacterial growth within the gastrointestinal tract it is sometimes recommened to relieve or prevent colon infection. The recommended dose to fight such an infection is 500mg to be taken three times per day. A 2004 study by Zayachkivska et al. showed that grapefruit seed extract helped to heal damage to the intestinal lining and promoted the growth and circulation of beneficial gut microflora in animal subjects. There is a need however, for more in-depth research in human subjects.

Studies

• A 1999 study, conducted by the Institute of Pharmacy, Ernst Moritz Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany, tested the antimicrobial and preservative properties of six commercial grapefruit seed supplements. Though the researchers found that the extract did show the ability to inhibit bacterial growth, they also detected the presence of benzethonium chloride, triclosan and methyl paraben. These substances are synthetic preservative agents and although they are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDAO in the United States, they are only approved for topical use as low levels.

Warning

• Parabens have been in use as preservatives sine the 1920s. Despite the fact that they are approved by the FDA for topical use, many scientists consider them toxic chemicals, and more so if they are taken orally. Studies have linked parabens to allergic reactions and breast cancer.

Controversy

• Despite the warnings, a 2002 study by John Heggers, Ph.D, at the University of Texas Medical School, showed that grapefruit seed extract at non-toxic concentrations, had a significant ability to inhibit or prevent the growth of 67 individual pathogens. It is therefore possible that the manufactured supplements in previous studies contained unhealthy additives that masked the natural abilities of grapefruit seed extract. The controversy still continues and more conclusive studies need to be conducted to resolve the issue.