Grapefruit Seed Extract & Warts

Grapefruit seed extract is one supplement that may be helpful in the treatment of warts, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) 2. Grapefruit seed extract is sometimes confused with grape seed extract, which is a different supplement 2. Grapefruit seed extract should not be used as a replacement for traditional medical care 2. See your health provider for information regarding treatment for your condition.

Caution

Patients who are taking blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin, should avoid grapefruit seed extract, as it can decrease effectiveness 2. Consult your doctor about medications that may interact with this supplement. In addition, there is concern about the safety of some brands of grapefruit seed extract 2. A study published in the July 2001 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry looked at various samples of liquid grapefruit extract and found that seven out of ten of these samples contained up to 8.03 percent of the powerful chemical benzethonium chloride 1. The powdered samples contained even higher, unsafe concentrations of this chemical, reported researcher Gary Takeoka.

Promoting Immunity

What Causes Warts on the Face?

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Either in capsule or drop form, grapefruit seed extract reportedly contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties 2. Furthermore, it may be helpful in promoting immune function, the UMMC states. Warts are caused by various strains of a common virus in humans, the human papillomavirus; and if the skin is damaged or broken, they are more likely to appear in these areas. All warts can spread to different parts of the body, and whether or not you get treatment, they tend to disappear then reappear, according to the UMMC.

How Grapefruit Seed Extract is Made

Grapefruit seed extract is made from grapefruit seeds and pulp, which is then ground into a fine powder 2. The powder is then distilled to remove fiber and pectin. A distilled mixture is dissolved in vegetable glycerin and heated. The final product is a distilled version of beneficial nutrients found in grapefruit.

Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract

Benzoyl Peroxide for Warts

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Although there have been no formal studies about the effectiveness of treating warts specifically with grapefruit seed extract, CBS news points to many kinds of skin conditions that may be helped with this supplement: These include:

• the treatment of warts
  
• as well as athlete’s foot
  
• calluses
  
• corns
  
• blisters
  
• nail fungi 2

Further studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract against other forms of treatment for these conditions 2.

How to Use Grapefruit Seed Extract

The extract can be added to your favorite beverage 2. Slowly increase treatment to up to five times per day, according to Nutritream's website. To treat warts, take grapefruit seed extract in capsule or liquid form, as well as treating the warts topically 2. Apply twice daily directly to the affected area.