While it is known that fruits and vegetables are healthy for the body, it is not always well-known that the seeds are also beneficial. Grapefruit seed extract, GSE, is gaining popularity as a health and cleaning product. While GSE has not received final approval by the FDA to be labeled as anti-fungal or germicidal, there is research supporting specific health claims of organic GSE.
Gastroprotective
The "World Journal of Gastroenterology" published a study in November of 2005 looking at the effects of GSE on stomach lesions or ulcers. The lesions were induced by treating the lab rats with 100 percent ethanol or causing stress-induced lesions through the use of capsaicin, the main component of chili peppers. When the lab animals were pre-treated with GSE the lesions were reduced in size by 50 percent. The GSE helped to increase mucosal thickness and activity while also acting as an anti-inflammatory.
Antioxidant
In addition to having anti-inflammatory activities, GSE contains flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that help decrease inflammation and destroy free radicals. A study published in December of 2004 in the "Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology" looked at the potential effects GSE could have on acute pancreatitis, or a sudden and painful swelling of the pancreas. Lab rats were treated with a specific procedure to intentionally cause pancreatitis, and the study looked at the effects of treating pancreatitis with GSE and if GSE had any protective qualities if administered before the pancreatitis was induced. Results found GSE to be both protective and helpful after the fact to help reduce inflammation. The most helpful dose after the fact was a direct application of 250ml of GSE.
Antibacterial
Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterium better known as Lyme disease. It is transmitted to humans and animals through infected tick bites. While some varieties of prescription antibiotics work well for resolving Lyme disease, GSE has shown promise on in vitro studies. In 2007, the journal "Infection" published a study looking at the effects of GSE on this gram-negative bacterium. B. burgdorferi has two forms, a motile form and a cystic form. This study looked at the effects of GSE on treating both forms in a laboratory setting. High concentrations of GSE completely destroyed both forms of the bacteria. This test was not done in animal studies but shows promise for further testing and concomitantly treating with regular antibiotics to help increase anti-bacterial effects.
Bee Friendly
Honey bees provide humans with wax and honey. These insects are susceptible to disease just like humans. American foulbrood, which is a spore-form bacterial disease caused by Paenibacillus larvae larvae, which can infect bees and the colonies, destroying the hive and honey and wax production. Since honey is both a raw and processed product for consumption, it is difficult to find a safe treatment for the bees. A 2004 study published in the Italian journal "Veterinaria Italiana" looked at 21 samples of GSE used in treating this disease. The study found 19 of the 21 samples killed all of the bacteria, indicating GSE is useful in treating this condition.
References
- World Journal of Gastroenterology: Grapefruit-seed Extract Attenuates Ethanol- and Stress-induced Gastric Lesions Via Activation of Prostaglandin, Nitric Oxide and Sensory Nerve Pathways
- Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology: Extract Of Grapefruit-Seed Reduces Acute Pancreatitis Induced By Ischemia/Reperfusion In Rats
- Infection: Grapefruit Seed Extract is a Powerful In Vitro Agent Against Motile and Cystic Forms of Borrrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato
- Veterinaria Italiana: Antibacterial Properties of Grapefruit Seed Extract Against Paenibacillus Larvae Subsp. Larvae
- Baylor College of Medicine: Foulbrood
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