Grapefruit seed extract is derived from the seeds of the grapefruit and is available as capsules, tablets or as a liquid. Grapefruit seed extract is not an essential nutrient, but research has shown that it might be useful for certain conditions such as warts and urinary tract infections. According to the University of Maryland, grapefruit seed extract interacts with a number of medications so a doctor should always be consulted before taking a grapefruit seed extract supplement.
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum that lives in the soil. The fungus is breathed in through the lungs. Most people are not affected by the fungus, but for infants and people who are chronically ill or immune-compromised, the condition can be serious. Typical symptoms include chills, fever, headache, lung infection and breathing difficulties.
According to the University of Maryland, 5 to 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract three times daily, or a 100 mg capsule daily, might help strengthen the immune system and have anti-fungal properties that might be beneficial for histoplasmosis.
Atopic Eczema And Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema, a chronic skin disorder. Atopic eczema is caused by an allergy that leads to long-term inflammation of the skin. Typical symptoms include blisters, skin redness, itching and inflammation.
Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS, is a condition that affects the large colon. Typical symptoms include gas, bloating, constipation and abdominal discomfort.
In a study published in a 1990 issue of the "Journal of Orthomolecular medicine," researchers studied the effect of grapefruit seed extract on patients with atopic eczema and symptoms of IBS. The team found that grapefruit seed extract helped decrease flatulence, constipation and abdominal discomfort.
Warts
Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by the human papilloma virus. They are usually harmless, but occasionally they will hurt or itch. Warts come in many forms, including flat warts, which are commonly found on the face, hands, wrists and knees; genital warts, which occur on the genitalia; and periungual warts, which are found around the nails.
According to the University of Maryland, a 100 mg grapefruit seed capsule daily, or 5 to ten drops of liquid 3 times daily, may help warts.
Bacterial Infections
Bacteria are living microbes that have only one cell. Infectious bacteria reproduce quickly in the body and can give off toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Infectious bacteria include streptococcus, E. coli and staphylococcus.
In a study published in a 2002 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," researchers found that grapefruit seed extract has anti-bacterial properties.
According to the University of Maryland, grapefruit seed extract might be helpful against conditions such as urinary tract infections and urethritis, which are caused by bacterial infections.
References
- University of Maryland: Histoplasmosis
- "Journal of Orthomolecular medicine"; "Oral citrus seed extract in atopic eczema: in vitro and in vivo studies on intestinal microflora"; G. Ionescu et al; 1990
- University of Maryland: Warts
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; "The effectiveness of processed grapefruit-seed extract as an antibacterial agent: II. Mechanism of action and in vitro toxicity"; J.P. Heggers et al: 2002
- University of Maryland: Urinary Tract Infections
- University of Maryland: Urethritis
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