Cardiovascular disease is a broad term that includes a number of disorders, such as heart attack, ischemic shock and arrhythmia, which affect the heart and blood vessels. Most cardiovascular diseases occur due to the formation of plaque in the arteries, and may be characterized by irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness and light-headedness. Certain medications and surgery may help treat the conditions. Healthy diet and exercise also play a key role in preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases. Some herbs and natural extracts such as those of grapefruit may also help and prevent the condition.
Grapefruit Extracts
Grapefruits are large, dimpled, round citrus fruits that grow in clusters on the grapefruit, or Citrus paradise, tree. The fruit and seed extracts of grapefruit are rich in flavonoids, vitamin C and volatile components that are responsible for its biological activity. The supplements are available as tablets, capsules, juices and powders. However, there are no clinical trials to establish the appropriate dosage for the grapefruit extracts. It is best to consult a doctor before using grapefruit extracts.
Link
Grapefruit juice can help significantly reduce arterial blood pressure and thereby help prevent cardiovascular diseases, states a study published in the July 2009 issue of the journal "Phytotherapy Research." The Science Daily website also reported in February 2006 that eating red or white grapefruit can significantly lower the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the body. This can, in turn, prevent plaque formation in arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Some animal studies, such as one published in a 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Cancer Research," states that ethanol extracts of grapefruit possess significant antioxidant activity that helps stabilize the free radicals formed as a result of various metabolic processes in the body. The unstable free radicals react with the DNA and proteins of the heart cells and thereby damage them.
Side Effects
Grapefruit extracts are generally safe to use, although Drugs.com notes that low blood pressure and deep vein thrombosis, or blood clot formation, may rarely occur. MayoClinic.com, however, warns that grapefruit juice interferes with the metabolism of certain anti-anxiety, anti-arrhythmia, antidepressant, anti-seizure, and immunosuppressant medications. This causes increased retention of the drugs in the body, which can lead to potentially dangerous side effects.
Precautions
Due to the possible drug interactions, always use grapefruit products under the supervision of a doctor only, especially if you are taking any prescription medications. Also, remember that the production of some grapefruit supplements is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Hence, try to ensure the safety and quality of the product as much as possible.
References
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Effect of Citrus Paradisi Extract and Juice on Arterial Pressure Both In Vitro and In Vivo; J.A. Díaz-Juárez, et al.; July 2009
- Science Daily: Red Grapefruit Appears to Lower Cholesterol, Fight Heart Disease
- "International Journal of Cancer Research"; Ethanolic Seed Extract of Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi Macfad) as an Effective Attenuator of Doxorubicin-Iinduced Oxidative Stress in the Rat Heart; L.C. Saalu, et al.; 2009
- Drugs.com: Grapefruit
- MayoClinic.com: Grapefruit Juice: Beware of Dangerous Medication Interactions
Member Comments