Grapefruit & HCV

HCV, or hepatitis C virus, causes a condition known as hepatitis C, defined by the inflammation of the liver. Common causes of HCV infection include long-term kidney dialysis, contact with infected blood, sharing personal items with infected individuals and placental transfer from the mother to child. About 1.5 percent of the population in the United States has hepatitis C, according to MedlinePlus. Antiviral medications are commonly prescribed to treat HCV infections. Certain natural foods and supplements, such as grapefruit, may also help manage hepatitis C infections.

About Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a large, dimpled, round citrus fruit that grows in clusters similar to grapes. Along with vitamin C, potassium and bioflavonoids, grapefruit also contains chemicals such as naringin and naringenin, which are responsible for its biological activity. Grapefruit and its seed extracts have been used traditionally for a variety of ailments such as heart disease, gallstones, cancer and infections. They are available in a several forms such as fresh fruit, juice, capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. The dose and form of grapefruit depends on the condition being treated, age and overall condition of the patient.

Link Between Grapefruit and HCV Infection

A flavonoid in grapefruit known as naringenin reduces the secretion of new HCV cells from the infected human cells by 80 percent, says a study published in the May 2008 issue of the journal "Hepatology." This may prevent the spread of the infection to other cells. However, Myrna Chandler Goldstein, author of the book "Healthy Foods: Facts Vs Fiction," states that naringenin is not absorbed very well in the intestine. Hence, the extract may have to be administered intravenously to effectively treat HCV. Another study in the September 2006 issue of the "Journal of Food and Drug Analysis" also states that conjugated metabolites of naringenin such as naringenin sulfate are more effective on oral administration, at least in laboratory animals. More research may be needed to prove this in actual clinical cases.

Side Effects

Fresh grapefruit and its juice are generally safe to use, although excessive consumption of grapefruit juice is associated with low blood pressure. Grapefruit juice may also increase the toxicity of certain anti-anxiety, antidepressant, immunosuppressant and antiviral medications by blocking the enzymes that play a role in the absorption and elimination of these drugs from the body, says MayoClinic.com.

Precautions

Always talk to a doctor before taking any grapefruit supplements to determine the dosage and form of grapefruit that is safe for you. Inform your health care provider of any medications you might be taking to avoid complications. Also remember that the production of grapefruit supplements in the United States is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.