The common cold can't be cured by medication, including alternative remedies, according to MayoClinic.com. The common cold is a virus that attacks your nose and throat. Many, but not all, grapefruit seed extract supplements possess antimicrobial properties that can fight off bacteria, yeast and other microbes. But none can successfully treat viral infections such as the common cold.
Antimicrobials and Chemicals
A common cold may turn into a bacterial infection, such as sinusitis, strep throat or pneumonia. If this is the case, grapefruit seed extract may prove helpful in fighting off the infection. But if grapefruit seed extract successfully fights a secondary infection, it won't be because of the fruit. Donal O'Mathuna, a bioethicist and herbal researcher, says that pure grapefruit seed extract doesn't contain any antimicrobial capabilities. Many grapefruit seed extract products include added chemicals such as disinfectants and synthetic preservatives. It is these chemicals, not the grapefruit seed extract, that can fight off infections, O'Mathuna reported in 2009 in "The Irish Times" after reviewing eight grapefruit seed extract studies.
Proof
A team of researchers at the German Institute of Pharmacy discovered the presence of chemicals in grapefruit seed extract products, according to a report of their findings published in the July 1999 issue of "Pharmazie." They analyzed the makeup and abilities of six commercially sold grapefruit seed extracts. Five of the six brands fought off bacteria, yeast and other microbes. All five contained chemicals, such as benzethonium chloride, a class 2 poison. The sixth product -- the one that didn't work -- contained no chemicals. The team also made pure grapefruit seed extract and tested it for antimicrobial properties. It didn't work either. Since then, studies from Sweden, Austria, Japan and the U.S. have all backed up the research, according to O'Mathuna.
Symptom Alleviation
The common cold can't be "cured" with antibiotics or antimicrobials such as grapefruit seed extract, but you can take measures to alleviate your symptoms. These include getting plenty of rest and keeping hydrated. You can become dehydrated if you have a cold, because you can lose fluids from running a fever or from expelling mucus. If you have concerns that your cold is not getting better and is instead progressing into a bacterial infection, seek medical help.
Precautions
A grapefruit seed extract product could fight off a bacterial infection that develops from a cold, but chemicals in some grapefruit seed products pose serious health risks. Benzethonium chloride, for instance, may cause convulsions or coma. A product label will not necessarily reveal the presence of this or other chemicals. Benzethonium chloride -- as well as grapefruit itself -- can interfere with your body's ability to metabolize drugs. You could end up with too much medication in your system, risking side effects associated with overdoses. Grapefruit can turn dangerous when combined with many drugs, including birth control pills and some antidepressants and cholesterol medications.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Common Cold; Feb. 22, 2011
- "The Irish Times"; Peel Back the Hype; Donal O'Mathuna; March 24, 2009
- "Pharmazie"; Aspects of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract and its Relation to Preservative Substances Contained; T. von Woedtke et al.; June 1999
- Denver Naturopathic; Why We Don't Sell Grapefruit Seed Extract; July 21, 2005
- "European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Adverse Effects by Artificial Grapefruit Seed Extract Products in Patients on Warfarin Therapy; H. Brandin et al.; March 20, 2007
- "The New York Times"; Experts Reveal...Grapefruit Juice; Nicholas Bakalar; March 21, 2006
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