Cervicitis is a condition where your cervix becomes inflamed. An inflamed cervix doesn't necessarily have any symptoms or need to be treated, unless it's a result of an infection caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Two bacterial infections -- gonorrhea and chlamydia -- and a virus -- genital herpes -- can cause inflammation to your cervix. Grapefruit seed extract products may help fight off bacterial infections and viruses, but they pose potentially serious side effects.
Treatment
Many grapefruit seed extract products contain antimicrobial properties that can combat infections caused by bacteria, yeast and even viruses. This means that you may be able to treat the bacterial infections gonorrhea or chlamydia with a grapefruit seed extract product and even treat the symptoms of genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus. Genital herpes, however, cannot be cured. The symptoms can only be treated and alleviated, typically with an anti-viral medication. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are typically treated with antibiotics. If you are able to treat the sexually transmitted disease causing your cervicitis, the inflammation should go away.
Grapefruit Seed Extract and Chemicals
Grapefruit seed extract products may appeal to people as a natural alternative to traditional prescription medicines to treat cervicitis. But many grapefruit seed products contain added chemicals, including a class 2 poison called benzethonium chloride, according to a review of grapefruit seed studies by Donal O'Mathuna, an herbal researcher and bio-ethicist. And, unless the grapefruit seed extract product you choose contains chemicals, it won't treat cervicitis or any other type of infection, according to O'Mathuna's review of studies published between 1999 and 2009, which was reported in "The Irish Times." Pure, entirely natural grapefruit seed extract does not possess antimicrobial properties, O'Mathuna reported.
Study
Researchers at the German Institute of Pharmacy published the first major study that examined the contents and infection-fighting properties of grapefruit seed extract. T. won Woedtke and colleagues tested six commercial grapefruit seed extract products and found that five of them worked effectively as antimicrobials. The five products that worked contained synthetic preservatives and disinfectants. The one product that didn't work contained only pure grapefruit seed extract, according to the results published in "Pharmazie" in June 1999. Similar studies conducted in the United States, Japan, Sweden and Austria backed up the findings of Woedtke's study, according to O'Mathuna.
Side Effects and Warnings
Both grapefruit seed extract and benzethonium chloride -- a chemical present in some grapefruit seed extract products -- prevent your body from efficiently metabolizing medications. This can lead to a build-up of drugs in your system and increase the likelihood of side effects. Grapefruit, for instance, may cause potentially fatal side effects when combined with a long list of drugs, including oral contraceptives and some types of cholesterol medication. Even if you aren't taking medication, benzethonium chloride can cause collapsing, convulsions and comas. Cervicitis does not always require treatment -- allergic reactions to a latex condom or spermacide may inflame your cervix. For safety's sake, see your doctor about cervicitis rather than self-medicating with grapefruit seed extract products.
References
- "Pharmazie"; Aspects of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract and its Relation to Preservative Substances Contained; T. von Woedtke et al; June 1999
- "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
- MayoClinic.com: Chlamydia -- Treatment; April 29 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Genital Herpes -- Treatment; May 21 2011
- "The Irish Times"; Peel Back the Hype; Donal O'Mathuna; March 24 2009
- Denver Naturopathic; Why We Don't Sell Grapefruit Seed Extract; July 21, 2005
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