Grapefruit seed extract may successfully treat cystitis, a urinary tract infection that causes inflammation of the bladder usually caused by a bacterial infection. Many, but not all, grapefruit seed extract products prove capable of battling yeast, fungus, viral and bacterial infections. Because of the potential for serious side effects, do not use grapefruit seed extract without consulting your medical care provider.
Disinfectants and Preservatives
It is not the actual grapefruit seed extract -- seeds and pulp -- that treats cystitis and other infections. Synthetic preservatives and disinfectants added to many grapefruit seed extracts provide antimicrobial abilities, according to herbal researcher and bio-ethicist Donal O'Mathuna. He analyzed grapefruit seed extract studies published between 1999 and 2009 in Germany, Austria, Sweden, Japan and the United States and reported his findings in The Irish Times. O'Mathuna said the authors of all of the studies agreed that pure grapefruit seed extract does not fight off infections.
Study
In June 1999, "Die Pharmazie" published the results of the first major scientific study to examine the contents and effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract products. The German Institute of Pharmacy study, led by T. von Woedtke, tested the abilities and the contents of six commercially sold grapefruit seed extract products. Five worked as antimicrobials capable of fighting off bacterial infections such as cystitis. One didn't work. The five products that worked as antimicrobials contained disinfectants and synthetic preservatives, including a poison called benzethonium chloride. The one product that didn't work contained pure grapefruit seed extract. Homemade grapefruit seed extract also proved incapable of fighting infections.
Treatment
If left untreated, cystitis could lead to a kidney infection, and these sometimes prove fatal. It makes sense to see a doctor about cystitis rather than to self-medicate with unknown ingredients in grapefruit seed extract. If you test positive for cystitis, a doctor typically prescribes antibiotics. Antibiotics prove effective in treating bacterial infections. You may not know from reading a product label whether a grapefruit seed extract contains chemicals that may help treat cystitis. And the chemicals that kill bacteria also may harm your health.
Side Effects
Side effects of benzethonium chloride, a synthetic preservative added to some grapefruit seed extracts, include convulsions, collapsing and comas. If you take any medications, ask your doctor about their possible interactions with grapefruit seed extract. Many drugs, including oral contraceptives, interact adversely with properties in grapefruit. Grapefruit seed extract slows your body's metabolism of medications. Benzethonium chloride also inhibits drug metabolism. You may end up with more medication in your body than intended, increasing your risk of side effects such as blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Cystitis; 2010
- The Irish Times; Peel Back the Hype; Donal O'Mathuna; March 24, 2009
- "Die 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; 2005
- The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: Grapefruit and Medication: A Cautionary Note; February 2006
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