General Description
Grapefruit (also called pomelo) is a citrus tree native to the West
Indies and naturalized in tropical regions throughout the world.
Growing to approximately six meters in height, grapefruit trees
have dense, dark green foliage and large white flowers, which eventually
produce a round yellow fruit. The interior of the fruit is divided
into individual sections filled with juicy pulp (which may vary
in color from light yellow to pink or red) and several white, ovate
seeds.
Health Applications
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antiparasitic
History and Traditional Use
Believed to have originated in Jamaica, grapefruit was well established
throughout the West Indies by the time it was discovered by Europeans
in the 17th century. While the fruit has been a popular food for
centuries, in the last two decades, extracts from grapefruit seeds
have also gained popularity for their purported medicinal value.
Chemical Composition
Synthesized from the pulp and seeds of grapefruit, grapefruit
seed extract is known chemically as diphenol hydroxybenzene complex.1
Extracts sold commercially are usually composed of 60 percent
extract combined with 40 percent vegetable glycerine to reduce
bitterness and decrease the likelihood of irritation to the skin
or mucous membranes.
Antimicrobial Activity
Enthusiasts promote grapefruit seed extract as a natural antimicrobial
that fights protozoans, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.2
There is little (if any) published scientific evidence to support
such claims. One study suggests that the antimicrobial activity
attributed to grapefruit seed extract may be due to contamination
with synthetic preservatives, finding no antimicrobial activity
in non-contaminated extract.3
Dosage/Toxicity
Recommended dosages for grapefruit seed extract vary with the
potency of different preparations. A common recommendation is
500 mg of 4:1 extract, twice daily. It appears to be safe at this
dosage level. Some indivuals find the extract's acidity too difficult
to tolerate. Reported side effects include stomach upset and skin
irritation.1 |
