Or Is It?

While there are a few studies negating the benefits of grapefruit seed extract, many other studies provide substantial data that’s good to know about. And then there’s lore from tradition, which also has proven merit.

One study published in 1999 and another in 2021, indicate that the perceived benefits of grapefruit seed extract were more of an effect of the presence of synthetic antimicrobial compounds^[1]https://www.herbalgram.org/news/press-releases/2017/botanical-adulterants-bulletin-highlights-the-presence-of-synthetic-antimicrobial-compounds-in-grapefruit-seed-extract/ and/or the solvent (solution) used for extracting GSE. ^[2]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10399191/^[3]https://pubag.nal.usda.gov/catalog/7297762 Conversely, many other studies have provided what would seem to be a plethora of substantial data.

So we’re sharing here, common uses and benefits of grapefruit seed extract as well as the links to scientific studies, so that you can discern for yourself, what makes the most sense to you.

One Source of Confusion on GSE

Another issue with the information on grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is that it is often confused in articles online with another seed with beneficial properties: grape seed extract, which is also called GSE!

The benefits of grapefruit seed extract are different than the benefits of grape seed extract.

While grapefruit seed extract is often cited as being good for teeth, we didn’t find the research to substantiate that. When searching for grapefruit seed extract benefits, the majority of the search results present grape seeds rather than grapefruit seeds.

The other — and ongoing — source of confusion on just about anything and everything, are the claims by manufacturers of products. The challenge becomes one of discerning fact from hype verified research versus advertising spin.

So friends, until more studies are done, we have to put on our own Sherlock Holmes deerstalker hat and do some of our own armchair research with our specific ailment and possible remedy in mind.

And of course, it is always advisable to consult with your trusted health professional for guidance and best uses.

Even though GSE is identified as a natural antimicrobial, this observation suggests that the GSE antibacterial activity is derived from these synthetic substances such as benzalkonium chloride. Therefore, further research is needed about these controversial issues.

More Studies Are Needed for Greater Clarity

This doesn’t mean that there aren’t any significant benefits to grapefruit seed extract, but rather, that there is confusion and a lack of clarity because of differing results in differing studies.

What’s needed are studies of grapefruit seed extract that do not include any kind of antibacterial medium, but rather, a neutral carrier, such as water or vegetable glycerin rather than alcohol, or synthetic substances that may also have medicinal effect.

We — at GardensAll — are keenly interested in the topic of natural health and healing, especially through the foods we can grow. We’ve had first hand experience of the powerful healing properties of plants and natural foods and herbs. However, we are researchers, writers and editors, not scientists.

While we have researched and studied this topic exhaustively, the more we researched, the less conclusive we became. We started this article with the certainty that we needed only to present examples of the proven benefits. What we found was staunch support, but also valid opposing results

So we present these studies for you to peruse and make your own informed opinions.

Our Take on the Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract

How we plan to proceed from here is to continue using grapefruit seed extract, while carefully observing any and all benefits noted.

Further, before using GSE for any of the benefits attributed, we will again dive into the research, of both studies and herbology, of science and lore. We value the relevance of both, and consider first hand experience as important as the exhaustive clarity of laboratory studies.

Possible Health Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract

Many of these are also said to be useful for pets.

• Antibacterial^[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7830962/^[5]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165190/
• Antimicrobial^[6]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7830962/^[7]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15610620/^[8]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165191/
• Antiviral^[9]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6451896/
• Antifungal
  • Candida^[10]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6538181/^[11] … Continue reading
• Antioxidant^[12]https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/
• Bronchial disorders – GSE in the medication Broncalt®, has been found to significantly improve inflammation of otorhinolaryngological (ORL) disorders. ^[13]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6776164/^[14]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6776168/
• Digestive issues^[15]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25990915/^[16]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4355785/^[17]https://isom.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/JOM_1990_05_3_07_Oral_Citrus_Seed_Extract_in_Atopic_Eczema_In_Vitro_and-.pdf
• Ear drops – We didn’t find published studies related specifically to ear health, however, many ear problems are often fungal or bacterial, and or these, GSE has proven benefits.
• Flu/cold preventative^[18]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7645297/
• IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome – this study includes a correlation between bowel health and eczema ^[19]https://isom.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/JOM_1990_05_3_07_Oral_Citrus_Seed_Extract_in_Atopic_Eczema_In_Vitro_and-.pdf
• Nasal/sinus wash – No studies found, but there are popular GSE nasal spray products on the market.
• Skin and infections – due to the antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties
• Throat spray – soothes and protects
• UTIs – Urinary Tract Infections (kills antibiotic-resistant UTIs)^[20]https://www.newscientist.com/article/2122891-utis-could-soon-be-life-threatening-without-new-antibiotics/
• Virus– one study recorded a perceive 50% reduction in the average virus recovery time when using Xlear made from Xylitol and GSE. However, more research is needed.^[21]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7645297/

Grapefruit seed extract is perhaps best known for its ability to treat digestive disturbances and kill pathogens, especially fungal pathogens like Candida albicans, in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Researchers tested grapefruit seed extract against different intestinal pathogens and found it was most effective against Candida fungal species.

Grapefruit Seed Extract Study on IBS and Eczema

One preliminary human trial investigated the effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract in people with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and eczema. Subjects received either 2 drops of a 0.5% liquid concentrate twice a day or 150 mg of encapsulated grapefruit seed extract (ParaMicrocidin®) three times a day

After a month, all of the subjects taking capsules experienced significant improvements in constipation, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort, as well as night rest. 20% of the subjects taking the liquid experienced significant improvements in their IBS symptoms.

Results found that there were no major grape seed extract side effects. The fact that these patients’ digestive symptoms improved with grapefruit extract suggests that they actually had an infection in the gastrointestinal tract that was causing their symptoms rather than IBS.

The researchers tested the extract against different intestinal pathogens and found it was most effective against Candida species, a type of fungal infection, and some types of parasites.

Data suggests an antibacterial characteristic to GSE that is comparable to that of proven topical antibacterials.

REFERENCE: Study on the effectiveness of processed grapefruit seed extract as an antibacterial agent.^[22]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165190/

Contributions From the Community

“I’ve used GSE at the recommendation of my acupuncturist to help with a bronchitis cough. I was having coughing fits where I couldn’t catch my breath. The GSE relieved that quickly.“

~Becky Reed

Possible Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract for Dogs

Most of the grapefruit seed benefits for humans are also applicable to dogs. Here are some popular vet-recommended uses for GSE for dogs.

• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Antiseptic
• Bacteria
• Bad breath when added to drinking water
  • use 1 drop of liquid, per 10 pounds of body weight
  • frequency of dosage can be increased 2-3x without side effects
• Fungal infections such as Candida
• Digestive problems
• Ear infections
• Parasites
• Skin –
  • infections – due to the antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties
  • Injuries
• Viruses

You can find grapefruit seed extract for dogs on Amazon.

References:

• WagWalking.com
• Natural-Dog-Health-Remedies
• SaveAdog.org

GSE is extremely potent, so be sure to use safely diluted ratios and follow product or health professional’s dosage instructions.^[23]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12165191

If you’re want to try making your own, check out our article on how to make grapefruit seed extract.

Grapefruit Seed Extract Cleaner

You can learn how to make grapefruit seed extract cleaner here.