Wellness From Within Blog

What is Grapefruit Seed Extract??

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a well-researched supplement with a long history of successful use. Originally employed in agriculture to prevent mold on foods and later in hospitals as an antiseptic for surgical equipment, GSE now treats conditions such as Candida overgrowth, athlete’s foot, and UTIs. Studies have shown that GSE’s antimicrobial effectiveness have shown it to be as effective as 30 pharmaceutical antibiotics and 18 fungicides, without the side effects associated with prescription drugs. In addition to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, GSE is rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, that support immune health, aid healing, and help repair liver cells damaged during detoxification. Main uses are to improve digestive symptoms caused by intestinal fungal infections like Candida overgrowth and athlete’s foot. Helps with urinary tract infections and bacterial infections of the skin, throat, nose, and mouth. Documented evidence of this is shown in the following studies. 

Fights Fungal Infections:

A 1990 study published in the “Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine” found GSE to be “highly effective” against yeasts and molds including Candida, Geotrichum, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. Supporting this, a 2001 study by Polish researchers demonstrated that GSE at 33% concentration had strong antifungal effects against Candida albicans by attacking yeast cells directly, effectively destroying existing yeast overgrowth. GSE can be a useful addition to natural antifungals such as caprylic acid or oregano oil, helping prevent Candida albicans from transforming into its fungal form and spreading through the gut. It can also be used topically for fungal infections like athlete’s foot, with application 2-3 times daily providing relief from itching and burning.

Natural Antibiotic:

A 2002 study showed GSE’s broad antimicrobial activity, capable of killing harmful bacteria within 15 minutes of contact, even when diluted. The American Research Institute reports that GSE can effectively kill over 800 bacterial and viral strains, 100 fungal strains, and inhibit many parasites. It works by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, destroying the cells, and can be used for UTIs or bacterial infections of the skin, throat, nose, and mouth. Some studies suggest GSE can also kill intestinal cells absorbed by yeast, further aiding in infection control. A 2019 study showed that GSE may be useful as an anti-biofilm agent for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Another 2019 study grapefruit seed extract mixed with distilled water inhibited avian pathogens and other viruses and bacteria. After spraying, it was shown to be effective even within a short contact time.

Fights Antibiotic-Resistant UTIs:

A case study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that grapefruit seeds were highly effective in killing antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections. The study looked at several patients who were treated with grapefruit seeds (Citrus paradisi) orally for two weeks. The dosage was five to six grapefruit seeds every eight hours. Within those two weeks, all patients responded satisfactorily to the treatment minus one. However, this patient initially had the bacterial UTI resistant to three different antibiotics, but after taking grapefruit seeds there was a reversal of the antibiotic resistance pattern. This study highlights the antibacterial ability of dried or fresh grapefruit seeds being comparable to antibacterial drugs, making GSE an effective home remedy for UTIs.  In fact, a 2021 study found that GSE was a naturally derived antibacterial substance that worked as a antibacterial agent, even at a very low concentration.

Nutritional Powerhouse:

GSE is packed with nutrients and phytochemicals, making it more than a natural antifungal. It contains the bioflavonoid hesperidin, a potent immune booster, as well as vitamin C and E, which are vital for mucous membrane repair. Additional compounds like sterols, citric acid, limonoids, and trace minerals contribute to healing and overall wellbeing.

Digestive Health: 

GSE’s natural acidity helps restore normal stomach and gut pH, which is often disrupted by Candida overgrowth or other factors. This balancing effect supports good digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.

Dental Appliance Cleaning: 

The results of the present study strongly suggest that GSE can be very useful for the disinfection of denture surfaces. Our data also suggest that a denture treated with GSE for 5 min has the potential to have a persistent inhibitory effect on the biofilm development of C. albicans which is the most common pathogen that is found on dental appliances and can cause tooth decay and oral infections. In addition, immersion in the solution containing GSE does not cause surface deterioration of denture-base resin. 

Forms and Dosage: 

GSE is available as a liquid concentrate or capsules. Its potent antimicrobial properties make it a valuable component of a comprehensive Candida or infection treatment plan, with extensive evidence supporting its efficacy and safety.

Typical recommended dosages for Grapefruit Seed Extract in liquid form and in tablet form. Always read the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Liquid concentrate: 10 drops in a cup of water taken 3 times a day.
• Tablet/capsules: 100-200mg 1-3 times a day should be sufficient.

Internal/Topical Use Options: 

There are also many grapefruit seed uses that don’t involve ingesting the extract. Due to its antimicrobial activities, grapefruit seed extract is commonly included in many throat sprays, nasal sprays, ear drops, mouth washes, toothpastes, shower gels, wound disinfectant sprays and other personal care products. Instead of using unnatural and synthetic preservatives, many natural companies turn to grapefruit seed extract for its ability to preserve a product by killing unwanted bacteria.

- Orally: (To ward off sore throats, colds, flu, or infections) Mix 10-15 drops well in 5 oz. or more of juice or water; take 2-3 times per day, before, during, or after meals. For children under 10, use 1-6 drops in 5 oz. juice, 2-3 times daily.

- Intestinal Microbial Treatment: Take 10-15 drops of GSE 4 times per day in juice or herbal tea. Consult your physician if condition persists.

- Throat Gargle: Stir 6-12 drops into 6 oz. of water. Gargle as needed.

- Nasal Rinse: Add 5-15 drops of GSE to a 1.5-2 oz. bottle of saline nasal spray. Spray into each nostril, sniffing high into the sinuses, at least twice daily.

- Dental Rinse:  Stir 3 drops into 2 oz. of water. Swish for 10 seconds, 1-2 times daily. For Waterpik units, add 3-4 drops to the water reservoir.

- Denture & Retainer Cleanser: Immerse dentures/retainers in a solution of GSE and water for 5-15 min and then rinse.

- Candida Vaginal Rinse: Mix 5-10 drops in 8 oz. of water. Use as a douche once or more daily for one week.

- Tip for Children: Add 3 drops of GSE into 5 oz. of highly watered-down citrus juice, then add one drop of stevia to sweeten.

- Athlete’s foot: Application 2-3 times daily providing relief from itching and burning. Can dilute with coconut oil if you have sensitive skin. 

- Toenail Fungus: Apply full strength to the nail and work under and around nail bed 2-3x daily. Dilute with coconut oil if you have sensitive skin.

Household Uses: 

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a versatile natural antimicrobial that can be effectively used in household cleaning and disinfection. Its powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a natural alternative to chemical disinfectants, helping to reduce the presence of germs and bacteria around the home and making it a valuable addition to household hygiene routines.

- Vegetable/Fruit or Meat/Poultry Wash: Add 25-30 drops to a sink filled with cold water. Briefly soak vegetables, fruit, meat, or poultry.

- Spray Washing: Add 15-20 drops to a 32 oz. spray bottle. Fill with water and spray on fruits or vegetables.

- Cutting Board Cleaner: Apply 10-20 drops to a cutting board, work in with a wet sponge or dishcloth. Leave for at least 30 minutes, then rinse with water.

- Laundry: Add 10 drops to the rinse cycle; to control mold and odors, add 25-30 drops per load. 

- Carpet cleaners: Use to kill pathogenic organisms. 

- Nebulizers: Mix one drop GSE with one ounce of saline water for respiratory infection control. 

- Humidifiers: Add 3-4 drops per gallon of water to prevent algae growth. 

- All-Purpose Cleaner: Add 30-60 drops to any 32 oz. pump sprayer filled with water. Use on all household surfaces.

- Hot tubs and swimming pools: Add to reduce the need for high chlorine levels. 

- Pets: Add a drop to water to reduce infectious diseases. 

- Disinfect drinking water: Add 10 drops per gallon after filtering or settling, then shake and let sit. 

- Making homemade baby wipes: Use 20 drops in 16 oz. of water. 

- Toothbrush Cleansing: Stir 5-10 drops into 1/2 cup of water. Soak toothbrush for 15 minutes, then rinse.

Side Effects:

Grapefruit seed extract is non-toxic and considered safe in most cases. An independent laboratory found that you would need to take 4,000 times the recommended amount of grapefruit seed extract before the dosage became poisonous. Side-effects of GSE are rare. One study reported patients suffered no side-effects during a four-week treatment with GSE. Instead, they noticed an overall improvement in digestive health symptoms, including constipation, flatulence, abdominal discomfort and night rest.

Drug Interactions: 

Grapefruit seed extract is known to have a large number of drug interactions. In many cases, GSE substantially reduces the effectiveness of prescription medication. If you are taking any medication, make sure to check with your healthcare provider. Taking GSE at a different time than your medication is best practice.

You can order some GSE through the following links:

You can order the pill form of GSE and Maximum Strength GSE liquid through Fullscript for a discount. Sign up link below.

Fullscript sign up link: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/skelly1681069554

Through Fullscript:

Full strength liquid: Citricidal Liquid Concentrate from NutriBiotic

Pill form of GSE from Nutribiotic

Nasal Spray, Wound Spray, Ear Drops are also available

Through Amazon:

Liquid GSE on Amazon: https://a.co/d/6HHGzGQ

Pill form GSE on Amazon: https://a.co/d/6VRlk69

Through NutriBiotic:

The full line of products are available.

https://www.nutribiotic.com/gse-liquid-concentrate.html

References:

From Nature with Love. (n.d.). Grapefruit seed extract (GSE). Retrieved October 27, 2023, fromhttps://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/library/gse.asp?srsltid=AfmBOorkhcGxQT-JPal6qjpIRPsO99fqTpGX_QyYtfL9pXkj_Sj2aJRu

New Beginnings Nutritionals. (n.d.). GSE usage instructions [PDF]. https://www.nbnus.net/pip/GSE%20Usage%20Instructions%20eBook.pdf

Price, A. (2024, August 23). Grapefruit seed extract benefits & how to use. Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/nutrition/grapefruit-seed-extract/

Progressive Nutracare. (n.d.). Grapefruit seed extract — a promising product. https://www.progressivenutracare.com/blogs/news/grapefruit-seed-extract-a-promising-product

Richards, L. (2019, October 30). The top 4 benefits of grapefruit seed extract. The Candida Diet. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://www.thecandidadiet.com/grapefruit-seed/