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Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is truly a broad-spectrum natural antibiotic, capable of killing a wide variety of pathogens. Highly active against protozoa, bacteria, yeast and some viruses, it has been used for quite some time in the treatment of parasitic infections. It is nontoxic, generally hypoallergenic and can be administered for up to several months, which may be required to eliminate stubborn infections.
The extract of the inner rind and seeds of grapefruits (Citrus racemosa) is becoming known as one the best topical and internal antiseptics one can find. Popularized by the trade name Citricidal, grapefruit seed extract is bacteriostatic as well as bacteriocidal at various concentrations. It is active against a wide variety of bacteria and fungi. It has also been shown to be very effective against parasitic organisms such as giardia.
Source
GSE is sold both as "Grapefruit Seed Extract" and "Citrus Seed Extract". Unless otherwise indicated on the label, these products are usually made from grapefruit seeds only.
Grapefruit seed extract is often found diluted in sprays to disinfect surfaces used in food preparations. The dry extract powder is found in antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic formulations.
Reasons For Use
Grapefruit seed extract preparations can be used both internally and externally.- External Use: GSE can be used externally as a disinfectant for both intact skin and to prevent infection in wounds. A study in Brazil found it to be 100% effective (at 100ppm) for skin disinfection when used as a pre-surgical prep compared to an effectiveness rate of 72% for alcohol and 98% for commercially available surgical soap.
- Internal Use: GSE can also be used internally to treat chronic infections. It is often recommended at a rate of 3 times per day. Dosage should not exceed a total of 1500mg per day.
- Nasal spray: Spray or use an eye-dropper to get several diluted drops into each nostril, and then swing the head quickly forward and down (so head is upside-down), forcing the liquid up into the nasal passages. Use up to six times per day.
- Douche: GSE is added to one pint of water. Use twice a day as a douche for up to a week, in the treatment of yeast infections.
Grapefruit seed extract has been shown to be effective in treating hundreds of different organisms including: Shigella, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Giardia lamblia, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycobacterium species, Campylobacter, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Proteus, Cholera, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Legionella pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, Herpes simplex 1, Influenza A2, and measles virus. GSE has been shown to kill both gram-negative and gram-positive strains of bacteria.
Directions
Different products may vary in strength so you should follow the label or your doctor's directions for any particular product. As concentrated solutions, they almost always require dilution, and a different dilution for different forms of application. Its bitter taste may be avoided by mixing it with carrot, vegetable, orange or grapefruit juice, or by taking it in capsule form usually just after a meal.
Counter-Indicators and Warnings
In much the same way that synthetic antibiotics can kill off the naturally occurring flora which exists in one's body, so might Grapefruit seed extract. Consequently, if this herb is to be used long-term in the treatment of a chronic infection, supplemental acidophilus may need to be taken. However, while one study found that GSE significantly inhibited E. coli, another normal inhabitant of the GI tract, it left the important and beneficial Bifidobacteria unchanged, and only slightly reduced the Lactobacilli species.
People using GSE should be aware that they may have, or may develop an allergy to this preparation. Persons with a known citrus allergy are at higher risk. Should you develop a rash or experience any other symptoms while using it, discontinue use immediately.
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Grapefruit Seed Extract can help with the following: | | | | | Infections |  Bacterial Dysbiosis | Citrus seed extract may be a desirable first line of treatment because of its broad spectrum of antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoan benefits. The usual dose required is 600-1600mg per day. Animal studies have shown no toxicity except for intestinal irritation producing diarrhea at very high doses. The mechanism of action is not known; there is no evidence of systemic absorption. |
Yeast / Candida Infection| | Chronic candidiasis can be successfully treated with grapefruit seed extract according to the many clinics and medical practitioners now prescribing it. Dr Leo Galland, who prescribes it for chronic candidiasis, has reported treatment failure in fewer than 1% of cases, and considers it to be "a major therapeutic breakthrough for patients with chronic parasitic and yeast infections." |
 Athletes Foot| | This extract is a powerful all-around antimicrobial product and is an excellent disinfectant. Make a solution of 100 drops in two ounces of water and apply to the affected areas with a cotton ball two or three times a day. |
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Inflammation |
 Laryngitis| | Grapefruit-seed extract can be taken internally or used as a gargle. |
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Parasites |
Entamoeba Infection| | In a series of almost 200 patients treated for giardia or entamoeba histolytica by a Dr. Parish and his associates over a two month period, grapefruit seed extract gave symptomatic relief more than any other treatment that was tried. |
Giardiasis Infection| | In a series of almost 200 patients treated for giardia or entamoeba histolytica by a Dr. Parish and his associates over a two month period, grapefruit seed extract gave symptomatic relief more than any other treatment that was tried. |
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Skin-Hair-Nails |
Eczema| | When dysbiosis is present, treatment with antibiotics or with a natural antibiotic derived from grapefruit seeds has produced major improvement in the GI symptoms of eczema patients and moderate improvement in the severity of eczema. One advantage in the use of grapefruit seed extract over conventional antibiotics lies in its antifungal activity. This agent adds a second therapeutic dimension and eliminates the possibility of secondary candidosis. The minimum effective dose of grapefruit seed extract for bacterial dysbiosis is 600mg per day. |
Warts| | Grapefruit or citrus seed extract has been reported to help. |
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Uro-Genital |
Vaginitis/Vaginal Infection| | Citrus seed extract is useful for vaginal candida infections. In a study done by the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon in Mexico, 20 women douched using grapefruit seed extract every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days. 15 patients were cured after the first treatment. Four patients received treatment twice to become symptom free and receive negative laboratory results and 1 patient repeated the treatment 3 times until the lab report came back negative. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Acidophilus
A microflora (good bacteria) that acts as a digestive aid and lives in your intestines helping your body fight disease.
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Antifungal (Antifungals)
An agent that kills or inhibits fungi, or a compound that inhibits either a dermatomycosis like ringworm or athlete's foot, or
one that inhibits Candida albicans either externally as a douche or internally as a systemic antifungal. Examples: Nystatin, griseofulvin, Tabebuia.
Antimicrobial
Tending to destroy microbes, hinder their multiplication or growth.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Bacteriostatic
Preventing multiplication of bacteria.
Candidiasis (Candida)
Infection of the skin or mucous membrane with any species of candida, usually Candida albicans. The infection is usually localized to the skin, nails, mouth, vagina, bronchi, or lungs, but may invade the bloodstream. It is a common inhabitant of the GI tract, only becoming a problem when it multiplies excessively and invades local tissues. Growth is encouraged by a weakened immune system, as in AIDS, or with the prolonged administration of antibiotics. Vaginal symptoms include itching in the genital area, pain when urinating, and a thick odorless vaginal discharge. Candidiasis is also known as: Candida; Candida albicans; Candida Related Complex; Chronic Candida Syndrome; (Chronic) Systemic Candidiasis; Monilia; Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Candidosis; (Chronic) Mucocutaneous Candidosis; Thrush (oral or vaginal); Moniliasis; Polysystematic Candidiasis.
Chlamydia
A sexually-transmitted disease that is often without symptoms. Some females experience a white vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese, a burning sensation when urinating, itching, and painful intercourse. A clear watery urethral discharge in the male probably is a chlamydia infection.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Eczema
Swelling of the outer skin of unknown cause. In the early stage it may be itchy, red, have small blisters, and be swollen, and weeping. Later it becomes crusted, scaly, and thickened.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Giardiasis (Giardia)
An intestinal tract infection caused by Giardia lamblia, a flagellate protozoa now common to much of the world. It is not normally a very serious infection, but nevertheless unpleasant.
Helicobacter Pylori (Pylori)
H. pylori is a bacterium that is found in the stomach which, along with acid secretion, damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation and peptic ulcers. Although most people will never have symptoms or problems related to the infection, they may include: dull, 'gnawing' pain which may occur 2-3 hours after a meal, come and go for several days or weeks, occur in the middle of the night when the stomach is empty and be relieved by eating; loss of weight; loss of appetite; bloating; burping; nausea; vomiting.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Herpes Simplex
An infection, often recurrent, caused by herpes virus type 1 and 2. It causes cold sores around the lips and mouth, and also causes painful blisters on the genitals and in the pubic area, thighs, and buttocks.
Hypoallergenic
A substance that has a low capacity for inducing hypersensitivity (i.e., an allergic reaction).
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Ounce (Ounces, oz)
Approximately 28 grams.
Parasite (Parasites, Parasitic, Parasitical)
An organism living in or on another organism.
ppm
Parts Per Million. A measure of the concentration of a substance, usually in air or water.
Protozoan (Protozoa)
Any one of a large group of one-celled (unicellular) animals, including amoebas. They are microorganisms that differ from bacteria in that they are larger and possess a nucleus surrounded by a membrane. Several species of protozoa can be transmitted through water and cause disease in humans, including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Entamoeba and Isospora. One distinguishing characteristic of protozoa is that when released from the human body through feces they are present in an encysted (dormant) form. These cysts have a protective layer that surrounds them and keeps chemicals from penetrating them. Therefore, chlorine disinfection does not kill the protozoan cysts.
Salmonella
A widespread genus of gram-negative motile-rod bacteria, some of which can cause moderate GI infections, while several can produce metabolites in food that cause serious toxic reaction when the food is eaten.
Staphylococcus (Staph, Staphylococcal)
A genus of micrococci bacteria with many members that can cause disease. They are gram-positive, nonmotile bacteria
that are aerobic-(unless they need to be anaerobic). Staph of various types are responsible for boils and carbuncles; they may be involved in impetigo, toxic shock syndrome, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and urinary tract infections, as well as some food poisoning. They stay around hospitals and veterinary clinics waiting to get you. They are also a normal part of the mouth, throat, and skin flora in a third to a half of all of us, causing no problems, but just waiting. Staph has always been with us. Some even eat our antibiotics for breakfast.
Streptococcus (Strep)
A genus of gram-staining chain-forming cocci bacteria. Some are responsible for common and potentially serious human infections, ranging from scarlet fever and strep throat to bacterial endocarditis and pus pockets. Most of the disease-potential streps are also a normal part of the skin, mouth and upper respiratory flora.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Trichomonas
Also known as Trichomonas vaginalis or "Trich", this is one of the most common sexually-transmitted diseases. It is caused by a parasite that thrives in the vaginal environment, usually transmitted by sexual contact but also in warm moist environments such as hot tubs. Trichomonas may affect not only the vagina but also the urinary tract of both women and men. Signs include: Vaginal irritation; a fishy odor; a greenish/yellow vaginal discharge; pain with intercourse and/or with urination. Some women may have no symptoms at all.
Virus (Viri, Viruses)
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Yeast
A single-cell organism that may cause infection in the mouth, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and any or all bodily parts. Common yeast infections include candidiasis and thrush.
Last updated: Oct 08, 2008
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