Grapefruit seeds, properties and how to use them

Curated by Maria Rita Insolera, Naturopath

Grapefruit ( Citrus aurantium ), of the Rutaceae family, is the fruit of a plant native to Asia, of which, for therapeutic purposes, seeds are mainly used. From the grapefruit seeds, in fact, an extract is obtained, considered particularly beneficial for the natural health care, from the numerous applications. Let's find out better.

Grapefruit seed action mechanism

The grapefruit seed extract (ESP) is obtained from the seeds and membranes of the dehydrated fruit, through various processes that lead to the formation of new chemical bonds, which act on a wide range of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeasts, molds, and even parasites such as worms and lice, as well as protozoa such as the amoeba, the cause of diarrhea and dysentery.

The mechanism of action of ESP seems to inhibit the structure and efficiency of the microbial cell membrane, which, by modifying itself, causes the loss of cytoplasmic elements and becomes incapable of absorbing the amino acids from the surrounding environment, so that the microorganisms face the death due to lack of nutrient supply. Grapefruit seed extract is considered a powerful antiviral and bactericidal extract.

Properties of grapefruit seeds

ESP has a high quantity of substances capable of combating diseases, antioxidants and phytonutrients called bioflavonoids which have an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic action . It contains glucosides, including naringin, which gives the bitter taste to the fruit and to the liquid extract of the seeds.

It also contains: Apigenin rutinoside, canferolo, diidrocanferolo, eptamethoxyflavonoide, isosakuranetina (didima), neosperidina, nobiletina, parucirina and esperdin, capable of naturally stimulating the immune system.

Grapefruit seed extract also contains vitamin C, sterols and traces of mineral salts. Anti-cancer properties are attributed to it. The substances present in the pulp and grapefruit seeds would in fact be able to limit the risk of colon cancer.

It has antiviral and antifungal properties, combined with the ability to counteract numerous viruses and bacteria, including Helycobacter pilori, a microorganism that can lead to an excessive increase in acidity in the stomach, inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis), gastric ulcer or duodenal.

The anti-fungal action can be useful to counteract the development of fungi, molds and yeasts, including Candida albicans, usually present on the skin and mucous membranes without being harmful, but which can manifest virulence in the event of alteration of intestinal bacterial flora (notoriously beneficial), especially after prolonged use of antibiotics, or due to excessive stress, or drop in efficiency of the immune system.

The presence in the grapefruit extract of vitamins A, C, E, selenium and zinc, also makes it an effective antioxidant against free radicals, responsible for cellular aging. Grapefruit seed extract also appears to be effective against Herpes simplex and influenza viruses, so that when the flu, or even a simple cold, occurs, it shortens its course, since the action of ESP stimulates the immune defenses, often avoiding complications.

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Grapefruit seed extract

The fields of application of ESP are very wide, being able to use it in preparations for internal use and / or for local use in the case of gingivitis, stomatitis, canker sores, thrush, halitosis, acne, fungal infections, colds, flu, diseases of the upper ways respiratory such as rhinitis, sinusitis, sore throat, cough, otitis, and imbalance of intestinal flora, diarrhea, colitis.

Grapefruit seed extract can be added to the detergents normally used for normal hygienic practices, such as shampoos, shower gels, shower gel, liquid soap for hands and for intimate hygiene, in the water of foot baths, in the mouthwash, on the toothbrush together with toothpaste to improve teeth and mouth cleansing.

It is considered a very useful product to take with you on your travels. It acts as a natural weapon against germs and can be used to disinfect environments and water. It can be used to remove mold also from the shower, from the sanitary ware and from the washable surfaces of the house, diluting a few drops in the water and applying it with a spray. In the same way it can be used to disinfect during cleaning.

It is also used for the care of pets, especially in the case of flea and tick bites. ESP is, in fact, a natural pesticide that is also used to protect plants from insects, in the form of sprays, after being diluted in water.

A few drops of grapefruit seed extract can be added to homemade jam jars to obtain a preservative and anti-mold effect. In the preparation of natural cosmetics it can be used as a preservative.

ESP has no toxicity, neither short nor long term, at the doses normally recommended. It can therefore be taken for a long time as a preventive measure. It is used as a food supplement, to be used in a few drops and always diluted, for example in juices.

The grapefruit seed extract for internal use must never be used pure . Its taste is very bitter and its dosage can be different depending on the disorder to be treated.

Contraindications

You should always contact your trusted herbalist to find out the exact use of the extract according to your health condition. It is necessary to know that the intake of fresh fruit or grapefruit juice together with pharmacological therapies produces an alteration in the action of the drugs themselves .

The classes of drugs that suffer the side effects of grapefruit are numerous, and concern anxiolytics, antidepressants, antiarrhythmics, antihistamines, statins (for cholesterol control), calcium antagonists (for hypertension), antibiotics, chemotherapy, immunosuppressants. Therefore, if you are following a drug therapy, it is advisable to seek the advice of your doctor before using grapefruit as a food.