A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z  
 

Grapefruit seed

What Is It?
This unlikely herbal infection-fighter is synthesized from the seeds and pulp of the grapefruit. It was farmers who first used grapefruit seed extract (GSE) to inhibit the growth of mold on their equipment; later, cosmetic companies added it to their products as a preservative.

Then, claims that GSE could fight infections in people spurred interest within the dietary supplement industry, and in the 1980s, GSE products started to appear in health-food stores. It is sometimes also called citrus seed extract.

Health Benefits

Grapefruit seed extract has been most heavily promoted as a treatment for Candida albicans, a yeast naturally present in the human body. Candida can cause complications when it grows out of control, however. GSE is particularly popular for controlling vaginal yeast infections caused by Candida, and in treating a poorly understood intestinal condition called Candida overgrowth syndrome (COS).

Some nutritionally oriented doctors continue to recommend GSE capsules, liquids, and powders for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, including COS. However, aside from hopeful speculation, there's no sound scientific evidence to indicate that GSE can actually eliminate any infection in human beings.

Specifically, GSE may help to:

 

  • Control vaginal yeast infections. One study reported that 20 women with chronic vaginal itching and other discomforts apparently due to overgrowth of the organism Candida albicans responded well to GSE douches. The study, done in Mexico, is frequently cited in the support of GSE for vaginal yeast infections. No other research on the subject appears to have been done, however.

     

  • Fight Candida overgrowth syndrome. Although no studies have proven the efficacy of GSE for this condition, it is a popular product among some alternative practitioners because of its antifungal effect.

     

    • Forms
    • powder
    • liquid
    • douche
    • capsule

    Dosage Information

    Special tip:

    --Given its bitter taste, the liquid extract is usually mixed with a sweet fruit juice to make it more palatable.

     

  • For yeast infections (vaginal): When purchasing a GSE douche, follow package instructions. For capsules, liquids, or powders, take the equivalent of 130 mg GSE twice a day.

     

  • For Candida overgrowth syndrome: Follow package instructions.

     

    • Guidelines for Use

     
  • Don't confuse GSE with grape seed extract, a powerful antioxidant derived from red grapes.

     

  • GSE is occasionally sold under such names as "Standardized Extract of Grapefruit," "Grapefruit Extract," and "Citrus Seed Extract." Unless otherwise indicated on the label, these products are all usually made from grapefruit seeds only.

     

    • General Interaction

     
  • No drug or nutrient interactions have been reported for GSE. However, research is limited.

     

  • A number of medications should not be taken with grapefruit juice, including certain immunosuppressants, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and antihistamines. It's not clear whether an extract of the grapefruit's seeds and pulp pose the same risks. Consult your doctor if you have any questions.

     

    • Possible Side Effects

     
  • The risks associated with the use of GSE are probably low, but little sound research on its effects in humans have been done.

     

    • Cautions

     
  • Many of the types of infections for which GSE is recommended--vaginal yeast infections and intestinal parasites, among others--can cause potentially serious health problems if not treated properly. Consult a doctor if you suspect you have an infection.

     

    Ailments
    Dosage
    Yeast Infection (Vaginal)
    130 mg twice a day.
     

    		•

    Home - About Us - Contact Us- Privacy
    ©2008 HealtheSupplements.com

    We accept Visa and MasterCard.  We also accept money orders and checks upon request.

     

    No claims found on our web pages or in print have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplement program. www.healthesupplements.com and its associates are not responsible for product claims made by manufacturers on this website. Our objective is to continuously update our website with accurate product information. However, www.healthesupplements.com is not responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. For absolute accuracy, please consult the products actual label before use. If you discover any inconsistencies on our website, please contact us. Prices and information on these pages are subject to change without notice.

    The supplements, product descriptions, and information on this website and received from our customer service is provided as a service to you, our customer.

     

    Our web site/customer service cannot, and does not, contain information about all medical conditions. It may not contain all information that is applicable to your personal circumstances. The content is not intended for diagnosis and should not be used as substitute for consultation with your physician. Any and all recommendations or claims implied by the website, manufacturers, or customer service representatives are not guaranteed and we do not take responsibility for the results of your supplementation decisions.

     

    As partial consideration for your access to our website, customer service and use of its content, your agree that www.healthesupplements.com is not liable to you in any manner whatsoever for decisions you may make or your actions or nonactions in reliance upon the content. You also agree that the aggregate liability of www.healthesupplements.com arising from or related to your use and access, regardless of the form of action or claim (for example, contract, warranty, tort, negligence, strict liability, professional malpractice, fraud, infringement or other bases for claims), is limited to the purchase price of any items you purchased from www.healthesupplements.com in the applicable transaction.

    www.HealtheSupplements.com

    CustomerService@HealtheSupplements.com