Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a compound extracted from grapefruit that has been promoted for its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, but most claims have been disproven. GSE contains antioxidants, vitamin C, and natural citrus oils, but commercial GSEs may cause allergic reactions.
Grapefruit Seed Extract or GSE is a compound extracted from the seeds, fleshy white membrane, and pulp of the grapefruit, a large citrus fruit that has been cultivated for its tart flesh for centuries. Many people who are interested in alternative health have promoted GSE for various purported properties, leading scientists to study the compound more closely to see whether or not these claims have merit. So far, most of the claims about grapefruit seed extract have been disproven, and some studies have even shown that the substance could actually be harmful in certain circumstances.
Credit for the discovery of GSE is generally given to Jacob Harich. Cynics suggest that Harich simply wanted to find a way to use leftover grapefruit pulp after juicing, while proponents of the substance sometimes credit him with divine inspiration. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.
The main claims for grapefruit seed extract are that the substance has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Some people also say that GSE can be used as a preservative as it fights unwanted organisms. However, studies of the compound have called into question whether or not these claims can be supported, particularly since producers add synthetic stabilizers and preservatives to their grapefruit seed extract before shipping it to market. As a result, the preservative effects of GSE could be due to the extract or adulterations that are added; Studies on pure GSE have cast some doubt on the efficacy of the substance as a preservative.
What grapefruit seed extract definitely contains is antioxidants and ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. The extract also contains small amounts of natural citrus oils. Citrus oil may be good at combating fungi, bacteria, and viruses, suggesting that GSE may also be at least weakly effective in these tasks. People who produce grapefruit seed extract at home use it for a variety of purposes, including skin care and in household cleaning products; It can also be purchased at health food stores.
People interested in grapefruit seed extract should be careful. Some commercial GSEs can cause allergic reactions due to the preservatives it uses; If you want to use grapefruit seed extract for skin care, try to find one that is labeled “food grade.” You may also want to investigate other natural ways to combat unwanted organisms, as some natural compounds are quite effective; For example, citrus juice is a mild antibacterial, which is why it appears in many natural cleaning products.
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