Grapefruit (Citrus aurantium), of the Rutaceae family, is the fruit of a plant native to Asia, of which, for therapeutic purposes, the seeds are mainly used. Come on grapefruit seeds in fact, an extract considered particularly is obtained beneficial for natural health care, with numerous applications. Let's find out better.
> Mechanism of action of grapefruit seeds
> Properties
Mechanism of action of grapefruit seeds
The extract of Grapefruit seeds (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 they 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 amoeba, which cause diarrhea and dysentery.
The mechanism of action of ESP seems to inhibit the structure and efficiency of the microbial cell membrane, which, by changing, causes the loss of cytoplasmic elements and becomes unable to absorb amino acids from the surrounding environment, so the microorganisms undergo the death from lack of nutritional intake. Grapefruit seed extract is considered a powerful antiviral and bactericidal.
Properties of grapefruit seeds
ESP has a high quantity of substances capable of fighting diseases, of antioxidants and phytonutrients named bioflavonoids which have an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic action. It contains glycosides, including the naringin, which gives the bitter taste to the fruit and the liquid extract of the seeds.
It also contains: Apigenin rutinoside, canferol, dihydrocanferol, heptamethoxyflavonoide, isosakuranetina (didhyme), neosperidin, nobiletin, parucirin and hesperdin, capable of naturally stimulating the immune system.
Grapefruit seed extract also contains vitamin C, sterols and trace minerals. It is attributed some anticancer properties. The substances present in grapefruit pulp and seeds would in fact be able to limit the risk of colon cancer.
It owns antiviral and antifungal properties, combined with the ability to fight numerous viruses and bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori, a microorganism that can lead to excessive acidity in the stomach, inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis), gastric or duodenal ulcer.
The antifungal action can be useful to counter 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 case of alteration of the intestinal bacterial flora (notoriously beneficial), especially after prolonged use of antibiotics, or due to excess stress, or loss of efficiency of the immune system.
The presence in 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 seems to be effective against Herpes simplex and influenza viruses, so much so that when the flu occurs, or even a simple cold, it shortens the course, since the action of ESP stimulates the immune defenses, often avoiding complications.
Grapefruit seeds among the natural remedies for cystitis: discover the others
Grapefruit seed extract
The fields of application of ESP are very broad, being able to use it in preparations for uinternal and / or for local use in case of gingivitis, stomatitis, canker sores, thrush, halitosis, acne, mycosis, colds, flu, upper respiratory tract diseases such as rhinitis, sinusitis, sore throat, cough, otitis, and intestinal flora imbalances, diarrhea, colitis.
Grapefruit seed extract can be added to detergents routinely used for normal hygiene practices, such as shampoo, shower gel, shower gel, liquid hand soaps and intimate hygiene, in foot baths, mouthwash, toothbrush together with toothpaste to improve teeth cleaning and mouth.
It is considered a very useful product to take with you on the go. It acts in fact as a natural weapon against germs and can be used to disinfect rooms and water. It can also be used to eliminate mold from the shower, bathroom fixtures and washable surfaces in the house, by diluting a few drops in 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 pet care, especially in the case of flea bites and ticks. ESP is, in fact, a natural pesticide that is also used for the protection of plants from insects, in the form of a spray, after being diluted in water.
A few drops of grapefruit seed extract can be added to jam jars homemade to obtain a preservative and anti-mold effect. In the preparation of natural cosmetics it can be used as a preservative.
The ESP it has no toxicity, neither short nor long term, at the normally recommended doses. It can therefore be taken for a long time for preventive purposes. It is used as a food supplement, to be used in a few drops and always diluted, for example in juices.
Grapefruit seed extract for internal use it must never be used pure. Its taste is very bitter and its dosage can be different depending on the ailment to be treated.
Controindicazioni
You should always contact your own trusted herbalist to know the exact use of the extract according to your health conditions. In fact, it is necessary to know that, taking fresh fruit or grapefruit juice in conjunction with pharmacological therapies, produces an alteration on the action of the same drugs.
The classes of drugs they undergo the side effects of Grapefruit they are numerous, and concern anxiolytics, antidepressants, antiarrhythmics, antihistamines, statins (for cholesterol control), calcium antagonists (for hypertension), antibiotics, chemotherapy, immunosuppressants. If you are undergoing drug therapy, therefore, it is advisable to seek the advice of your doctor before using grapefruit as a food.
READ MORE
Properties and uses of grapefruit essential oil
Other articles on grapefruit seeds:
> Grapefruit seeds for the treatment of cystitis
> Grapefruit seeds among the remedies for sore throat
> Grapefruit seeds and essential oils to help the immune system
