Grapefruit Seed Extract









Grapefruit Seed Extract


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Grapefruit seed is used to help reduce cholesterol, fight certain types of infections, to help maintain gastrointestinal health, and it provides a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
How does it work?
As a natural product to battle infections, grapefruit seed interferes with nutrient supply to the harmful bacteria, fungus, or parasite. Specific chemicals in grapefruit seed affect how the liver produces cholesterol, typically reducing cholesterol levels.
How is it best taken?
  • Take with food.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
  • If using as a mouth rinse, swish and spit as directed.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Use caution if you have low blood pressure or if you are taking a medicine to lower your blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
None known.
What should I monitor?
  • Check blood pressure regularly.
  • Check liver function tests. Talk with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Seed
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
This is a potentially major issue. Grapefruit juice/pulp has been shown to have an effect on a specific group of liver enzymes. This results in many potential drug interactions. Despite the fact that grapefruit seed is not the exact same as grapefruit juice, it is not known whether extracts of grapefruit seeds share this same ability to interact with certain drugs. Until further information is available, it is recommended that anyone taking prescription medications discuss the potential for an interaction with their healthcare provider before using grapefruit seed.
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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