Grapfruit Seed Extract (GSE)

[AndreaFahy]

Sourced from:

http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/natural_bodycare_ingredients.cfm

Grapefruit seed extract/grapefruit seed (citrus derived) -- GSE is a synthetic quaternary ammonium compound that is not permitted in organic food products.

According to the USDA's Agricultural Research Service's study on grapefruit seed extracts ("IDENTIFICATION OF BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE IN COMMERCIAL GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACTS"): "Confirming an earlier study by researchers in Germany we found that some commercial grapefruit seed extracts contain benzethonium chloride, a synthetic antimicrobial agent commonly used in cosmetics and only approved for topical use, at relatively high levels of
8%."
The Institute of Pharmacy, Ernst Moritz Arndt University, in
Greifswald, Germany in a study found that "The antimicrobial efficacy as well as the content of preservative agents of six commercially available grapefruit seed
extracts were examined. Five of the six extracts showed a high growth inhibiting activity against the test germs Bacillus subtilis SBUG 14, Micrococcus flavus SBUG 16, Staphylococcus aureus SBUG 11, Serratia marcescens SBUG 9, Escherichia coli SBUG 17, Proteus mirabilis SBUG 47, and Candida maltosa SBUG 700. In all of the antimicrobial active grapefruit seed extracts, the preservative benzethonium chloride was detected by thin layer chromatography. Additionally, three extracts contained the preserving substances triclosan and methyl paraben (synthetic petrochemical preservatives). In only one of the grapefruit seed extracts tested no preservative agent was found. However, with this extract as well as with several self-made extracts from seed and juiceless pulp of grapefruits (Citrus paradisi) no antimicrobial activity could be detected (standard serial broth dilution assay, agar diffusion test). Thus, it is concluded that the potent as well as nearly universal antimicrobial activity being attributed to grapefruit seed extract is merely due to the synthetic preservative agents contained within. Natural products with antimicrobial activity do not appear to be present."

[Pado]

Now now, don't pick on GSE I swear by it :D


There is recent evidence that some commercial GSE samples are adulterated with synthetic preservatives

In this study we identified a new synthetic adulterant, benzalkonium chloride, in commercial GSE samples.

http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=182572



Because of GSE's popularity GSE knockoffs have sprouted up inundating the market. It is best to purchase your Grape Seed Extract from a reputable health food location.

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a substance extracted from grapefruit seeds.

Grapefruit seed extract is a natural botanical extract manufactured by a unique process from the seeds and pulp of grapefruits.

The final product is a combination of naturally occurring elements including bioflavonoids, amino acids, fatty acids, saccharides, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, and dehydro-ascorbic acid that promote healthy skin tissue. has antibiotic-like effects, without destroying the friendly bacteria in the gut.

It is a useful supplement to take when traveling abroad, and can be used internally or externally as a mild and safe disinfectant. It is also useful for treating candidiasis.


I use GSE myself in orange juice (I was introduced to it by my Doctor) I also use it to rinse the vegetables I feed my birds and also a few drops in the water I clean their bowls and cage with. I have done this for at least the past 10 years and have never had a sick bird. As I stated I swear by it :D

I purchase it from our local Health Food Store.

http://www.dreamhawk.com/gse.htm

[nar1122]

If you're looking Andrea, I told you I thought I remember somebody using it. :):)
lol

[lily]

I read somewhere that there was a brand of GSE that was not contaminated, but that the others are not safe to use. Too bad I don't remember the name of the good brand.

[Elyse]

Hmm! Thanks, Andrea. Anyone have a favorite/trusted brand?