Is Grapefruit Seed Extract Any Good?

I've read about the anti-fungal properties of grapefruit seed extract, but I have also read about the potential presence of benzethonium chloride and other chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Is grapefruit seed extract safe?

Answer

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) comes from the seed, pulp and white membranes of grapefruit. It has a reputation as an antifungal and antibacterial agent, but when I discussed your question with Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., director of the Fellowship at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, and an authority on botanical medicine, she said that it is unclear how potent GSE is as an antibacterial or antifungal. She said that many grapefruit seed extracts on the market are adulterated and noted that a German study of six commercial grapefruit seed extracts showed that five of these products contained benzethonium chloride, a synthetic antimicrobial often used in cosmetics and other topical preparations, as well as the preservatives triclosan and methylparaben.

Dr. Low Dog adds that this finding is consistent with those of other researchers who have found benzethonium chloride or triclosan in samples of liquid and powdered grapefruit seed extracts. When grapefruit seed extract is used topically (say, for treatment of athlete's foot as I have recommended), the presence of these synthetic substances is not a big issue. But she cautions that grapefruit seed extract often is recommended for treatment of infant thrush (also a fungal infection) and says she would not recommended putting a potentially adulterated product in an infant's mouth or that anyone use it internally.

It is probably safe to put a few drops of grapefruit seed extract in water in a spray bottle for an odorless way to kill household mold and mildew. As a treatment for athlete's foot, you can try applying full strength grapefruit seed extract to the affected area two to three times a day. You can also use it as an alternative to tea tree oil to treat nail fungus. Paint it on affected nails twice a day for at least two months. But given the evidence of apparent widespread adulteration of grapefruit seed extract, I agree that it shouldn't be taken internally.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

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