grapefruit seed extract (gse)

[Skull Lofts]

Hi all

 

What your verdict on the following?

 

Candida Yeast Fungal Infections and Grapefruit Seed Extract

By Allan Sachs D.C., C.C.N.

Many holistic physicians, myself included, consider candida albicans one of the greatest health challenges to people of the industrialized nations. The antifungal properties of grapefruit seed extract have made it an important part of successful anti-candida programs-a fact, which has linked the names candida and grapefruit seed extract. Allan Sachs D.C., C.C.N.

 

By Dr. Leo Galland

 

There's something unique about this particular substance (grapefruit seed extract). Whatever it does, it does without the debilitating side effects. It has the advantage of being very safe. In the treatment of candidiasis it appears as effective as nystatin, caprylic acid, and other non-absorbed intestinal antifungal agents.

 

Many drug sensitive individuals find GSE to be much better tolerated than other antifungal preparations, and I have several patients in whom this product alone helped control chronic candidiasis when no other medication was tolerated or effective.

 

Dr. Leo Galland has prescribed grapefruit seed extract for the past seven years and has published various reports about its effects on candida. Grapefruit extract is the method of choice of naturopathic physicians in controlling fungus infections. "It would be hard to overstate the value of GSE to my medical practice. It has no inherent toxicity.

 

Dr. Galland considers the availability of grapefruit seed extract to be "...a major therapeutic breakthrough for patients with chronic parasitic and yeast infections..." Dr. Galland reports treatment failures in only two cases out of 297.

 

Dr. David Bayley, N.D. North Vancouver, BC. It is easier to modulate the dose than other anti-yeast products, as there is no bad after-taste. The liquid Citricidal is excellent for administering to babies and children.

 

According to worldwide feedback from numerous clinics, medical practitioners and thousands of their patients. Chronic candidiasis (both intestinal and systemic) is being treated with excellent results using grapefruit seed extract. Without the harmful side effects of other medications.

 

As an additional bonus grapefruit seed extract can detoxify the system simultaneously from other fungi, bacteria and parasites that often accompany candida.

 

One of the most important applications for grapefruit seed extract is in the support and protection of individuals with chronic immune system problems (AIDS, Chronic Fatigue, and Candida patients).

 

 

 

Why Grapefruit Seed Extract?

 

After 25 years in use by naturopathic physicians, clinics and the general public grapefruit seed extract has been proven to be a safe and effective multipurpose (broad spectrum) compound with countless uses.

 

Grapefruit seed extract is being used successfully in humans and animals alike to fight many types of internal and external infections caused from parasites (single and multi-celled), viruses, bacteria, fungal infections and more!

 

The greatest benefit is due to it's multipurpose (broad spectrum) effect. It is effective even if the causes of the infections are known, unknown or misdiagnosed.

 

By eliminating a wide range of dangerous pathogens grapefruit seed extract naturally enhances and supports the immune system.

 

Grapefruit seed extract is effective at very low concentrations. During 1989-90, an international research team (reported in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Volume 5, No. 3, USA, 1990) examined the effects of GSE and compared this with 30 effective antibiotics and 18 proven fungicides. GSE was found to perform as well as any and all of the tested agents. Without the harsh side effects.

 

Grapefruit seed extract is nontoxic. According to an independent laboratory testing "Acute Oral Toxicity", it would take at least 4,000 times the normal dose of gse to produce a 50% chance of poisoning (called LD50).

 

Because grapefruit seed extract does not exhibit the harsh side effects and high cost of pharmaceuticals it is becoming the alternative health choice for naturopathic physicians, clinics and the public in general.

 

Physicians have observed that the herpes simplex virus becomes inactive just ten minutes after the application of grapefruit seed extract.

 

Skull

[rob09]

since using.it most of my problems are gone top class only my opinion

[whiteknight]

We have used this for some years seems to work great .

[greenlands]

I use it regular,great disinfectant.

Lindsay.

 

Grapefruit Seed Extract has proved to be effective in combating hundreds of pathogens that affect birds, including parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This inexpensive substance is used by aviculturists, pet bird owners, and veterinarians. It is a safe, natural disinfectant and cleaner that can be used to prevent mould growth on home-grown sprouts as well as to clean cages, aviaries, and homes. Surprisingly, this powerful product is made from grapefruit seeds. The antimicrobial properties of the extract of grapefruit seeds and pulp were discovered in 1972 by Jacob Harish, a physicist and immunologist, as a result of his curiosity about the bitterness of grapefruit seeds. At the University of Georgia, tests were conducted to evaluate Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) as a disinfectant in tests against E. Coli, Salmonella sps, and Staph aureus. According to Roger Wyatt, Ph.D., and Microbiologist for the university, "Our studies indicate excellent potential for these products (GSE). ...The toxicology reports that I reviewed indicated that this product poses very low toxicity risk, which is important because most disinfectants currently used in either animal or human environments have moderate to high toxicity ratings and care must be exercised when these products are used... In view of the reports that we have discussed, the wide spectrum of activity that GSE offers (antiviral, antibacterial; Gram positive and Gram negative, antimycotic, and antiprotozoan) will undoubtedly aid in its acceptability.†Some physicians have found that GSE is as effective against candida, a yeast infection, as Nystatin or other antifungal preparations. It is also effective against protozoans such as giardia or entamoeba histolytica. Researcher Dr. Leo Galland wrote that it is more effective than prescription medicines such as metronidazole against these protozoal parasites. As a germicide, GSE has multiple uses and it is non-toxic and non-irritating when diluted as directed.Bio Research Laboratories of Redmond, Washington, USA, tested GSE, a commercial chlorine bleach, and colloidal silver against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus faecium, and E. coli. The test report concluded that GSE proved superior."All micro organisms tested were inhibited with moderate levels of GSE liquid disinfectant. High levels of chlorine bleach inhibited the test organisms, but moderate levels were not effective. Because the GSE liquid was inhibitory at much lower levels, it may be assumed that it is ten to one hundred times more effective than chlorine against the organisms used in this study. On average, GSE proved to be ten times more effective than the colloidal silver."GSE is compatible with most antibiotics and the manufacturers state that it does not produce the negative side effects associated with antibiotic use. Proponents of GSE claim that it does not attack normal gastrointestinal bacteria as antibiotics do, which has proven to be true in my aviary. A probiotic can be given after treating giardia with therapeutic dosages of GSE. Even if it isn't unnecessary, it will do no harm. GSE rarely if ever causes allergic or toxic reactions. Aspirin is said to be 25 times more toxic than GSE.According to The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Volume 5, No. 3, USA, 1990, an international research team examined the effect of GSE on 770 strains of bacteria and 93 strains of fungus and compared this with 30 effective antibiotics and 18 proven fungicides. GSE was found to perform as well as any and all of the tested agents.

GSE USES AND DILUTION RECOMMENDATIONS

•     To disinfect surfaces in the aviary and nursery such as brooders, incubators, cages, perches, and carriers, make an all purpose cleaner by adding 30 to 60 drops of GSE to a 32-ounce pump spray bottle filled with water. Mix well and spray.

•     To disinfect wood surfaces, apply a few drops of GSE to the cleaned wood while still wet. Let stand for half an hour.

•     To clean formula from baby parrots' faces and feathers after syringe feedings, add a few drops of GSE to a bowl of warm water to wet the cleaning cloth. It kills bacteria and gets the skin and feathers squeaky clean.

•     To sterilize syringes, pipettes, spoons, and other hand feeding utensils, make a solution of 15 to 30 drops of GSE per pint of water. Soak between feedings.

•     To make your own antibacterial soap for the nursery and kitchen, add ten to fifteen drops of GSE to an eight-ounce pump dispenser of hand soap.

•     To make a disinfectant soak for produce, add 10 to15 drops of GSE per gallon of water and submerge the fruits and vegetables for 15 to 30 seconds.

•     To make a disinfectant spray for produce, add 20 or more drops to a quart spray bottle and spray on fruits and vegetables.

•     To prevent the growth of algae and mould in incubators and humidifiers, add three or four drops of GSE per gallon to the water reservoir.

•     To clean and disinfect cutting boards, apply 10 to 20 drops of GSE to the cutting board. Rub it into the board with a wet sponge or cloth. Leave the GSE on for at least 30 minutes and rinse.    

•     To purify water, add 10 drops of GSE per gallon of water and stir vigorously. It is more effective     than iodine.    

•     To treat skin fungi, parasites, or bacterial diseases of the skin of birds and other pets, mix 30 to 50 drops of GSE per quart of water and spray on the infected area.    

•     To boost the cleaning power of dishwasher detergent for bird dishes, add 15 to 30 drops of GSE to the dishwasher along with detergent.    

•     To disinfect towels and cloths used for baby parrots, add 30 to 50 drops to the wash cycle, or add 10 to 15 drops of GSE to the final rinse to ensure that the laundry is fungi and bacteria free.    

To disinfect carpet in bird rooms, add 10 to 15 drops of GSE per gallon of water to the reservoir of the carpet cleaning machine. During hot weather in outdoor aviaries, pathogens grow quickly in drinking water once organic matter has been introduced by food-covered beaks or food dunking. To prevent bacterial infections, I use one drop of GSE per large cup of drinking water when I must be away from home and cannot change the water when needed. I credit this practice with helping to prevent illness and I have never had any indication that it adversely affects my birds' health. Water bottles also can be contaminated by dirty beaks or food stuffed into the opening of the drinking tube. I prefer to use a food based preventive substance than chlorine or other harsh disinfectants. Otherwise, I follow the advice of veterinarians and other avian experts who recommend that parrots be provided pure, clean drinking water without additives such as vitamin products, medication, or disinfectants. Any substance that changes the taste of water can discourage birds from drinking. This can cause dehydration which is a life threatening condition so it's a good idea to give birds extra fruits, vegetables, and melons in hot weather for their high moisture content.I don't sell Grapefruit Seed Extract or profit from its sale in any way, but I definitely am sold on GSE for bird keeping.Citricidal® liquid concentrate is triple the potency of NutriBiotic® GSE liquid. For online information about GSE or Citricidal, visit www.nutriteam.com or other web sites that can be found with an Internet search.

 

[micko and jack]

i had a read at the thread and looked it up on google and just thought i would add this  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapefruit_seed_extract

 

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE), also known as citrus seed extract, is a liquid derived from the seeds, pulp, and white membranes of grapefruit.[1]

 

There are conflicting scientific demonstrations of the efficacy of GSE.[1] This extract has been stated by some practitioners of alternative medicine to possess antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties.[2] It has been recommended by some nutritionists for the treatment of candidiasis, earache, throat infections, and diarrhea.[2] An early proponent was Dr. Jacob Harich (1919–1996).[2] Some marketers of GSE affirm this extract to be a safe, natural, and an effective preservative.[3] Recent studies have identified synthetic preservatives in commercial grapefruit seed extracts.[4][5][6] When preservatives were not present in some of the extracts, laboratory tests found the natural extracts had no natural antimicrobial attributes of their own.[3] Some manufacturers of GSE have stated that their extract has compounds nearly identical to benzethonium chloride but a 2001 study supervised by chemist G. Takeoka has documented that commercial GSE preparations contain the synthetic compound benzethonium chloride that couldn't have been made from GSE.[3]

[edit] Efficacy

Anecdotal claims for an antimicrobial effect are based on a few abstract scientific experiments which show some antimicrobial activity for commercial grapefruit seed extracts and an ethanol grapefruit seed extract but not a natural GSE.[16][17][18] The preliminary studies for the antimicrobial effect state that the Citricidal commercial brand of GSE was used for testing.[16][17] There is considerable scientific evidence that the anti-microbial activity associated with grapefruit seed extract is attributable to the contamination or adulteration of commercial GSE preparations with synthetic antimicrobials or preservatives.[19] According to the 2001 GSE study, branded commercial GSE preparations were contaminated with synthetic benzethonium chloride that was implausible to be made from grapefruit seeds.[3] Some of the marketers claimed that their product does not contain benzethonium chloride and the error was due to the similarity in molecular weight of the quaternary ammonium compound which was formed through a proprietary manufacturing process.[3] It is inconceivable that the preservative benzethonium chloride is formed during any extraction and/or processing of grapefruit seeds and pulp.[3] Researchers conclusively demonstrated the presence of benzethonium chloride in commercial GSE using various analytical methods including HPLC, one- and two-dimensional NMR, PIXE analysis, and electrospray ionization MS.[3] Another in vitro study claimed GSE had antibacterial properties.[18] As with the branded in vitro test[16][17] this extract was contaminated.[3] The ethanolic extract tested had become contaminated with ethanol, a chemical used in the extraction process.[18] Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is effective in inhibiting bacteria.[20] Nevertheless, as a result of marketing by manufacturers in the health food arena and a few misinterpreted studies conducted in vitro that tested contaminated extracts which were not pure GSE processed without solvents or brands which are known to contain preservatives, the controversy over the effectiveness of GSE continues even when studies concluded self-made pure GSE has no natural antimicrobial properties and commercial GSE has been identified with contamination from synthetic preservatives.[1][3][14][19][21]

 

Independent studies have shown that commercial preparations contain the compound benzalkonium chloride, which is a synthetic antimicrobial commonly used in disinfectants and cleaning products, the related compound benzethonium chloride, the antibiotic triclosan, or the preservative methylparaben.[1][14][21] Some samples were shown to contain up to 22% benzalkonium chloride by weight, despite the known allergenicity[22] and toxicity[23] of the compound at higher doses.[14] These chemicals were not present in grapefruit seed extracts prepared in the laboratory, and GSE preparations without the contaminants were found to possess no detectable antimicrobial effect.[1] Although citrus seed extract is sold in health food markets,[14] there is no good evidence for any natural antimicrobial activity.[1][15]

 

A study that examined the antiviral properties of GSE found that GSE had no efficacy as a disinfectant for feline calicivirus and feline parvovirus.[24] Grapefruit seed extract has been advocated to be a powerful antimicrobial with proven activity against bacteria and fungi. However, independent studies have shown the efficacy of grapefruit seed extract as an antimicrobial is not demonstrated. Although citrus seed extract is claimed to be a highly effective plant-based preservative by some natural personal care manufacturers, studies asserted that the universal antimicrobial benefits associated with GSE are merely from the presence of synthetic preservatives. Natural GSE has no antimicrobial properties.[1][19] Newer studies found commercial grapefruit seed extracts contaminated with synthetic preservatives such as benzethonium chloride.[4][5][6]

 

[edit] Properties

There is good evidence that the extract of citrus grapefruit seed has low levels of antioxidant properties.[25][26]

 

Analysis shows the constituents of the seed extract and pulp are flavonoids,[27][28] ascorbic acid (commonly known as vitamin C[29][30][31]), tocopherols, citric acid,[25] limonoids,[32][33][34] sterols, and minerals.[35] A study suggests the consumption of the bioactive compounds found in grapefruit seed and pulp may help suppress the development of colon cancer.[36] Another study showed the flavonoid naringin is an excellent plasma lipid lowering and plasma antioxidant active elevating flavonone.[37

[edit] Precautions

Grapefruit can have a number of interactions with certain drugs, increasing the potency of many compounds,[38] including warfarin (coumarin).[39] Grapefruit has components that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme in the intestine.[38] Thus, it is this effect that increases the rate of absorption of several drugs.[40] There are concerns about the safety of ingesting synthetic preservatives found in grapefruit seed extract.[15]

 

[Guest Owen]

All very impressive, but your view is not shared by everybody is it? It is claimed, on good authority, that it is not a natural substance and that it is downright harmful. It has been claimed that people have been seriously hurt by using this stuff.

I have just been reading some information on it, starting with Wikipedia.

To be fair to the rest of us you should be clear about the fact that it is regarded as suspicious by a lot of leading authorities.

I well remember the thing that went on about coloidial silver. Another highly recommended cure for all sorts of things. I wonder how many of us were mislead at that time. For a while I was making the generators and showing people how to use them. It was suposed to be a cure for YBS. Guess what, I had YBS that year worse than any other year. If you want a method of controling yeast, use Lugols Iodine regularly at very low doseage. Now I know that works. And it is better than Nystatine. Nutural garlic is another known cure for yeast problems. And if people are careful about the way they use antibiotics they will not have to worry much at all about yeast.

Come on lads, lets not get carried away. Give us the full picture, warts and all.  

[Tony C]

It may have benifits it may not but I know the pigeons dont like the taste of it so its not for me.