Type of medicine: natural remedy
Scientific names: Citrus paradisi, Citrus maxima
Common names for grapefruit: pomelo, toronja
Common names for grapefruit seed extract: bioflavonoid concentrate, citrus grandis extract, citrus seed extract, CSE, grapefruit extract
The grapefruit is a large, round citrus fruit. Both the fruit and the seeds are used medicinally.
Although grapefruit is very good for you, many medicines react with grapefruit juice and should not be taken with grapefruit juice.
This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider. There may be other uses that are not listed below.
Grapefruit has been used to:
Grapefruit seed extract has been taken by mouth to treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, and parasites.
Grapefruit seed has been used on the skin as a face cleanser and to treat acne and mild skin irritations. It has also been used as:
There is no evidence to show that grapefruit is effective as a way to treat cancer.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.
You can eat the fruit or drink the juice. When taking grapefruit to lower cholesterol, you must eat the fruit rather than drink the juice, because the pectin is in the pulp of the fruit. Grapefruit also comes in the form of tablets and capsules.
Grapefruit seed extracts may be taken by mouth or put on the skin.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
Grapefruit, as the fruit or juice, is generally recognized as safe by the FDA. However, grapefruit affects MANY other medicines. Before taking grapefruit, talk with your healthcare provider if you take any other medicines.
Do not take grapefruit seed extract products that contain preservatives. These can cause serious side effects such as vomiting, seizures, collapse, and coma.
Do not get grapefruit seed extract in your eyes or nose. Do not use it on your genitals or rectum. It can cause severe irritation.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:
Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
No significant side effects have been reported from eating grapefruit or drinking the juice.
When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using this remedy if you take other medicines.
Some of the medicines that should NOT be taken with grapefruit juice are:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.
This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.
