Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) contains mainly polyphenolic compounds, including quercetin, hesperidin, campherol glycoside, neohesperidin, naringin, apigenin, rutinoside, poncirin, etc. The polyphenols themselves are unstable, but are chemically converted into more stable substances that belong to a diverse class of products, called quaternary ammonium compounds. Some quaternary compounds—benzethonium chloride and benzalkonium chloride, for example—are used industrially as antimicrobials, but are toxic to animal life; hence, we don’t find them in detectable amounts in our GSE. The B vitamin choline is also a quaternary compound, but is nontoxic and even essential for maintaining healthy neurological function and fat metabolism.
GSE features the best of both worlds: the quaternary compounds derived from grapefruit exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, while evidencing none of the toxic side effects of chemically derived quaternaries. 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).
Grapefruit seed extract is being used successfully in humans and animals alike to eliminate many types of internal and external infections caused by many types of parasites (single- and multicelled), viruses, bacteria, and fungus. It naturally detoxifies, enhances, and supports the immune system. It has been proven highly effective in numerous applications.
Grapefruit seed extract contains high levels of vitamins C and E as well as bioflavonoids. The important substances have an antioxidant action and can neutralize free radicals that damage cells and cause numerous illnesses.
A minimum of five drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract per litre is recommended to add to water. The same concentration in a sink of water also makes an excellent rinse for fruits and vegetables.
The combination of safety for humans, plants, and animals and its broad-spectrum disinfectant properties make Grapefruit Seed Extract a must for every household medicine chest and travel kit.
