Why would I want to use the GSE, Grapefruit Seed ExtractLiquid Concentrate? As a natural, non-toxic compound our Liquid Concentrate has many uses. It may be used as a surface disinfectant in place of commonly used cleaners like bleach or ammonia-based products. Because of its non-toxic nature, the liquid concentrate is ideal for use in the kitchen and in children’s areas. The concentrate may also be used topically as an antiseptic wound cleaner and to treat infections of the skin. Internally, the concentrate is useful as a supportive treatment for a wide variety of ailments, including Candida infections, sore throats, intestinal upset, etc. The product can also be used to purify drinking water when camping or traveling to foreign countries.

How can the product be non-toxic if it is so potent? Extensive testing done at independent laboratories and universities around the world have proven the concentrate to be safe for human consumption. It is effective against pathogens because it belongs to a family of compounds known as quaternary compounds. This family is best known for benzylkonium chloride and benzylthonium chloride as well as the infamous Quaternium group, a very toxic antimicrobial preservative used in the cosmetics industry. While Grapefruit Extract is molecularly similar to these compounds, there are some profound differences in structure and function. The extract has tested effective against hundreds of bacteria and fungi, and even some viruses. Studies done to date indicate that there is little danger in either short-term or long-term internal use.

What is the pH of this product? The concentrate is about a 2.2, very acidic. This is why we recommend that you dilute it before use. We do not know if the product becomes alkaline when ingested the way orange juice and other citrus foods do.

Is this product safe for use with children? Yes. The extract is frequently used in pediatric medicine in applications to treat conditions such as diaper rash, ear infections, abrasions, etc. Common sense will indicate using a very dilute solution on an infant.

What about using it for my pets? Since the concentrate is safe for consumption, it is well suited for animal uses. The extract can be added to the animal’s water or food, and it can be diluted and applied topically to help heal infections of the skin. It is also useful as an ear wash and will help rid the animal of ear mites in mild cases.

What about the grapefruit juice effect? There is a phenomenon known as the grapefruit juice effect. Two components found in grapefruit juice, naringin and naringenin**, inhibit production of an enzyme in the intestinal tract, thus increasing the rate of absorption for certain classes of drugs (including some antihistamines, birth control pills, anti-epilepsy medications and some antibiotics.)

In some instances, as in low dose birth control pills and some uses of antibiotics, this could be a good thing because the net result is more efficacy, less drug. In other cases, especially for anti-seizure medicines, blood levels have to be monitored and maintained very carefully.

The customer would be well-advised to check with their doctor or pharmacist to see if there is any interaction between a medication and the naringin and naringenin**.

**NOTE: Nutribiotic grapefruit extract contains only 0.1% of these compounds.

Is there anything I can’t use the concentrate for? We do not recommend using it in your eyes, even in a dilute form . (We know that many people have used the concentrate as an eye treatment and have not had any problems; however, we don’t recommend this except when advised by a health practitioner.) Also, the extract should not be used with any sort of mechanized tooth brush or tooth polisher. The abrasive action of the polisher plus the acidic nature of the extract work together in detriment to your teeth. In fact, if done often enough, it will erode the enamel of your teethe. If you place a drop of the product on your tongue, it will burn. Sensitive skin areas also will end up with an unpleasant irritation if the concentrate is used full-strength.