Is Grapefruit Seed Extract safe?

Introduction

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is widely used for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, particularly in food processing and packaging. However, concerns have been raised about its safety due to the presence of synthetic compounds in some commercial products. This synthesis aims to evaluate the safety of GSE based on recent research findings.

Key Insights

General Safety and Efficacy in Food Applications:
- GSE is generally accepted as safe and effective for use in food processing and packaging, particularly for its antimicrobial properties .
Presence of Synthetic Compounds:
- Several studies have identified synthetic antimicrobial agents, such as benzethonium chloride, in commercial GSE products, raising concerns about their safety .
Antimicrobial Properties:
- GSE has demonstrated significant antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities against a wide range of pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes .
Biofilm Inhibition:
- GSE has been shown to inhibit biofilm formation and degrade existing biofilms of certain bacteria, which is beneficial for food safety and preservation.
Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Effects:
- GSE contains flavonoids like naringenin, which have antioxidant properties and can protect against gastric and pancreatic damage .

Conclusion

Grapefruit Seed Extract is generally considered safe and effective for use in food processing and packaging due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, the presence of synthetic compounds in some commercial products raises safety concerns. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the purity and quality of GSE products to avoid potential health risks.

Is Grapefruit Seed Extract safe?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Grapefruit Seed Extract-Added Functional Films and Coating for Active Packaging Applications: A Review

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) effectively reduces foodborne pathogens and maintains food quality and safety in food packaging films and coatings.

Identification of benzethonium chloride in commercial grapefruit seed extracts.

Commercial grapefruit seed extracts contain benzethonium chloride, a synthetic antimicrobial agent commonly used in cosmetics and other topical applications, with higher amounts found in powdered samples.

Anti-biofilm Activity of Grapefruit Seed Extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Grapefruit seed extract shows anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, potentially being used as a safe and effective preservative in food products.

BIOACTIVITY OF GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT AGAINST PSEUDOMONAS SPP

Grapefruit seed extract (GFSE) effectively prolongs the no spoiling time for Pseudomonas spp. in dairy products, offering a green, environmentally friendly alternative to toxic preservatives.

Antibacterial effect of Grapefruit Seed Extract on food-borne pathogens and its application in the preservation of minimally processed vegetables

Grapefruit Seed Extract effectively reduces the populations of human bacterial pathogens on whole and fresh-cut green vegetables, with potential applications in preserving minimally processed vegetables.

Gastroprotective Activity of Grapefruit (Citrus paridisi) Seed Extract Against Acute Gastric Lesions

Grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties, and may protect against acute gastric lesions by enhancing gastric microcirculation through increased prostaglandins and nitric oxide.

[Survey of synthetic disinfectants in grapefruit seed extract and its compounded products].

Most commercial grapefruit seed extract products in Japan contain synthetic disinfectants like benzethonium or benzalkonium salts, despite being listed as a natural food additive.

Chitosan-based microcapsules containing grapefruit seed extract grafted onto cellulose fibers by a non-toxic procedure.

This non-toxic method for grafting chitosan-based microcapsules with grapefruit seed oil onto cellulose fibers creates durable, antimicrobial materials with a durable fragrance.

Extract of grapefruit-seed reduces acute pancreatitis induced by ischemia/reperfusion in rats: possible implication of tissue antioxidants.

Grapefruit seed extract reduces acute pancreatitis induced by ischemia/reperfusion in rats, likely due to activation of antioxidative mechanisms and improved pancreatic blood flow.

The effectiveness of processed grapefruit-seed extract as an antibacterial agent: I. An in vitro agar assay.

Grapefruit-seed extract shows antibacterial properties comparable to proven topical antibacterials, with a slightly greater inhibitory effect on gram-positive organisms than gram-negative organisms.

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