What is gse used for

Note that the extract is extremely bitter. To avoid the bitter taste, adults may also take one to two mg capsules one to two times daily with or without meals. Grapefruit seed extract is perhaps best known for its ability to treat digestive disturbances and kill pathogens, especially fungal pathogens like Candida albicans, in the gastrointestinal tract.

One preliminary human trial investigated the effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract in people with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome IBS and eczema. Subjects received either 2 drops of a 0. Results found that there were no major grapefruit seed extract side effects. And in fact, the researchers tested the extract against different intestinal pathogens and found it was most effective against Candida species, a type of fungal infection, and some types of parasites. As a service to our readers, University Health News offers a vast archive of free digital content.

Animal studies have shown that GSE may reduce kidney damage and improve function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory damage 29 , 30 , In one study, 23 people diagnosed with chronic renal failure were given 2 grams of GSE daily for 6 months and then compared with a placebo group.

This means that the kidneys of those in the test group were much better able to filter urine than the kidneys of those in the placebo group Studies have shown that GSE inhibits the growth of common foodborne bacteria, including Campylobacter and E.

In lab studies, GSE has been found to inhibit 43 strains of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria Candida is a common yeast-like fungus that can sometimes result in candida overgrowth , or thrush. GSE is widely used in traditional medicine as a remedy for candida. In one study, mice with vaginal candidiasis were given an intravaginal GSE solution every 2 days for 8 days. The infection was inhibited after 5 days and gone after 8 A high intake of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, are associated with a reduced risk of various cancers The antioxidant activity of GSE has shown potential to inhibit human breast, lung, gastric, oral squamous cell, liver, prostate, and pancreatic cell lines in lab settings 38 , 39 , 40 , In animal studies, GSE has been shown to enhance the effect of different types of chemotherapy 42 , 43 , GSE appears to protect against oxidative stress and liver toxicity while targeting chemotherapy action on the cancerous cells 43 , 44 , A review of 41 animal studies found that either GSE or proanthocyanidins reduced cancer-induced toxicity and damage in all but one of the studies Keep in mind that the anticancer and chemopreventive potential of GSE and its proanthocyanidins may not be directly transferable to people with cancer.

More studies in humans are needed. Your liver plays an important role in detoxifying harmful substances introduced to your body through drugs, viral infections, pollutants, alcohol, and more.

In test-tube studies, GSE reduced inflammation, recycled antioxidants, and protected against free radical damage during toxin exposure 46 , 47 , The liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase ALT is a key indicator of liver toxicity, meaning that its levels rise when the liver has sustained damage In one study, 15 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and subsequent high ALT levels were given GSE for 3 months. Liver enzymes were monitored monthly, and results were compared with taking 2 grams of vitamin C per day.

Several animal studies have found GSE can aid wound healing 50 , 51 , Those using the GSE cream experienced full wound healing after 8 days, while the placebo group took 14 days to heal. Always ask your doctor before taking grapefruit seed extract and let them know what other medications you're taking. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

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These results need confirmation in double-blind trials. The typical recommendation for the liquid concentrate is 10—12 drops in 6—7 ounces of water one to three times daily. For capsules and tablets containing dried grapefruit seed extract, the usual recommendation is — mg one to three times daily. Grapefruit seed extract is not an essential nutrient and no deficiency states have been reported.

In case reports, ingestion of grapefruit seed extract interfered with the effect of warfarin. This inhibitory effect appeared to be due to benzethonium chloride, a synthetic preservative that is added to most grapefruit seed extract products.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company. The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies human, animal, or in vitro , clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.

The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Information expires December This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.