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Botanical name: Citris paridisi

Availability

Liquid

Pharmacology

A citricidal, grapefruit seed extract is a botanical extract made from the seeds and pulp of grapefruit. The extract contains such elements as bioflavonoids, amino acids, samlarides, and ascorbic acids. It also contains minerals like phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium and potassium along with the B group vitamins.

Grapefruit Seed Extract’s classification is defined by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, Oct. 25, 1994, and states that to be a nutritional supplement it should contain one or more of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herb or other botanical; and that it be intended for ingestion in the form of a pill, capsule, tablet, gel-cap or liquid form. Also, that it not be represented as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or the diet, and that it is labeled as a dietary supplement.

There are no reports at this time of its effect on pregnant or lactating females.

Indications

Used in dilution on superficial cuts and wounds (e.g., bumblefoot ). Also applied to other skin conditions such as (mange) . May also be taken orally in a diluted form for the above.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

None known.

Adverse Reactions

Purported to have a wide margin of safety.

Dosage Recommendations

The dosages and application are empirical. That which is listed below, is what has been used safely by more than one rat owner.

Oral:Use 1 drop per 10 pound of rat. Mix as 1 drop for 9 drops fruit juice per dropper in a dropper bottle so each drop of juice contains 1/10th of a drop of . Give 1 to 2 drops on a piece of bread twice daily. Store in refrigerator.

As an antiseptic solution: apply diluted Grapefruit Seed Extract to the ulceration several times a day. (recommended by Virginia Simpson, RMCA member)

Considerations

Keep in a tightly closed container away from light. Refrigerate when mixed with juice or food.

Where treatment is already initiated with antibiotics, do not discontinue their use. DO check with a veterinarian prior to instituting the use of GSE along with the antibiotics.

Refer to the following sites for more information and ordering:
Nutriteam:Pets and Grapefruit Extract
Pure Liquid Gold

Posted on July 23, 2003, 08:48, Last updated on June 6, 2008, 18:35 | Herbals & Health Supplements