GRAPEFRUIT seed extract helps to treat stomach ulcers. The findings may surprise many consumers as the fruit is often associated
with acidity and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. But the seed extract possesses antibacterial and antioxidative properties that can calm the gastric tract said the researchers at the recent Digestive Disease Week. The team from University Medical College in Poland examined the effects of different doses of the extract to about (2-20 mg/kg) on induced gastric ulcers in rats.
It was gathered that they measured levels of gastric secretion, the major causes of gastric ulcers and also tested ulcer healing by using a combination of acetic acid (an acid compound used to induce experimental ulcers) with or without a COX-1 inhibitor (indomethacin, 2 mg/kg) and a COX-2 inhibitor (rofecoxib, 10 mg/kg).
Rats treated with the
grapefruit extract at about 10 mg/kg experienced close to 50 % reduction in gastric acid secretion and a progressive decrease in the area of gastric ulcers by days six and nine of treatment.
Brzozowski also stated that because grapefruit is acidic in nature, people with ulcers might assume that they should not include the fruit in their diet. However, this research suggests the exact opposite. It is accepted at the conference that the extracts would be very useful for the patients who do not want to take anti-secretory drugs. Grapefruit juice can interact with some drugs, including cholesterol-reducing statins and calcium channel blockers.
The greatest gain of grapefruit seed-extract is due to its multipurpose effect. Grapefruit seed-extract is effective even if the cause of an infection is identified.
The fruit seed-extract naturally detoxifies, enhances and supports the immune system.
The treatment also prompted a significant rise in blood flow at the ulcer sites, which could also help healing.
Ulcers can result when the stomach produces excess acid or if there is insufficient mucus to protect the lining from damage. Infection with the Helicobacter pylori significantly raises the risk of ulcers, as does regular use of certain medicines like aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.