![]() ![]() In spite of the evidence, natural medicine companies continue to push data about the antimicrobial efficacy of commercially prepared GSE. Grapefruit seed extract has a number of chemicals unfortunately none of them are effective antimicrobials. Preservatives that without their presence are likely to eliminate the antimicrobial effect of GSE preparations, moreover the research proves this hypothesis again and again. What was the study actually testing? Further independent research has revealed that commercial preparations of GSE contain preservatives. We know that broad spectrum antibiotics are often prescribed for acute and chronic infective sinusitis- could this treatment actually work? Even though it was a commercial preparation this preliminary evidence appears promising, but we need to look further into GSE. What is easier than all of that? In-vitro testing. These types of studies need lots of money, participants and time. To solve this bias, independent, randomised double-blind control studies are performed to demonstrate sound efficacy. The product should be tested, yet there an obvious conflict of interest here. Natural medicine companies often the sole publishers or financiers of complementary and alternative medicine research projects. Drug companies (including natural medicine ones) will fund studies to prove that their product a) works and b) is safe. Looking beyond the publically available abstract, this study tested a commercial preparation of GSE. Secondly this dilution was shown to be non-toxic to the skin fibroblasts used during the in-vitro testing. ![]() In the lab it has shown good efficacy as a broad-spectrum antibiotic at a dilution of 1:512, capable of eliminating gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Firstly, it was observed that the GSE breaks down the cell walls of microbes. What is good to see is the study appears to live up to its title: it demonstrated the GSE’s mechanism of action and it’s toxicity. This does not automatically translate to equal efficacy in the human population. Now I am no expert on microbiological studies, but I have spotted a major flaw (which to be honest is not a problem with the study design, only it’s interpretation) in generalising this study: it is an in-vitro (Petri dish) study that examined the mechanism of action and toxicity. ![]() There is a study from 2002 that looks most promising. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that claim GSE is a suitable antibiotic for sinusitis, but is there any evidence? Grapefruit seed extract is said to effectively treat a broad-spectrum of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Grapefruit Seed Extract pops up as an antimicrobial agent useful in the treatment of bacterial sinusitis (not to be confused with grape seed extract). ![]() Do the right treatments options exist outside the box? The Story of Grapefruit Seed Extract Think of it as picking for a sports team: if you picked only your friends, you might not pick the best team. This also brings an interesting question to the topic – what complementary medicine practices have been absorbed into biomedical healthcare? When looking for the best available treatment it is worthwhile to consider all of the options. “… Pharmaceutical companies are the enemyĭo you know what they call “alternative medicine” Tim Minchin has often been quoted when the debate about the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines surfaces. Are there any treatments that are effective, aside from anecdotal evidence? This article is going to explore some of those popular social media remedies and blogger favourite natural cures for one of the most common ailments, sinusitis. The open-forum nature of the internet has opened up a whole library of natural remedy resources. Sinusitis is a common complaint with many causes including allergy, acute infection, chronic illness, trauma, lifestyle factors and more. Complementary and alternative medicine offers treatments for a variety of ailments, and otolaryngological conditions are not exempt. ![]()
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