Grapefruit Seed Extract May Help Ulcers Heal

Grapefruit Seed Extract May Help Ulcers Heal

An extract of grapefruit seeds may reduce acid production in the stomach, say Polish researchers.

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Brunilda  Nazario, MD
on Tuesday, May 17, 2005

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This story is part of WebMD's coverage of the Digestive Disease Week 2005 conference. Other stories include:

Statins May Cut Risk of Some Cancers | Antidepressants May Be Tied to Bleeding in Gut | Hepatitis C Drug Rocks Virus in Early Test | Genes May Affect Nutrients in Breast Milk

Grapefruits Too Tart to Eat?

Grapefruits aren't off limits for people with ulcers, says Brzozowski in a news release.

"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," he says.

Antioxidants in the extract may be the key ingredient, he says.

The antioxidant properties found in grapefruit and the ability of the extract to limit damage in the stomach's lining have therapeutic implications that when combined with other therapies can be beneficial for healing stomach ulcers, he says.

Supplement Savvy

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the amount of some medications in the bloodstream. That includes cholesterol-fighting statin drugs, calcium-channel blocker drugs for high blood pressure, and some antihistamines.

Consult a doctor with any questions about grapefruit's effects or an appropriate amount to consume. Also, tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, including over-the-counter items, herbal products, and vitamins. That way, your doctor can watch out for possible drug interactions and discuss the pros and cons of treatments.

Consumers may also want to keep in mind that the U.S. government does not regulate dietary supplements.

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SOURCES: Digestive Disease Week 2005, Chicago, May 14-19, 2005. News release, Spectrum Science. WebMD Medical News: "What Could Possibly Be Bad About Grapefruit?""What Could Possibly Be Bad About Grapefruit?"