Citricidal® Brand Grapefruit Seed Extract

Statement of Purpose

The use of synthetic preservatives, especially those which contain parabens, is a growing issue of concern within the natural body care products industry. The NIRC presents the follow data not as conclusive proof that GSE will work effectively in any one manufacturers' product line, but as "food for thought" in the ongoing search for viable alternatives to preservation methods that present potential for more harm than good. 

Use this research at your own risk, we strongly encourage every manufacturer to get their products challenge tested regardless of what method they use to extend shelf life and protect the safety of their customers.

SUPPORTING RESEARCH

Results of the USP Preservative Effectiveness Test performed by Northview Pacific Laboratories, Inc. on Citricidal, 0.2%, provided by Bio/Chem Research, the manufacturer of the professional strength Grapefruit Seed Extract.

Study date June 8, 1995

Test Article Identification; Citricidal diluted to 0.2% with sterile saline.

Interpretation and analysis; The preservative is considered effective if the concentration of viable bacteria is reduces to less than 0.1% of the initial challenge concentration by Day 14 of the study. The concentration of viable yeast and mold must remain below the initial challenge concentration throughout the 28 day study.

Summary of Results/Conclusion; This product met the requirements of the USP Preservation Effectiveness test.

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What continued to bother me was that this appears "on the surface" to be the very test that was later "challenged" because the GSE was preserved itself, and the success of the preservation was found to be from that ingredient not the GSE.

But now I don't think so. Here are some excerpts and references:

"Residues of pesticides, fungicides and preservatives have always been a concern with regards to our product. The use of these compounds is common in the agricultural and botanical industries in the United States as well as abroad. In addition, the extraction processes involved in botanicals would not necessarily remove these compounds. Therefore, every batch of Citricidal® is certified for the absence of such residues, as well as the absence of Triclosan, a common germicide and preservative. 

Independent labs have confirmed these results. (see United States Testing Company Report No. 405993, dated 9/8/95). The results show no trace of triclosan, while displaying very strong antimicrobial activity. Every batch of Citricidal is tested and certified free from chemical and heavy metal contamination. And in an attempt to further improve the product, a source of grapefruit seed and pulp from Certified Organically Grown grapefruits has been secured." 

"Over the years, numerous and differing analytical tests have been performed to determine the active components of Citricidal. The test results have quite often varied, for the following reasons: a.) varying test procedures, b.) different chemicals used in the test procedures producing false positives, c.) different interpretations of test procedures resulting in false positives, and d.) the different background of the chemists involved, organic chemistry vs. inorganic chemistry being an issue. 

The similarity in molecular weight between Citricidal and both Benzelkonium Chloride and Benzelthonium Chloride has wrongly influenced some (including drug and chemical manufacturers) to assert that Citricidal has been "spiked" with these poisons. (They are both powerful industrial disinfectants, and are even found in some consumer goods in the U.S.) But once again, independent lab tests, and a 25-year track record of safe use as a human therapeutic speak loudly against such slander."

"With so many products on the market making so many claims, a measure of skepticism about GSE is understable. But consider that Citricidal® and NutriBiotic® extracts have been used in their present form for some 10 years, all over the world. Virtually all of our bulk-order customers have had the product tested in the laboratory before buying. Even without the advantages afforded the pharmaceutical establishment, Citricidal® and NutriBiotic® have gained wide acceptance. As more uses are discovered, and more testing is done to confirm its safety and efficacy, it is certain that many more questions about agricultural, environmental, and human health will be answered with Citricidal® Grapefruit Seed Extract."



"What is not known is how GSE can affect the cell membranes of such a diverse group of microbes with virtually no toxicity toward animal life (The "Acute Oral Toxicity Study" performed by an independent laboratory concluded that you would have to take 4,000 times the normal adult dose to risk a 50% chance of poisoning). And to complicate matters further, since viruses do not have a cell membrane of their own, how is it that GSE can act as an antiviral remedy as it does? 

Unraveling the mysteries of GSE and its mechanisms would undoubtedly provide extremely valuable insight into the basic activity of microbes. We might hope that research funds will become available to answer the many questions raised about how it can be so potent and yet so safe."

http://www.nutriteam.com/index2.html

Citricidal® is an extremely potent and effective broad-spectrum bactericide, fungicide, antiviral and antiparasitic compound. Citricidal® is environmentally safe with a low toxicity to man and animals. Employing a manufacturing process which converts grapefruit bioflavonoids (polyphenolics) into an extremely potent compound, biologically active. Citricidal® has proven highly effective in numerous applications.

Cosmetics: Preservative and antimicrobial. Range: 1000 to 10,000 ppm* [International registrations only] 
CTFA listing: Grapefruit Extract

The above information was provided by the former Founder of the Natural Ingredient Resource Center