Safety Profile
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is marketed as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial supplement. However, multiple analytical studies have found that commercial GSE products frequently contain undisclosed synthetic preservatives (benzethonium chloride, triclosan, methylparaben) that account for their antimicrobial activity rather than the grapefruit compounds themselves. Pure GSE has minimal proven antimicrobial activity. Critical drug interaction: grapefruit compounds potently inhibit CYP3A4, significantly increasing plasma levels of statins, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), benzodiazepines, and many other drugs — potentially to toxic levels. Contraindicated with any CYP3A4-metabolised medication.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Citrus paradisi
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Botanical
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- No significant safety signals identified in the reviewed literature.
The available scientific evidence for Grapefruit Seed Extract indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 13 აპრ 2026, 15:01
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWExtracts From Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) Peel via Microwave-Assisted and Conventional Extractions: Evaluation of Nosema Infection and Toxicity in Honey Bees. ↗Kaya MM et al.. Extracts From Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) Peel via Microwave-Assisted and Conventional Extractions: Evaluation of Nosema Infection and Toxicity in Honey Bees.. Vet Med Sci. 2026. PMID:41961239.PMID 41961239 ↗Journal Vet Med SciYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41961239/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWSuperheated steam extraction and RSM-based optimization of antioxidant activity in Citrus paradisi essential oil and evaluation of antimicrobial activity. ↗Waseem R et al.. Superheated steam extraction and RSM-based optimization of antioxidant activity in Citrus paradisi essential oil and evaluation of antimicrobial activity.. Sci Rep. 2026. PMID:41549111.PMID 41549111 ↗Journal Sci RepYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41549111/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWIndependent Evaluation of Rootstock Resistance and Endophytic Bacteria for Managing Citrus Nematode. ↗Banihashemian SN et al.. Independent Evaluation of Rootstock Resistance and Endophytic Bacteria for Managing Citrus Nematode.. J Nematol. 2025. PMID:41631096.PMID 41631096 ↗Journal J NematolYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41631096/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWGC-MS-based metabolic profiling of essential oils from Citrus paradisi, Lawsonia inermis, and Ruta graveolens and assessment of their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. ↗Amawi RM et al.. GC-MS-based metabolic profiling of essential oils from Citrus paradisi, Lawsonia inermis, and Ruta graveolens and assessment of their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential.. Front Chem. 2025. PMID:41613271.PMID 41613271 ↗Journal Front ChemYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41613271/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWTargeting the "bitterness gene" by genome editing abolishes synthesis of bitter flavanones in citrus; prospects for new varieties and extended climates for… ↗Plesser E et al.. Targeting the "bitterness gene" by genome editing abolishes synthesis of bitter flavanones in citrus; prospects for new varieties and extended climates for cultivation.. Plant J. 2025. PMID:41449724.PMID 41449724 ↗Journal Plant JYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41449724/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWIntegrated genomic-wide methylomic, transcriptomic, and physiological analysis revealed the molecular mechanism of light drought regulating early flowering of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi L.). ↗Huang B et al.. Integrated genomic-wide methylomic, transcriptomic, and physiological analysis revealed the molecular mechanism of light drought regulating early flowering of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi L.).. Plant Physiol Biochem. 2025. PMID:41160956.PMID 41160956 ↗Journal Plant Physiol BiochemYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41160956/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWComparative In Vitro Evaluation of Buccal Films, Microcapsules, and Liposomal Systems for Naringin and Citrus × paradisi L. Peel Extract: Effects of… ↗Stabrauskiene J et al.. Comparative In Vitro Evaluation of Buccal Films, Microcapsules, and Liposomal Systems for Naringin and Citrus × paradisi L. Peel Extract: Effects of Encapsulation Strategy and Compound Origin on Release Profiles.. Pharmaceutics. 2025. PMID:41155948.PMID 41155948 ↗Journal PharmaceuticsYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41155948/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEffect of Different Interstocks on Fruit Quality, Amino Acids, and Antioxidant Capacity in 'Yuanxiaochun' Citrus. ↗Wang T et al.. Effect of Different Interstocks on Fruit Quality, Amino Acids, and Antioxidant Capacity in 'Yuanxiaochun' Citrus.. Antioxidants (Basel). 2025. PMID:41154458.PMID 41154458 ↗Journal Antioxidants (Basel)Year 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41154458/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPlant-Derived Nanovesicle Enhanced Microribonucleic Acid (MicroRNA) Transfer from Nasal Cavity to the Brain. ↗Umezawa M et al.. Plant-Derived Nanovesicle Enhanced Microribonucleic Acid (MicroRNA) Transfer from Nasal Cavity to the Brain.. Mol Pharm. 2025. PMID:41100567.PMID 41100567 ↗Journal Mol PharmYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41100567/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWAntioxidant and anticancer properties of citrus-mediated nanoformulations revealed by meta-analysis. ↗Budiarto R et al.. Antioxidant and anticancer properties of citrus-mediated nanoformulations revealed by meta-analysis.. Sci Rep. 2025. PMID:41006383.PMID 41006383 ↗Journal Sci RepYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41006383/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Grapefruit Seed Extract. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a high safety concern. Its use in dietary supplements is associated with documented adverse events.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the High classification for Grapefruit Seed Extract
A score of 6.5 places this ingredient in the High band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.