Grapefruit has various health benefits but can also interact with certain medications. It is recommended for lowering cholesterol due to its effects on fat metabolism. Grapefruit contains antioxidants that may protect against cancer and heart disease. However, grapefruit juice can increase the potency of some drugs by blocking an intestinal enzyme, which may cause toxicity or side effects by affecting organ function or drug levels in the body.

1. Alternative medicine: Grapefruit
Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:33:07
By Patricia Khashayar, MD., Press TV, Tehran
Grapefruit, the 'forbidden fruit' of Barbados is recommended for lowering blood cholesterol
levels due to its fat metabolism effects.
Botanical: Citrus paradisi
Family: N.O. Rutaceae
Habitat:
Grapefruit is believed to be native to Jamaica.
Description:
It is a sub-tropical citrus tree, originally named as the 'forbidden fruit' of Barbados.
The evergreen grapefruit tree can grow to a height of 5-6 meters.
Grapefruits are round with thin yellow or yellow with a pinkish hue peel. It is more or less
acidic, sweet, and fragrant.
Part Used Medicinally:
Fruit
Constituents:
Grapefruit is a rich source of many nutrients and phytochemicals; it is a good source of
vitamin C, pectin fiber, and the beneficial antioxidant lycopene.
A cup of unsweetened grapefruit juice has 95mg of vitamin C.
It contains considerable amounts of carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and
fiber.
Pink and red varieties are high in beta carotene, a vitamin A precursor.
Grapefruit seed has low antioxidant properties.
Medicinal Uses:
Grapefruit lowers cholesterol.
It contains bioflavonoids and other plant chemicals which protect the body against cancer and
heart disease.
Grapefruit seed extract is a strong antimicrobial.
Grapefruit flower essence helps overcome insomnia.
Grapefruit pulp is an effective treatment for urinary disorders.
Page 1 of 2Press TV Print
3/17/2008http://www.presstv.com/pop/print.aspx?id=35354

2. Leaf extractions have antibiotic activity.
Grapefruit stimulates the appetite and is used for its digestive, stomachic and diuretic
qualities.
Daily consumption of grapefruit helps alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus,
and other inflammatory disorders.
Caution :
Allergic individuals to citrus fruits are likely to react to grapefruit.
Scientists believe the daily consumption of a quarter of grapefruit is associated with a 30%
increase in breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women.
Grapefruit often increase the effective potency of several drugs by blocking a special enzyme
in the intestines, which may lead to toxicity and other side effects.
Taking such medications along with grapefruit juice can damage organs or impair their
normal function.
Reported drug interactions with the fruit include:
Statins (Baycol (Cerivastatin), Mevacor (Lovastatin), Lipitor (Atorvastatin), Zocor
(Simvastatin)),
Antihistamines (Ebastine, Seldane (Terfenadine)),
Calcium Channel Blockers (Blood Pressure Drugs) (Nimotop (Nimodipine), Nitrendipine,
Plendil (Felodipine)),
Psychiatric Medications (Buspar (Buspirone), Halcion (Triazolam), Tegretol (Carbamazepine),
Valium (Diazepam), Versed (Midazolam)),
Intestinal Medication (Propulsid (Cisapride)),
Immune Suppressants (Neoral (Cyclosporine), Prograf (Tacrolimus)),
Pain Medication (Methadone).
PKH/HGH
Count of views : 659
© Press TV 2007. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2 of 2Press TV Print
3/17/2008http://www.presstv.com/pop/print.aspx?id=35354