Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Citrus Seed Extract

Also known as: Citrus Seed Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), Bitter Orange Seed Extract

Overview

Citrus seed extract is derived from the seeds of citrus fruits like grapefruit and bitter orange. It contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, limonoids, phenolic compounds, and fatty acids, contributing to its antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and gastroprotective properties. Traditionally, it has been used for antioxidant support, gastrointestinal protection, and improving lipid profiles. Research suggests potential cardiovascular health benefits, anti-inflammatory effects, and antimicrobial properties. The quality of evidence includes systematic reviews and meta-analyses, primarily focusing on lipid modulation, along with some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and animal studies on gastroprotection and oxidative stress. Regulatory safety assessments indicate low toxicity at typical use levels. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts, with the composition varying depending on the source and extraction method.

Benefits

Citrus seed extract demonstrates lipid profile improvement, with meta-analyses showing significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and some increases in HDL and reductions in triglycerides. Individuals with dyslipidemia may particularly benefit. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) has shown gastroprotective effects by reducing ethanol- and stress-induced gastric lesions in rats, likely through antioxidant enzyme preservation and modulation of gastric secretions. These effects are observed acutely in animal models. Additionally, the extract exhibits antioxidant activity, reducing lipid peroxidation, and potential anti-inflammatory effects mediated by its bioactive compounds. Lipid profile improvements are typically observed over weeks to months in clinical trials.

How it works

Citrus seed extract works through multiple biological pathways. Its antioxidant activity involves scavenging free radicals and preserving antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD). It also modulates lipid metabolism pathways, potentially reducing cholesterol synthesis or enhancing its clearance. In the gastrointestinal system, it reduces gastric acid secretion and enhances protective factors like gastrin. The extract interacts with the cardiovascular system by improving lipid profiles and with the gastrointestinal system by reducing gastric acid secretion and enhancing protective factors. Bioavailability depends on the extract's composition, with flavonoids and phenolics generally having moderate absorption, while fatty acids from the seeds may contribute to systemic effects.

Side effects

Citrus seed extract is generally considered safe at typical supplement doses, with regulatory safety assessments indicating low toxicity. No significant common adverse effects have been reported in reviewed studies. Potential mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in sensitive individuals, inferred from general botanical extract data. No significant rare adverse events have been documented. Limited data exists on drug interactions; caution is advised with drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes due to the presence of Citrus flavonoids. No specific contraindications have been identified, but caution is advised in patients with cardiovascular conditions due to possible synephrine content in bitter orange extracts. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers due to limited safety data.

Dosage

Clinical trials on lipid effects use variable doses, and standardization is lacking. Safety panels suggest typical cosmetic and supplement use concentrations are safe, but high doses are not well-studied. Consistent daily dosing is likely needed for lipid effects. Extracts standardized for flavonoid or limonoid content are preferred for consistency. Co-administration with fats may enhance the absorption of fatty acid components. While minimum effective doses are not firmly established, it's important to adhere to recommended dosages on product labels and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. There are no specifically identified required cofactors.

FAQs

Is Citrus Seed Extract effective for weight loss?

No strong evidence supports weight loss effects. Synephrine-containing extracts may raise blood pressure without facilitating weight loss.

Can Citrus Seed Extract help with cholesterol?

Yes, evidence supports modest improvements in total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Is it safe to take daily?

Generally yes, at typical doses, but consult a healthcare provider if you are on medications or have cardiovascular issues.

How soon will I see benefits?

Lipid improvements may take several weeks. Gastroprotective effects are more acute in animal models.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9572433/ – This article likely discusses the broader applications and chemical composition of citrus seed extracts. Further review of the full article is needed to provide a more detailed summary of its key findings and relevance to the overall understanding of citrus seed extract benefits and safety.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.822678/full – This meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies indicates that citrus extracts significantly reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The effects on HDL and triglycerides were less consistent. The study acknowledges heterogeneity in extract types, doses, and study designs, but the meta-analytic methods were applied rigorously, suggesting moderate to high quality.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4355785/ – This controlled animal study found that GSE reduced gastric damage in rats subjected to ethanol and stress-induced gastric lesions. The mechanism involved antioxidant enzyme preservation and increased gastrin levels. While the study has good internal validity, the findings need further confirmation in human studies to establish relevance.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/20/9463 – This article likely explores various aspects of citrus seed extracts, potentially including their antimicrobial or antioxidant properties. A detailed review of the full article is necessary to provide a comprehensive summary of its key findings and relevance to the overall understanding of citrus seed extract benefits and safety.
https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Citrus%20plant%20and%20seed_0.pdf – This regulatory safety review by the CIR panel assessed the safety of citrus seed extracts based on toxicity, genotoxicity, and human patch testing data. The review concluded that citrus seed extracts are safe at typical use levels and do not exhibit significant systemic toxicity. However, the review also noted the limitations of limited long-term human data.