Anti-Inflammatory and Photoprotective Properties of Grapefruit Fruit Extract

Fruit extracts have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity, balance the tone of the skin, and help reduce dark spots. They also have antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria.

A fruit extract is made by using a solvent such as steam or alcohol to separate the flavour and colour from the pulp and sugar of the fruit.

Antioxidant

Fruit extracts contain high concentrations of antioxidant phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids and vitamins. These substances protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and inhibit the formation of free radicals. They also help protect against bacterial infections and UV irradiation [6,7]. The peels and seeds of fruits such as guava, pineapple, mango, sweetsop, Chinese wampee and plum are rich in antioxidant phytochemicals whereas the fruit wastes of Eucalyptus robusta, Caryota mitis, Gordonia axillar and Lagerstroemia indica have high antioxidant capacities and total phenolic contents. The phenolic acids found in these fruits can act as powerful antioxidants and have a wide range of antimicrobial properties.

The methanolic extracts of the studied species have excellent antioxidant activity quantified using several methods including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and reducing power assays. The results obtained by all four methods were comparable and allowed to establish a ranking of the antioxidative potential of the 12 selected species. The highest values were obtained for the methanolic extracts of jambul and acerola. Both of these fruit extracts were able to significantly inhibit E. coli heat-labile toxin, as well as to reduce the activity of the toxin’s activator FliC and the toxin regulator FliA.

Antimicrobial

Grapefruit seed extract, or GSE (Citricidal), is effective against over fruit Extract 800 bacterial and 100 strains of viral organisms and also prevents the growth of fungus and other single-celled parasites. Recent testimonials suggest that it may be effective against a variety of other microbial infections as well, including cancer.

The aqueous and methanol extracts of the dried pericarp of Terminalia bellirica fruits were screened for their antibacterial properties against 16 multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, extended spectrum b-lactamase producing Escherichia coli, MDR Acinetobacter spp, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) as well as for their antioxidant activity. The aqueous extract prepared by boiling the fruit in water under reflux was found to have the highest antibacterial potency. This extract was nontoxic to baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) fibroblast cells and had high antioxidant activity, which correlated with its total phenolic content.

The phenolic compounds in the aqueous extract of T. bellirica fruit were able to disrupt the membrane of bacteria and liberate their cytoplasmic contents. Moreover, they were capable of inhibiting the production of E. coli heat-labile toxin by interfering with its binding to cGMP.

Anticancer

Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, and alkaloids present in fruits have been shown to have antimicrobial properties. Some have also been demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties.

The cytotoxicity effect of different solvent extracts (methanol, chloroform and distilled water) from whole fruit and seeds of honeydew melon was determined on PC3, HCT116, HeLa and Jurkat cancer cell lines. The results showed that the methanol and chloroform extracts exhibited good cytotoxic effects on the cancer cells.

Methanol endocarp extract from Nephelium lappaceum commonly known as rambutan fruit significantly controlled the proliferation of HepG-2 cancer cells and caused them to shrink from polygonal to spherical shape. It induced DNA fragmentation and apoptotic nuclear staining in HepG-2 cells.

FTIR analysis shows that F carica leaf and fruit extracts contain wave peaks of hydroxyl, carbonyl, alkane and aliphatic groups which could indicate the presence of phytochemicals such as saponins and phenolic compounds in these extracts. The anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of F carica leaves extract was greater than that of its fruit extract. This was probably due to the different numbers of active compounds present in each extract.

Anti-inflammatory

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a natural product with reported antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including acne, athlete’s foot, body odour, candida, colds, gastrointestinal infections, gingivitis, mouth sores and thrush. Some GSE products are promoted as a safe alternative to prescription antibiotics. However, recent studies have found that many commercial GSE samples contain synthetic preservatives that are not listed on the label.

Phytochemicals in berries and other fruits have been shown to prevent chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, oxidative stress, bacterial infections, inflammation, viral infections and allergic reactions. Moreover, phenolic compounds in some berry extracts such as cranberries and blueberries can prevent urinary tract infections caused by uropathogenic E. coli bacteria.

Olive fruit pulp extract (OFPE) has been shown to exhibit hepatoprotective effects in CCl4-treated mice. OFPE enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced inflammatory markers, while maintaining hepatocyte architecture. This suggests that OFPE may be a useful therapeutic supplement for hepatoprotection. Nevertheless, it fruit Extract is important to check with your healthcare provider before adding supplements such as OFPE, particularly if you are taking any medications or herbal remedies.

Detoxifying

Fruits contain phytochemical compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation plays a role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, cancers, and diabetes. Research has shown that the bioactive components of fruits can modulate/suppress inflammation at several stages.

The anti-inflammatory properties of fruit extracts may be attributed to their flavanoids. Anthocyanins, for instance, have been shown to inhibit cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 activity. The ability of anthocyanins to inhibit cyclooxygenase depends on their structure, including the degree of glycosidation and hydroxylation.

The compounds in white mulberry increase macrophage activity, which helps to rid the body of harmful bacteria (x). Ficinon, extracted from fig, has been proven to prevent browning of fruits by blocking polyphenol oxidase through proteolysis. This is an important tool in controlling the spoilage of fruit beverages (x).