IDENTIFICATION OF BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE IN COMMERCIAL GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACTS
Author(s):
TAKEOKA GARY R
DAO LAN T
WONG ROSALIND Y
LUNDIN ROBERT E
MAHONEY NOREEN E
Grapefruit seed extract is commercially available in various health food stores and via the internet. It is promoted as a powerful, effective, natural antimicrobial product capable of treating a variety of external and internal conditions such as eczema, acne, thrush, cold sores, sore throat, athlete's foot, colds, gastrointestinal infections, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, allergies, and parasitic diseases. In our search for natural antifungal agents effective against Aspergillus flavus we examined the chemical composition and activity of commercially available grapefruit seed extracts as well as extracts prepared in our laboratory by extraction of grapefruit seeds with ethanol. Confirming an earlier study by researchers in Germany we found that some commercial grapefruit seed extracts contain benzethonium chloride, a synthetic antimicrobial agent commonly used in cosmetics and only approved for topical use. at relatively high levels of 8%. It is unlikely that benzethonium chloride is formed during any extraction or processing of grapefruit seeds and pulp.
food safety almond pistachio walnut aflatoxin aspergillus eutypa phomopsis mycotoxin sclerotia tree nuts natural product biocompetition
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Updated: 2001-06-25