Researchers at the University of Jagiellonian in Polish have found that the extract prepared from grape fruit seed reduced the size of stomach ulcers in rats. Rats were chemically induced with stomach ulcers and different concentration of the seed fruit extract was given to measure its activity. The result of the study showed reduced size of the stomach ulcer in rats. The extract was also found to have strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties, these properties help to reduce the acidity and also help in healing of the ulcer. The scientists measured the level of gastric secretion, which is elevated in gastric ulcer patients. After giving the extracts, the rats produced decreased concentration of gastric secretion. The gastric secretion reduced by 50% and the progressive decrease in ulcer was found in the area of the ulcer in rats treated at a concentration of 10 mg/kg. The treated rats had a significant rise in the flow of blood in the ulcer site, which leads to early healing of the ulcer at this site.
It was also found that the beneficial effects of the seed extract was reduced in the presence of certain drugs which inhibits the two enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, as these two enzymes are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the stomach lining. It is found that the seed extracts, combines with the two enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 in promoting better healing of the stomach ulcers.The results of the study were presented at Digestive Disease Week conference held in Chicago. Dr. Thomas Brzozowski said that, because grapefruit is acidic in nature, people with ulcers might assume that they should not include the fruit in their diet. “However, this research suggests the exact opposite." It is widely accepted in the conference that the extracts would be very useful for the patients who do not want to take anti-secretory drugs. Grapefruit juice can interact with some drugs, including cholesterol-reducing statins, and calcium channel blockers, given to heart patients.
