CitroPlus®

Small Seeds, Great Potential

Grapefruit seeds are small "secret weapons" for well-being, as they contain respectable amounts of bioflavonoids, among other things. These secondary plant compounds belong to the polyphenols, which plants use, for example, as protection against herbivores and UV radiation, and as attractants for pollinators. In the human body, they also fulfill a whole range of functions, which are mainly based on their antioxidant effect. Thus, bioflavonoids, just like some vitamins, minerals, etc., are important partners in numerous biochemical processes. Grapefruit seeds and peels are among the best sources of these multi-talented substances found only in plants.

The Discovery of Grapefruit Seed Power

But let's start at the beginning – the moment when the American immunologist and hobby gardener Dr. Jacob Harich discovered the astonishing powers of the small seeds in the 1960s. These simply refused to rot on his compost heap... and created a pristine area around them, free of putrefactive bacteria and mold. Curious, he made an extract from the seeds and began to research its effect on various fungi, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Fascinated, he recognized that certain flavonoids from the grapefruit seed extract (especially naringin, hesperidin, quercetin, and rutin) specifically attacked the cell walls of the germs.

Grapefruit Seed Extract in Organic Quality

GSE was one of the first companies to import grapefruit seed extract from the USA to Germany starting in 1994, and from 2003 onwards – as the first manufacturer worldwide – offered it in certified organic quality. To meet the strict requirements for this certification, not only must the grapefruit seeds and peels used come from organic farming, but also the plant-based raw material for the organic glycerin. Our extract is also guaranteed free of undesirable accompanying substances such as benzethonium chloride, triclosan, and chlorinated and organophosphorus pesticides. In addition, CitroPlus® contains no alcohol and is therefore also suitable for children, pregnant women, alcohol-sensitive people, and animals. Today, GSE offers its "pioneer product" CitroPlus® in three different bioflavonoid concentrations (600, 800, and CitroPlus® 1200 forte) as well as tablets for swallowing.