Grapefruit Seed Extracts’ Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity: Anti-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Impact

The Corona pandemic has affected the entire world. It caused a fatal respiratory illness and threatened public safety and human health. Scientists scrambled to detect an operative drug to counter the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2). The hunt for a nutritional supplement to treat the Coronavirus has occupied a large area of scientific inquiry. Grapefruit (GF) (Rutaceae family) is a subtropical fruit, it has potent bioactive properties. Natural grapefruit seed extract (GFSE) has been revealed to exhibit beneficial therapeutic effects. The purpose of this review was to compile published research studies demonstrating antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities of GFSE and its bioactive components, besides their ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 activity. The GFSE has a high growth inhibition against gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Besides, it showed an inhibition zone against Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The antiviral activity of GFSE nasal spray against the new Coronavirus has been recognized. The anti-Coronavirus capabilities of GFSE's main components, such as naringenin, resveratrol, limonoids, and hesperidin, have also been verified. In conclusion, additional in vivo and clinical research studies are warranted to endorse the impact of GFSE (spray or syrup) against SARS-CoV-2.

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