A GIFT FROM MOTHER NATURE
Watchbird Issue II 2001
By Carolyn Swicegood

Grapefruit Seed Extract has proved to be effective in combating hundreds of pathogens that affect birds, including parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This inexpensive substance is used by aviculturists, pet bird owners, and veterinarians. It is a safe, natural disinfectant and cleaner that can be used to prevent mold growth on home-grown sprouts as well as to clean cages, aviaries, and homes. Surprisingly, this powerful product is made from grapefruit seeds. The antimicrobial properties of the extract of grapefruit seeds and pulp were discovered in 1972 by Jacob Harish, a physicist and immunologist, as a result of his curiosity about the bitterness of grapefruit seeds.

At the University of Georgia, tests were conducted to evaluate Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) as a disinfectant in tests against E. Coli, Salmonella sps., and Staph aureus. According to Roger Wyatt, Ph.D., and Microbiologist for the university, "Our studies indicate excellent potential for these products (GSE). ...The toxicology reports that I reviewed indicated that this product poses very low toxicity risk, which is important because most disinfectants currently used in either animal or human environments have moderate to high toxicity ratings and care must be exercised when these products are used... In view of the reports that we have discussed, the wide spectrum of activity that GSE offers (antiviral, antibacterial; Gram positive and Gram negative, antimycotic, and antiprotozoan) will undoubtedly aid in its acceptability."

Some physicians have found that GSE is as effective against candida, a yeast infection, as Nystatin or other antifungal preparations. It is also effective against protozoans such as giardia or entamoeba histolytica. Researcher Dr. Leo Galland wrote that it is more effective than prescription medicines such as metronidazole against these protozoal parasites. As a germicide, GSE has multiple uses and it is non-toxic and non-irritating when diluted as directed.

Bio Research Laboratories of Redmond, Washington, USA, tested GSE, a commercial chlorine bleach, and colloidal silver against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus faecium, and E. coli. The test report concluded that GSE proved superior.

"All microorganisms tested were inhibited with moderate levels of GSE liquid disinfectant. High levels of chlorine bleach inhibited the test organisms, but moderate levels were not effective. Because the GSE liquid was inhibitory at much lower levels, it may be assumed that it is ten to one hundred times more effective than chlorine against the organisms used in this study. On average, GSE proved to be ten times more effective than the colloidal silver."

GSE is compatible with most antibiotics and the manufacturers state that it does not produce the negative side effects associated with antibiotic use. Proponents of GSE claim that it does not attack normal gastrointestinal bacteria as antibiotics do, which has proven to be true in my aviary. A probiotic can be given after treating giardia with therapeutic dosages of GSE. Even if it isn't unnecessary, it will do no harm. GSE rarely if ever causes allergic or toxic reactions. Aspirin is said to be 25 times more toxic than GSE.

According to The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Volume 5, No. 3, USA, 1990, an international research team examined the effect of GSE on 770 strains of bacteria and 93 strains of fungus and compared this with 30 effective antibiotics and 18 proven fungicides. GSE was found to perform as well as any and all of the tested agents.

GSE USES AND DILUTION RECOMMENDATIONS

• To disinfect surfaces in the aviary and nursery such as brooders, incubators, cages, perches, and carriers, make an all purpose cleaner by adding 30 to 60 drops of GSE to a 32-ounce pump spray bottle filled with water. Mix well and spray.
• To disinfect wood surfaces, apply a few drops of GSE to the cleaned wood while still wet. Let stand for half an hour.
• To clean formula from baby parrots' faces and feathers after syringe feedings, add a few drops of GSE to a bowl of warm water to wet the cleaning cloth. It kills bacteria and gets the skin and feathers squeaky clean.
• To sterilize syringes, pipettes, spoons, and other handfeeding utensils, make a solution of 15 to 30 drops of GSE per pint of water. Soak between feedings.
• To make your own antibacterial soap for the nursery and kitchen, add ten to fifteen drops of GSE to an eight-ounce pump dispenser of hand soap.
• To make a disinfectant soak for produce, add 10 to15 drops of GSE per gallon of water and submerge the fruits and vegetables for 15 to 30 seconds.
• To make a disinfectant spray for produce, add 20 or more drops to a quart spray bottle and spray on fruits and vegetables.
• To prevent the growth of algae and mold in incubators and humidifiers, add three or four drops of GSE per gallon to the water reservoir.
• To clean and disinfect cutting boards, apply 10 to 20 drops of GSE to the cutting board. Rub it into the board with a wet sponge or cloth. Leave the GSE on for at least 30 minutes and rinse.    
• To purify water, add 10 drops of GSE per gallon of water and stir vigorously. It is more effective     than iodine.
   
• To treat skin fungi, parasites, or bacterial diseases of the skin of birds and other pets, mix 30 to 50 drops of GSE per quart of water and spray on the infected area.
   
• To boost the cleaning power of dishwasher detergent for bird dishes, add 15 to 30 drops of GSE to the dishwasher along with detergent.
   
• To disinfect towels and cloths used for baby parrots, add 30 to 50 drops to the wash cycle, or add 10 to 15 drops of GSE to the final rinse to ensure that the laundry is fungi and bacteria free.
   
• To disinfect carpet in bird rooms, add 10 to 15 drops of GSE per gallon of water to the reservoir of the carpet cleaning machine.
• During hot weather in outdoor aviaries, pathogens grow quickly in drinking water once organic matter has been introduced by food-covered beaks or food dunking. To prevent bacterial infections, I use one drop of GSE per large cup of drinking water when I must be away from home and cannot change the water when needed. I credit this practice with helping to prevent illness and I have never had any indication that it adversely affects my birds' health. Water bottles also can be contaminated by dirty beaks or food stuffed into the opening of the drinking tube. I prefer to use a food based preventive substance than chlorine or other harsh disinfectants.

Otherwise, I follow the advice of veterinarians and other avian experts who recommend that parrots be provided pure, clean drinking water without additives such as vitamin products, medication, or disinfectants. Any substance that changes the taste of water can discourage birds from drinking. This can cause dehydration which is a life threatening condition so it's a good idea to give birds extra fruits, vegetables, and melons in hot weather for their high moisture content.

I don't sell Grapefruit Seed Extract nor profit from its sale in any way, but I definitely am sold on GSE for birdkeeping.

Citricidal® liquid concentrate is triple the potency of NutriBiotic® GSE liquid. For online information about GSE or Citricidal, visit www.nutriteam.com or other web sites that can be found with an Internet search.