Lyme Disease Support Group

The following article is from pubmed regarding the efficacy of GSE (Grapefruit see extract) as a Bb and Cyst eliminator:

Grapefruit Seed Extract is a Powerful In Vitro Agent Against Motile and Cystic Forms of Borrelia

burgdorferi Sensu Lato

Infection. 2007 Jun;35(3):206-8. Brorson O, Brorson SH.

Lyme borreliosis [1], caused by B. burgdorferi sensu lato, may lead to long-term tissue infection, which may be difficult to cure. The outcome of Lyme borreliosis is highly dependant on the antibiotic treatment [2]. The observation of the ability of B. burgdorferi sensu lato to convert (and reconvert) to cystic forms [3–5] may explain why the infection sometimes is persistent and reactivating.

Therefore, it might be important to eradicate all germative forms (not only the motile form) of the bacterium to obtain a proper treatment for Lyme borreliosis. Grapefruit-seed extract (GSE) contains bioactive flavenoids (e.g., hesperitin, resveratrol, and naringenin) and has been shown to possess anti-microbiological effect against bacteria and fungus [6,7]. Many studies indicate that GSE is a substance whose therapeutic effect ranks equal to or better than other

known anti-bacterial agents.

Conclusion: The highest GSE concentrations made the bacteria and cysts disappear completely, leaving only small uncharacteristic fragments; at lower GSE-levels the membranes showed herniation and disruption, and the contents had leaked out. The MBC was strongly dependent on the length of the incubation. GSE was very active even for very short incubation times, in agreement with previous results [7].

The MBC obtained by DFM for the motile bacteria agreed well with the TEM results. Presence of GSE reduced the conversion from spirochetes to cysts when the susceptibility testing was performed in distilled water.

This study was performed in vitro and further studies are needed to demonstrate eventual effects in vivo. From our results it will be rational to test the hypothesis that a combination of GSE and antibiotics will be efficient in the treatment of resistant Lyme borreliosis.

I have had a recurrent breast infection for over four years now. Fours years ago, when my nipple became inverted and I sought out help, I had a breast biopsy. My results showed a breast infection which never cleared after 3 rounds of abx. To this day, almost every other day, I can express pus from my nipple. It is a clear, sticky white. Just last month I had a culture done of the pus again- which came back with nothing. I have seen two breast specialists whose cure is to remove my milk ducts in my right breast- no way. At least not right now- I still want to have another child and breastfeed. I also don't believe the surgery is necessary. Do you have any information regarding this? Another one of my health mystery's- waiting for Igenex results- had test today. Could this be a symptoms of lymes?

I'm sorry to hear you've been ill and sufferring, like pretty much everyone here...so at least now you don't have to go it alone.

As far as your breast infection...

I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say it is a symptom of Lyme, but rather the prolonging of the infection is because your body is fighting too many things at once to be really effective at any...

I know I replied to you in another thread recently.

Please PM Jaime or Christine and let them know some more about you and where you are and we can try to help you find a doc that can get you moving in the right direction.

In the meanwhile, spend some time navigating through the forums and learn what you can about what might be going on.

We have lots of good information around here and members who are truly caring and supportive, besides knowledgible and experienced.

PM me for anything....