Grapefruit seed extract is a popular natural remedy for many ailments, including skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Grapefruit seed extract is generally commercially manufactured. The process of making grapefruit seed extract is fairly difficult, and includes a series of chemical and heat treatments to safely isolate the grapefruit seed extract for household use. To prepare the grapefruit seeds for extraction, some strong chemicals are required, and the process should be done in a safe lab by an experienced chemist, and should not be done at home. The following article outlines the steps necessary to commercially extract grapefruit seed extract.
Process
Grind the grapefruit seeds into a fine powder.
The powder is dissolved into pure water to remove the bulk of the grapefruit seed, which includes fiber and pectin.
The mixture is then spray dried at a low temperature to form a grapefruit seed concentrate powder.
The grapefruit seed concentrate powder is then prepared by dissolving it in vegetable glycerin and heating it up. Vegetable glycerin is comprised of natural plant oils that have been treated until the fats change into glycerin.
Natural acidic substances are added to the mixture. These can include ascorbic acid and other types of food-safe acids.
At this point, the mixture is heated under pressure to catalyze the mixture.
Cool the mixture.
Filter the mixture.
The product is then treated with ultraviolet light, which slows down the breakdown of the product by affecting the enzymes.