Antibacterial properties of grapefruit seed extract against Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae

Semprini et al., 2004 | Vet Ital | Other

Citation

Semprini P, Langella V, ... Calvarese S. Antibacterial properties of grapefruit seed extract against Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae. Vet Ital. 2004;40(2):39-45

Abstract

Twenty-one samples of grapefruit seed extract (GSE) either from marketed products or provided by an apiculturist were analysed to verify their inhibition activity, in particular against Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae, responsible for American foulbrood. The bactericide capacity of GSE has been measured in Bacillus subtilis BGA, Bacillus cereus 11778, Bacillus cereus K250 and Micrococcus luteus 9341a; these bacteria are normally used in the laboratory to study inhibitors. The results showed that not all GSE have the same inhibitory activity and two of those analysed do not inhibit the five bacteria used. Considering that 19 samples inhibited American foulbrood bacillus, the authors conclude that the use of a natural product (such as GSE) to control this important disease of bees, can be used as a substitute for chemotherapeutic products, after appropriate expedients.

Key Findings

Considering that 19 samples inhibited American foulbrood bacillus, the authors conclude that the use of a natural product (such as GSE) to control this important disease of bees, can be used as a substitute for chemotherapeutic products, after appropriate expedients.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

No MeSH terms indexed

Evidence Classification

Level: Other
Publication Types: Journal Article
Vertical: grapefruit-seed

Provenance

PMID: 20437392
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-12 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-12