Grapefruit is a low-calorie fruitwhich contains approx. 104 kcal. It is often used in dietary recipes because, despite the low number of calories, it provides the body with a lot of nutrients. Is source of vitamins A, C, E, PP and those from group B and mineralsincluding calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, manganese, fluorine and potassium. Interestingly, eating one fruit meets the daily need for vitamin C and 1/3 of the need for vitamin A. Grapefruit is also a treasure trove of antioxidants and dietary fiber. Although citrus has many health-promoting properties, it is harmful to many people. All because interacts with medications.
Grapefruit contains furanocoumarin, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Unfortunately, this chemical compound it also inhibits the metabolism of drugs. Therefore, the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of the drug in the blood is blocked – the effect of the medicine will be significantly weakenedbecause its concentration will be too low. On the other hand, citrus may also influence the metabolism of drugs in the liver and small intestine, increasing the dose of the drug in the blood (up to tenfold). This means that the drug will significantly enhance their effect – overdose and body poisoning may occur.
Due to the great influence of grapefruit on drug therapy, doctors suggest refraining from eating this fruit or drinking its juice. What medications should grapefruit not be combined with? The list is really long and includes over 100 products. The fruit interacts with antibiotics, cough syrups containing dextromethorphan, painkillers containing fentanyl and oxycodone, opioids, anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, antiallergics, anticancer drugs, contraceptive pills, drugs that regulate heart function, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and drugs used for mental illnesses and urinary tract diseases.
The new discovery of scientists who studied the synthesis of furanocoumarin in citrus fruits may be groundbreaking. Their work, published in the journal “, shows genetic information regarding the production of the problematic chemical in the fruit.
Research reveals genetic differences between citrus fruits that produce furanocoumarins (grapefruits and pomelos) and those that do not (tangerines and oranges). It turns out that the formation of furanocoumarins in citrus is dependent on the integrity of a single gene in a multigene cluster that encodes enzymes from the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase family.
This analysis by scientists shows why some citrus species produce furanocoumarins and how their formation could be stopped. According to study co-author Dr. Yoram Eyal from the Volcani Center in Israel, the research team’s new observations can be used to grow grapefruits without furanocoumarins. The new fruits would no longer affect the action of drugs and would be completely safe for health.
Source: Terazgotuje.pl, phys.org
