Latin (Botanical) Name: Citrus paradisi
Plant Family: Rutaceae
Common Extraction Method: Cold press
Typically Used Plant Part: Peel
Color: Pale yellow
Aromatic Characteristic: Sharp, sweet, citrus flavor 
Grapefruit is a natural hybrid species that emerged in Jamaica in the 1750s. When the pomelo species, which is also an orange genus brought from South Asia by Captain Shaddock to be grown next to the native sweet orange of Jamaica, was planted on this island, it was observed that these two species pollinated with each other, resulting in a third type of grapefruit. This species has spread around the world from Jamaica.
It was first popularized for consumption in the West Indies before spreading to the Americas and citrus-growing regions. It is currently produced in various parts of the world such as the United States, South Africa, Brazil. The grapefruit tree can grow quite large, reaching 6 meters tall.
The name grapefruit is attributed to the fruits that grow in clusters resembling grapes. It was heard in Turkey after the Second World War, and after a short time greypfrut was written, the spelling of grapefruit was established.
Grapefruit, often known for its sour and pungent taste, is the yellow-orange fruit of an evergreen citrus tree. Grapefruit peel essential oil is obtained by cold pressing the peel of this fruit and is loved for its refreshing aroma and strong taste, as well as for its many uses and benefits. It is often used in aromatherapy.
KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
BENEFITS
The d-Limonene contained in grapefruit peel oil helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite by reducing the accumulation of fat under the skin [1].
Because of the side effects of some drugs used to treat anxiety and depression, many people seek alternative remedies [2]. Research shows that aromatherapy can be a useful complementary therapy for stabilizing mood and relieving anxiety [3]. Thanks to the d-Limonene component of grapefruit peel oil, when smelled, it sends a warning to the central nervous system, helps to fight nervous exhaustion and mental fatigue, alleviate pessimism and create a refreshing effect [4].
Many people use natural treatments to lower their blood pressure, either with or without prescription medications. Grapefruit peel oil helps lower blood pressure with its d-Limonene content [9].
Studies have shown that the smell of grapefruit peel oil stimulates the breakdown of adipose tissue and leads to a decrease in food intake, and grapefruit peel oil applied directly to the cells prevents the formation of adipose tissue [10] [11]. In another study, it was observed that body massage with 3% diluted grapefruit peel oil reduced the amount of oil in the massaged areas after 6 weeks [12]. However, more research is needed for a definitive conclusion on this issue.
WARNINGS
ACADEMIC STUDIES
[1] N. Ngamdokmai, T. U. Paracha, N. Waranuc, K. Chootip, W. Wisuitiprot, N. Suphrom, K. Insumrong, K. Ingkaninan (2021). Effects of Essential Oils and Some Constituents from Ingredients of Anti-Cellulite Herbal Compress on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Rat Aortae. Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14, 253.
[2] D. Santarsieri, T. L. Schwartz (2015) Antidepressant efficacy and side-effect burden: a quick guide for clinicians. Drugs Context. 2015; 4: 212290.
[3] D. I. S. Vidaña, S. P. C. Ngai, W. He, J. K. W. Chow, B. W. M. Lau, H. W. H. Tsang (2017).The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy for Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017; 2017: 5869315.
[4] C. A. R. A. Costa, T. C. Cury, B. O. Cassettari, R. K. Takahira, J. C. Flório, M. Costa (2013). Citrus aurantium L. essential oil exhibits anxiolytic-like activity mediated by 5-HT1A-receptors and reduces cholesterol after repeated oral treatment. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013; 13: 42.
[5] M. C. Ou, Y. H. Liu, Y. W. Sun, C. F. Chan (). The Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Cold-Pressed and Distilled Essential Oils of Citrus paradisi and Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; 2015: 804091.
[6] J. A. A. S. Jayaweera, W. W. Kumbukgolla (). Antibiotic resistance patterns of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from livestock and associated farmers in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Germs. 2017 Sep; 7(3): 132–139.
[7] G. E. Bergonzelli, D. Donnicola, N. Porta, I. E. Corthésy-Theulaz (2003). Essential Oils as Components of a Diet-Based Approach to Management of Helicobacter Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2003 Oct; 47(10): 3240–3246.
[8] H. O. Elansary, S. A. M. Abdelgaleil, E. A. Mahmoud, K. Yessoufou, K. Elhindi, S. El-Hendawy (2018). Effective antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities of essential oils of horticultural aromatic crops in northern Egypt. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018; 18: 214.
[9] M. Tanida, A. Niijima, J. Shen, T. Nakamura, K. Nagai (2005). Olfactory stimulation with scent of essential oil of grapefruit affects autonomic neurotransmission and blood pressure. Brain Res. 2005 Oct 5;1058(1-2):44-55.
[10] K. Nagai, A. Niijima, Y. Horii, J. Shen, M. Tanida (2014). Olfactory stimulatory with grapefruit and lavender oils change autonomic nerve activity and physiological function. Auton Neurosci. 2014 Oct; 185:29-35.
[11] S. Haze, K. Sakai, Y. Gozu, M. Moriyama (2010). Grapefruit oil attenuates adipogenesis in cultured subcutaneous adipocytes. Planta Med. 2010 Jul ; 76 (10) : 950-5.
[12] Hee Ja Kim (2007). Effect of aromatherapy massage on abdominal fat and body image in post-menopausal women. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 2007 Jun;37(4):603-12.
