Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)
An antibiotic, anti-parasite, and all around germ killer

What is GSE?

Grapefruit Extract(GSE) is made by first converting grapefruit seeds and pulp into a very acidic liquid.

This liquid is loaded with polyphenolic compounds, including quercitin, helperidin, campherol glycoside, neohelperidin, naringin, apigenin, rutinoside, poncirin, etc. The polyphenols themselves are unstable but are chemically converted into more stable substances that belong to a diverse class of products called quaternary ammonium compounds.

GSE features the quaternary compounds derived from grapefruit exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, while evidencing none of the toxic side effects of chemically derived quaternaries.
How does it work?

Unfortunately there's not much written on how GSE works. This is because not much attention is paid to natural remedies these days. But basically, "the microbial uptake of GSE alters the cell membrane by inhibiting enzymatic activities… You can see the loss of the cytoplasmic membrane." (Dr. Sung-Hwan of Abcom Chemie Co., Ltd states).
Application to Herps

Herps of all sizes and shapes can benefit greatly from use of GSE: it is an excellent remedy for skin diseases, external injuries, fungal infections, and internally, the diseases caused by parasites, bacteria, and viral or fungal infections.

Since our herps can't tell us what's wrong, and since GSE is such a broad-spectrum solution, it is becoming the first-line of defence for animal breeders, veterinarians, and herp lovers of all types.
For external use, for skin fungi, parasites, or bacterial diseases of the skin: Mix 50 to 100 drops of liquid extract in a quart of water, and spray on the infected area. This same dilution can be used as a general antiseptic for cages, or any other contact areas. No need to rinse or remove residue of GSE. Liquid GSE can also be mixed into virtually any topical preparation, like bedding

For Internal Use:

The rule of thumb for gastrointestinal disorders in herps, including bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral, is to use one drop of liquid concentrate or 10 milligrams of powder extract per 10 pounds(5kg) of live weight. This can be administered once a day, or in case of known infection, up to three to five times per day. Alternately, liquid can be injected into the water supply to provide a general level of protection, and then treat infected animals more aggressively.

In acute cases, the dosage can be increased dramatically without ill-effect, but the wisest course is to increase frequency of dosage, rather than increase the size of dose by more than 2 or 3 times.
Keep in mind that GSE does not produce the negative side effects associated with antibiotic use. Intestinal flora remains intact with the use of GSE. Chemical measures add stress to the constitution, in some cases resulting in increased exposure to re-infection. Not so with GSE. Animals and environment are cleaner, stronger, and less susceptible to reoccurrence.

GSE can be introduced in food, water, or by topical application, including mouth-spray. You can give GSE to your pet every day as a preventative, without worry. Although, it has been reported in some herps, extended use has resulted in dehydration.

Bill and Kathy Love recommend the use of GSE for gastronomical disorders in her book The Corn Snake Manual. Proper application for a sick herp is, take out the water bowl for a few days to ensure thirst, then add 3 drops (or more depending on the size of herp) of GSE to the water when you replace the water bowl.
Even after the herp is healthy again keep adding a drop or two of GSE to it's water to ensure that it is fully healed.
Research done via:

• www.nutriteam.com
• The Corn Snake Manual (by Bill & Kathy Love)
• My own personal use with cornsnakes