Grapefruit's bitter taste can pose serious health risks when mixed with several common medications due to compounds called furanocoumarins. These chemicals inhibit an enzyme in the intestines responsible for drug metabolism, leading to dangerous overdoses or diminished drug efficacy. Scientists are now exploring genetic engineering to create a grapefruit variety free of these chemicals. Recent research identified a specific gene responsible for furanocoumarin production, suggesting that gene editing could produce a safer version of grapefruit while retaining its appealing qualities.
These molecules can bind to and inactivate an enzyme in the intestines called CYP3A4 that helps metabolize certain drugs.
Researchers at Israel's Volcani Institute found a gene that plays a key role in producing furanocoumarins in grapefruit.
Editing out this gene could potentially yield a variety of grapefruit that doesn't interfere with medication.
At least 85 drugs, including commonly prescribed antidepressants and statins, have known or suspected interactions with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
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