Graviola (Soursop): Nature's Cancer-Fighting Wonder and More

Throughout history, the Graviola tree has been widely used by the indigenous Native Indians of South America. The bark,  roots, seeds, leaves,and fruit, and seeds of this tree have played a important role in their traditional medicine for hundreds of years, particularly in the treatment of heart disease, asthma, arthritis, and liver problems. Notably, the remarkable stories of healing associated with this tree captured the interest of a major American pharmaceutical company. Beginning in the 1970s, the company conducted over 20 laboratory tests to explore the anti-cancer potential of the Graviola tree.

Graviola (Annona muricata) is a fruit-bearing tree found in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. It is also known as soursop, guanabana, or Brazilian paw-paw. The tree has large, and dark green leaves and produces edible, green heart-shaped fruits. Graviola extracts have been found to contain 212 bioactive compounds, and many of these compounds have demonstrated cancer-fighting effects in laboratory studies. Additionally, besides the extract from A. muricata, other liquid extracts and an extract from fungi collected from the graviola tree have been evaluated for their anticancer properties and other health benefits. Graviola is widely utilized as a herbal remedy for the treatment of various cancers in both Jamaica and Trinidad. [1]

The health benefits of Graviola

Graviola has potent cancer-fighting properties. Many cancer-fighting drugs derive from natural products, comprising over 47% of the market. With more than 25,000 identified plant chemicals demonstrating strong cancer-fighting effects, graviola's aerial parts have been widely studied and shown effectiveness against various types of cancer. [1]

Graviola's antioxidant properties counteract harmful ROS in cells, preventing damage and promoting cell growth management. Cancer cells, which have elevated reactive oxygen species levels, can be targeted by preventing their antioxidant defense, leading to cell death. Graviola extracts exhibit potential in hindering cancer cell growth, safeguarding normal cells, and enhancing antioxidant enzymes, making them a promising subject of study for their anticancer and antioxidant effects. [2]

Graviola fights high blood pressure. Soursop fruit extracts inhibit enzymes linked to type-2 diabetes and hypertension, and its phenolic contents contribute to its antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antioxidant effects. The pericarp of the Soursop exhibits the highest enzyme-blocking inhibitory and antioxidant properties, indicating its potential in preventing and managing diabetes and high blood pressure. [3]

Graviola juice reduces stress and anxiety. Drinking a glass of this juice after a stressful day can help you relax. Belgian researchers found that the fruit's pulp contains natural aromas called isoquinolines, which have relaxing properties. These substances directly affect the central nervous system, inhibiting the release of alertness hormones like dopamine and adrenaline. Consuming the juice promotes relaxation by preventing the body from releasing fight-ready substances, leading to a reduction in stress and anxiety. [4]

Anti-Arthritic Effects - Graviola has demonstrated effects against arthritis. The ethanolic extract from graviola leaves, administered orally at different doses, reduced edema in a dose-dependent manner after two weeks. The extract, when given in higher doses, reduced the levels of inflammation-causing substances. These results support the potential of soursop leaves as an anti-arthritic treatment. [5]  

Graviola has promising antiparasitic effects. Extracts from graviola's pericarp using methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane are effective against L. Panamensis and L. Braziliensis, with ethyl acetate being particularly potent. Additionally, a methanol-water extract of graviola seeds is effective against leishmania, while the pentane extract from graviola leaves is toxic to both chloroquine-sensitive and resistant strains. [6]

Graviola is a powerful natural remedy for ulcers, thanks to its high levels of tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.  Graviola tea, made from its leaves and bark, is commonly used to alleviate gastrointestinal issues like gastritis and poor digestion. Studies have shown that graviola effectively improves gastric lesions by promoting prostaglandin synthesis and inhibiting aggressive factors in the gastric mucosa. It also protects the gastric wall from damage caused by reactive oxygen species and influences the expression of certain proteins to contribute to its antiulcer effects. Moreover, graviola exhibits potent activity against Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium associated with ulcers. [7]

Graviola treats hemorrhoids. It is a plant with compounds like quercetin and gallic acid, is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It can be used to treat hemorrhage because its leaf extract has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes the formation of new blood vessels. [8]

Graviola's diverse medicinal properties, ranging from its potential as an anti-cancer agent to its ability to alleviate ulcers and treat hemorrhoids, make it a valuable and versatile natural remedy.