Soursop Fruit (Graviola Extract) Uses, Benefits, Dosages, Side Effects

Soursop (Graviola) is a tropical fruit that has a long history of use in herbal medicine.

Soursop tea has been used for its stress-relieving properties for centuries and is purported to reduce anxiety and improve insomnia.

Evidence from in vitro and animal studies suggests it has benefits for reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, alleviating pain and promoting a calm mind and body.

Research has also examined the effects of Soursop on cancer cells, respiratory conditions, combatting parasitic infections, and supporting gastrointestinal health.

Soursop or Graviola has been widely touted as a natural remedy for cancer. One randomized controlled trial showed higher cytotoxicity of colorectal cancer cell lines when given a Soursop leaf extract.

However, there has not been sufficient human research evidence to validate this claim. More clinical research is needed to evaluate this supplement for use in human health conditions. [1, 2]

This article explains what researchers know about the physiological effects of soursop fruit and leaf extract. Traditional uses, mechanisms of biological action, possible health benefits, recommended dosages as well as possible side effects and interactions will also be discussed.

Soursop

Plant Extract

Well-Being

Anti-Oxidant

Mood

How It Works:

• Supports healthy cell growth & function
• Exhibits a calming effect on mood
• Scavenges free radical molecules

Dosage:

Between 500 - 1300 mg per serving

Safety:

Rated Likely Unsafe due to side effects of high dosages

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Soursop Fruit Plant Description

The plant that soursop fruits are harvested from is called Annona muricata in botany.

It is a small evergreen tree from the Annonaceae family. Annona muricata is the largest of about 60 different species in the Annona genus. [2]

The leaves, roots, bark and seeds of this plant are believed to have medicinal properties, but it is the soursop fruit that is most commonly used in herbal medicine. [3]

Soursop fruit is described as:

• Is oval/heart-shaped, and grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) long;
• Is covered in elongated, soft, pliable spines;
• Grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter;
• Has cream colored/white flesh inside;
• Is green/yellow on the exterior;
• Weighs up to 15 pounds;

The soursop tree commonly grows to about 17 feet tall, but can grow up to 30 feet in height. It produces large, dark-green, glossy leaves and is indigenous to the warmest regions of North and South America, including the Amazon Basin. [3]

Today, soursop fruit trees are also cultivated in some regions of Africa, southeastern Asia, and in Florida, USA. [3]

Many people refer to soursop as “graviola”, which is the plant’s Brazilian name. In some other Spanish-speaking countries, it is referred to as guanábana.

Other synonyms include Brazilian paw paw, guanábana, nangka blanda, huanaba, toge-banreisi, durian benggala, corossol épineux, and cachiman épineux. [3]

Uses for Soursop Fruit

The Raintree Tropical Plant Database (RTPD) states that different part of the soursop tree are used for different purposes in herbal medicine.

Traditionally, the fruit and fruit juice has been used to kill parasites, reduce fever, increase lactation, and relieve diarrhea and dysentery. [3]

Crushed soursop fruit seed has been used to combat external and internal parasitic infections, and to kill head lice and intestinal worms. [3]

Tea made from soursop leaf, bark and root is considered hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), antispasmodic (relieves cramping), sedative (induces sleep), and nervine (calms nerves). [3]

In the Peruvian Amazon, soursop leaf, bark and root are used to help manage the symptoms of diabetes mellitus, to improve sleep, and relieve menstrual cramping. [3]

In Guyana, indigenous people use soursop bark tea to induce sedation, and as a tonic for the heart muscle. [3]

In the Brazilian Amazon, unripe soursop fruit is mixed with olive oil and used topically to treat arthritis, rheumatism and neuralgia (nerve pain). [3]

In the West Indies, Haiti and Jamaica, soursop fruit juice is recommended for improving diarrhea, fever, and parasitic infection. The leaf and bark are used there for high blood pressure, heart conditions, asthma, colds and flus. [3]

While there is a wide range of traditional uses for this fruit, there is limited clinical research available to evaluate how it works in the treatment of human health conditions.

The FDA has not approved Soursop extract as a drug for the treatment of any medical conditions.

Soursop Supplement Uses

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) reports that people use oral soursop supplements today for: [2]

• Leishmaniasis (tropical/subtropical parasitic infection spread by sandflies);
• To treat catarrh; an excessive mucus accumulation in the throat or nose;
• As an antispasmodic to relieve cramping and spasms;
• As an antibiotic to kill pathogenic germs;
• As a laxative to improve constipation;
• As a sedative to help improve sleep;
• As an emetic to induce vomiting;
• As a general antiparasitic;
• As an antiherpes agent;
• To improve resistance to cancer;

RTPD states that the main medicinal uses for soursop extract are treating various types of cancer, internal parasites, high blood pressure, depression, stress and nervous system disorders. It is also used widely as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. [3]

Note that there is no reliable evidence from human trials to support most of these uses. While research studies demonstrate potential benefits for mood, blood pressure, parasites, cancer and other disorders, most of these studies have been in-vitro or have involved animals.

In order to validate the claims made about the health benefits of soursop supplementation, more human research studies are needed.

How does Soursop Work Inside the Body?

According to RTPD, the five 5 main mechanisms of soursop extract are: [3]

• Anticancerous;
• Antitumorous;
• Antimicrobial;
• Antiparasitic;
• Hypotensive;

These mechanisms are listed in order of their respective quality of research support from cell and animal studies.

RTPD reports the following pharmacological properties have also been documented in research: antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antifungal, antimalarial, antimutagenic, cardiodepressant, emetic, insecticidal, sedative, vasodilator, and uterine stimulant effects. [3]

Purported properties of soursop fruit supported by traditional usage, but not scientific evidence, include: antiviral, cardiotonic, decongestant, digestion-enhancing, fever-reducing, nervine, lice-killing, and vermifuge effects. [3]

Soursop Fruit Extract Nutritional Analysis

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), soursop fruit, leaf, bark, twig, seed and root contain chemical compounds called annonaceous acetogenins.

NMCD reports that more than 220 different acetogenins have been isolated in soursop. [2, 4]

Soursop fruit also contains concentrated amounts of isoquinoline alkaloids and lactones. These phytochemicals are of interest to researchers for their possible health benefits. [4]

There is concern over toxicity associated with large dosages of some of the alkaloid constituents of soursop fruit.

Consumption of high dosages could cause damage to dopaminergic nerve cells and possibly result in their dysfunction, degeneration, or death. [4]

Soursop Research Review

Soursop fruit’s mechanisms of biological actions in the human body are not well-understood currently. This dietary supplement has not been studied in reliable human trials. [4]

However, there has been a significant amount of preliminary research in in-vitro laboratory studies and animal research. Here are some of the most prominent findings from these studies.

In animal studies, soursop demonstrates antioxidant effects, which means that this fruit can help to fights oxidative stress. It also demonstrated hypolipidemic effects, which means it promotes lower blood lipid levels or reduces the amount of fat circulating in your blood. [4]

MSKCC reports that an ethanolic extract of soursop exhibits in-vitro activity against the herpes simplex virus. In other cell studies, the extract was effective in combatting a genus of parasitic trypanosomes called Leishmania. [4]

Some soursop fruit constituents also show protective effects on the beta cells of the pancreas. Although it has not been tested for its potential anti-diabetes effects in humans yet, it might help to improve glucose metabolism. [4]

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center says that one type of soursop extract showed anti-ulcer effects, which means that it may help in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease.

This purported benefit is attributed to the fruit extract’s ability to increase NO (nitric oxide) synthesis. This results in vasodilation, which is the expansion or widening of blood vessels, resulting in increased circulation.

In this study, supplementation with the soursop extract also upregulated activities of an inflammatory mediator called prostaglandin E2. [4]

In other research, soursop fruit extract demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It blocked opioid receptors to induce analgesia (pain relief) and inhibited COX (cyclooxygenase)-1 and COX-2 enzymes. [4]

Soursop and Cancer Research

Soursop is widely discussed as a fruit that exhibits cancer-fighting properties. But is this claim a hoax?

While some research shows that it has anti-cancer effects, this does not mean that it will work as a cure, treatment or prevention for cancer in humans.

MSKCC states that some soursop fruit extracts have demonstrated anticancer effects against human mammary adenocarcinoma cells that were resistant to Adriamycin® (one trade name for a generic anticancer drug called doxorubicin). [4]

The extract is believed to inhibit the growth of malignant tumor cells by limiting their supply of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s main energy currency.

The extracts also slowed down the activity of plasma membrane glycoproteins needed to maintain structural integrity of tumor cells. [4]

The extracts also slowed down expression of: [4]

• HIF-1? (hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha);
• KF-kB (nuclear factor kappa b);
• Glucose transporters;
• Glycolytic enzymes;

As a result of these effects, Soursop was found to decrease the production of ATP and the uptake of glucose in cancerous pancreatic cells

It also resulted in downregulated expression of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) in cancerous breast cells. [4]

Phenolic compounds in soursop fruit have demonstrated a capacity to scavenge oxygen-based free radicals in human breast cancer cells as well as in promyelocytic leukemia cells. [4]

In-vitro, acetogenin muricins J, K, and L constituents in soursop fruit have demonstrated antiproliferative (slows replication rate) effects against cancerous human prostate cells. Muricin K seems to induce the strongest effect. [4]

Soursop fruit extract has also shown anticancer effects against colon and lung cancer cell lines. It is believed to indue GI cell cycle arrest, downregulating Bcl-2 proteins, and upregulating an apoptosis regulator called BAX (bcl-2-like protein 4). [4]

In rats with liver cancer, soursop fruit extract slowed down tumor growth rates. However, one acetogenin constituent, called bullatacin, caused both kidney and liver toxicity. This occurred due to: [4]

• Increased hepatic (liver) and renal (kidney) calcium levels;
• Increased ROS (reactive oxygen species) production;
• Increased Bax expression;
• Increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio;

Significantly more research is needed to understand how soursop supplements may affect cancer cell growth and whether this product has any clinical efficacy.

The FDA has not approved Soursop extract as a drug for the prevention or treatment of cancer. You should be wary of any natural health products that claim to tout anti-cancer effects in humans.

Soursop Fruit Health Benefits

NMCD states that there is insufficient reliable evidence to rate the effectiveness of soursop fruit as a medical treatment in any health condition. This means that more research is required to determine clinical efficacy. [2]

This fruit extract has been associated with various health benefits through hundreds of years of traditional usage. There is also some supporting evidence of positive effects provided by cell and animal studies.

While lacking conclusive clinical proof, soursop fruit is commonly associated with the following purported health benefits: [1][3][4][5]

• Exhibiting antioxidant effects, which may prevent cell damage associated with higher cancer risk;
• Decreasing joint inflammation and pain
• Improving gout, arthritis and rheumatism symptoms
• Cleansing the gastrointestinal tract of infectious parasites and worms;
• Relieving cough, cold, flu and other respiratory distress symptoms;
• Alleviating stress and anxiety to help improve sleep disorders;
• Boosting the performance of the immune system;
• Relieving pain from injuries and speeding healing;
• Enhancing the appearance and tone of the skin;
• Improving gastrointestinal health and digestion;
• Alleviating feelings of depression and sadness;

The abive proposed health benefits of soursop fruit supplements are based on traditional usage in herbal medicine, word-of-mouth, and research in cell in animal studies.

Large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials are needed to evaluate health benefits in humans.

Seek medical advice about any specific medicinal use of this dietary supplement from a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Soursop Supplement Dosages

Soursop or Graviola supplements are typically sold in dosages of 500 mg, 600 mg or 650 mg per capsule or tablet. The typical serving size is between 1000 mg to 1300 mg per day.

Follow dosing instructions on soursop supplements you buy, unless your doctor tells you to dose differently.

There is insufficient evidence to determine optimal dosages, if any, of soursop fruit in adults or children, for any therapeutic purposes. Ask your doctor about the best dose of soursop for you. [2]

NMCD mentions no oral dosages of soursop fruit that have been used in studies. However, the flesh of soursop fruit has been used historically for wound healing.

A soursop fruit poultice can be used, without changing, for 3 days, to speed wound healing, and to draw out chiggers. [2]

There are no well-known standardizations of soursop fruit, leaf or other plant parts used in supplements. [2]

RTPD advises that soursop fruit supplements are most commonly used to inhibit ATP production in tumor cells and should not be taking along with coenzyme-Q10.

Co Q10 is a supplement that promotes ATP production. Taking these two supplements together can counteract the effects. [3]

Soursop Fruit Food Sources

RTPD reports that soursop fruit is used to make candies, smoothies, ice creams, desserts, sherbets and various beverages.

It is said to taste like a cross between pineapple and strawberry, and is described as more tart than sweet. The fruit can also be eaten raw from the plant, although it is said to be rather sour. [3]

Soursop recipes can be prepared in many ways from the raw fruit at home, but it is typically used to make juices and smoothies. It can also be prepared into a cake or pie filling.

Soursop Fruit Supplements

Soursop fruit and leaf supplements are growing in popularity, especially because of their purported anti-oxidant effects.

NMCD reports there are currently more than three dozen different dietary supplements available that contain soursop plant parts. Not all of these contain soursop fruit extract; some are made from the leaf only. [2]

Soursop supplements are available in powder, capsule, tablet, extract and tincture forms. Look for organic, non-GM, and toxin-free products from trustworthy merchants.

Store your dietary supplements according to label directions; or in airtight containers out of light or heat.

When buying fresh soursop fruit, look for those that are darker green, and that have the fleshiest spines on their outer surface. Store unripe fruits at room temperature. Store ripe fruits in the refrigerator. Use as quickly as possible. [3]

You can also buy this fruit in the form of tea bags, bulk tea leaves, soursop nectar, concentrated juice, seeds, bulk powder or in liquid drops.

Soursop Safety and Side Effects

According to the NMCD, soursop supplements are rated as Likely Unsafe when used orally.

NMCD states that soursop fruit consumption may cause involuntary movement symptoms similar to those experienced commonly in those with Parkinson’s disease. Further, high dosages of soursop leaf is associated with neurotoxicity. [2]

However, NMCD also reports that soursop fruit juice and tea is well-tolerated in common dietary amounts, based on evidence from historical usage, and available research data. [2]

Higher doses of soursop fruit might cause gastrointestinal upset, nerve dysfunction, low blood pressure, or myeloneuropathy of the optic nerve.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding an infant should not use soursop fruit supplements until more information is available on its safety profile. [2]

Soursop has shown uterine stimulant activity in some animal studies. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy and could cause miscarriage. [4]

Repeated use of soursop fruit supplements could contribute to liver or kidney toxicity. There have been no studies on the long-term safety of this supplement. [4]

MSKCC states that certain alkaloid constituents of soursop fruit might contribute to nerve degeneration and resulting dysfunction. This could lead to Parkinson’s-like symptoms, including tardive dyskinesia (involuntary jerks and shakes). [4]

Soursop fruit supplements may also slow down the uptake of certain radiopharmaceuticals commonly used in nuclear imaging procedures. They may also decrease blood platelet counts. [4]

In some animal studies, long-term use of soursop fruit juice seems to promote the production of RNS (reactive nitrogen species).

In theory, long-term usage could contribute to the development of some neurodegenerative diseases. This has not been shown in animals or humans though. [4]

Soursop Fruit Interactions

Ask your doctor first about using a soursop fruit supplement if you have kidney disease, liver disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels). [4]

If you use antihypertensive drugs for treating high blood pressure, or antidiabetes drugs for controlling blood glucose levels, it is important to consult with a doctor before beginning to use a soursop extract supplement. This fruit could cause an interaction, which could result in harmful side effects. [4]

Soursop fruit has antimicrobial properties and may eliminate some beneficial gut bacteria with long-term use. RTPD suggests using any soursop supplement for no more than thirty days without taking at least a 2-week break. [3]

Discontinue using dietary supplements, including soursop fruit and leaf extract, at least 14 days before a scheduled surgery. [2]

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