Soursop and Cancer: Can Soursop Help Fight Cancer?

August 31, 2022August 31, 2022 Odiraa

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The web is fascinated with diet foods and advances in medicine, especially the more exotic. Soursop is the newest fruit that’s causing quite a stir.

Soursop is a popular fruit due to its exquisite flavor and amazing health benefits.

It’s also incredibly nutrient-dense, with plenty of fiber and vitamin C for a small number of calories.

This article will discuss some of the health advantages of soursop, soursop, and cancer, and whether soursop can help to fight cancer

Table of Contents

Cancer and Soursop: About Soursop

Soursop (also known as Graviola, guyabano, and guanábana in Latin America) is the fruit of Annona muricata, a broadleaf, blooming, evergreen tree

Its precise origin is unknown; nonetheless, it is endemic to the tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean and is widely spread. It belongs to the Annonaceae family and is in the same genus as cherimoya.

The taste of the fruit has been described as a blend of strawberries and apple with sour citrus flavor notes, contrasting with an underlying thick creamy texture reminiscent of banana, with an aroma comparable to pineapple.

Soursop fruit is grown professionally for juice, candy, sorbet, and ice cream due to its sweet flesh and unusual flavor.

It is also said to have therapeutic properties, with claims on the Internet claiming soursop extract can halt the spread of cancer or improve the efficacy of established cancer treatments.

Nutritional information for soursop

A typical serving of this fruit is low in calories while being high in fiber and vitamin C. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of raw soursop contains (2) of the following:

66 calories
1 gram protein
Carbohydrates: 16.8 g
3 g of fiber
Vitamin C: 34% of the RDI;
Potassium: 8% of the RDI; and
Magnesium: 5% of the RDI.
Thiamine: 5% of the RDI

Soursop also has a trace of niacin, riboflavin, folate, and iron.

Surprisingly, several components of the fruit, including the leaves, fruit, and stems, are used medicinally. It can also be used in cooking and applied to the skin.

To put this in context, females require 75 mg of vitamin C per day, while males require 90 mg.

How to actually consume Soursop Fruit

When the soursop is ripe, it can be eaten uncooked. When the fruit is slightly tender to the touch, it is ripe. It may taste sour if it is unripe.

To consume the fruit, cut it in half and scoop out the flesh. They should toss the seeds since they may be poisonous.

Depending on the size of the fruit, a person may want to slice any leftovers and refrigerate them. Soursop can also be used for smoothies.

Soursop is frequently marketed as “Graviola” by sellers. It is most usually outlined in the following forms:

fresh fruit
packed fruit pulp
leaf and fruit tincture extract
powdered leaf
bitters
capsules and tablets
dried entire leaves
teabags

Other Uses of Soursop

Fruit is used as a lure in fish traps in the Virgin Islands.
The seeds are efficient insecticides against head lice, southern armyworms, and pea aphids when pulverized, while petroleum ether and chloroform extracts are toxic to black carpet beetle larvae. Head lice are killed by the seed oil.
Head lice and bedbugs are both killed by the leaf decoction.
Bark: The tree’s bark has been used in tanning. The bark fiber is robust, but because fruiting trees are not replaceable, it is only used when absolutely necessary. Fish poison has been made from the bark, seeds, and roots of this plant.
Medicinal Uses: The juice of the mature fruit is claimed to be diuretic and useful in the treatment of haematuria and urethritis.

Soursop Leaves Tea Recipe: How to Make Soursop Leaves Tea with This Guide

It is extremely simple to make this type of leaf tea. The only complication here is getting to the soursop (Graviola) tree to pick fresh leaves.

If you have one nearby or know where to get fresh leaves, things will be even easier for you. So, all you have to do is the following:

Take 2 to 3 leaves from the tree right away. You’ll need the leaves while they’re still young.

These are not the youngest or the most mature, but rather something in the middle. The darker green a leaf becomes as it ages. You’ll need the ones that are a little lighter than the rest.

After that, take 1 cup of clean water and pour it into a small pot. Then, set the pot on your stove and allow boiling. In the meanwhile, prepare the leaves.

Wash them thoroughly before tearing each leaf into three pieces. There’s no need to chop the leaves or anything like that. Simply tear the leaves into three pieces, as ancient people used to do.

Put the torn leaves in a cup or a glass; it doesn’t matter, but the vessel must be able to withstand the temperature of the boiling water.

Then, pour the boiling water over the leaves until they are completely submerged. Cover the vessel and set it aside for 30 minutes to an hour. This is the process known as drawing the tea.

The tea has been prepared! You can now drink it however you want: hot or cold, with sugar or honey, with or without milk.

Soursop and Cancer: Soursop tea and cancer

Let us now address the elephant in the room… Cancer-fighting properties of soursop…

There are numerous articles on the internet that promote soursop tea as a cancer cure. You’ll also find encouraging comments, reviews, and anecdotes.

HOWEVER, SOURSOP HAS NOT BEEN PROVEN IN CLINICAL STUDIES TO TREAT CANCER.

According to Cancer Research UK:

“In laboratory studies, soursop extracts can kill some types of liver and breast cancer cells… A more recent study showed that soursop pulp extract has an effect on prostate cancer cells in mice. But there have not been any studies in humans. So, we don’t know whether it can work as a cancer treatment or not.”

Few clinical studies have been conducted since then (such as this one from 2017). They show promising results, but the studies are small. And they are insufficient to prove any anticancer benefits.

The researchers even argue that soursop’s potential for cancer treatment may not be worth the risk of neurotoxicity.

So, if you have cancer, drinking soursop tea will not cure it. You can drink tea on occasion. It can help you relax… However, this is not the solution!

Soursop and Cancer – Speculations regarding the fruit – An Overview

The fruit should not be used to treat cancer, according to experts.

While research suggests that soursop can help fight cancer, no human studies have been conducted.

As a result, no evidence of its safety or efficacy exists.

According to Daniel Kellman, ND, FABNO, Clinical Director of Naturopathic Medicine in Atlanta, soursop has been linked to a slew of unproven claims.

Custard apple, guanabana, and Brazilian paw paw are all names for the long, spiky fruit.

Herbalists employ soursop fruit and Graviola tree leaves to cure gastrointestinal problems, fever, parasite infections, hypertension, and rheumatism.

Soursop and Cancer: It’s also used as a sedative.

The fruit’s anti-cancer capabilities, however, have drawn the greatest attention.

According to a 1997 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, soursop chemicals tested on breast cancer cells in culture were more successful in destroying the cells than chemotherapy.

However, Without Clinical Trials, There Is No Data To Back Up The Claim.

Soursop and Cancer: Relationships to other disorders

The fatty acid derivatives of soursop known as annonaceous acetogenins have received great attention. The most common acetogenin is annonacin, which, due to its toxicity, is unlikely to be explored in clinical studies.

Soursop is classified as possibly dangerous when consumed orally, according to Kellman, who cites two studies.

According to a case-control study conducted in the French West Indies, eating fruit may cause movement abnormalities akin to Parkinson’s disease.

Furthermore, a study reveals that tea produced from the leaves and stems of Graviola is linked to neurotoxicity.

In actuality, several people with cancer utilize herbal medicines to manage and ease their symptoms.

Herbal supplements, on the other hand, are not a replacement for conventional cancer treatment.

Furthermore, using herbal supplements while undergoing chemotherapy may impair the efficacy of chemotherapeutic medicines due to herb-drug interactions.

Soursop and Cancer: How it may influence various types of cancer

In laboratory tests, AGEs produced from the plant’s leaf showed lethal effects on breast cancer cells.

Reliable Source. In test-tube investigations, researchers discovered that pure individual AGEs and combinations of them function against breast cancer cells.

Laboratory studies show that plant leaf extracts are cytotoxic to cells in various types of cancer, including:

melanoma
skin cancer on the head and neck
pancreatic cancer
colorectal cancer
lung cancer
liver cancer

The scientists also demonstrated that extracts from various portions of the plant were lethal to blood cancer cells. The plant’s components were as follows:

the leaf; and
the pericarp, which is the component of the fruit that develops from the ovary.
the seedlings
the stem

To extract the beneficial components from the plant, scientists use a variety of solvents, including ethanol, methanol, and chloroform.

Potential advantages of Soursop

It contains antioxidants

Antioxidants keep cells healthy by scavenging and eliminating disease-causing free radicals in the body.

According to a 2014 study, Graviola extract contains several antioxidant components.

tannins
saponins
phytosterols
flavonoids
anthraquinones

Antioxidants help people maintain their overall health.

More research is needed to establish whether Graviola’s antioxidants protect against certain diseases.

It Can Aid in the Fight against Bacteria

Soursop may have antimicrobial qualities in addition to its antioxidant properties, according to certain studies.

In one test-tube investigation, different doses of soursop extract were employed on different types of bacteria known to cause oral illnesses.

Soursop was able to successfully destroy various types of bacteria, including those responsible for gingivitis, tooth decay, and yeast infections.

It may reduce inflammation.

According to some animal research, soursop and its components may be able to help reduce inflammation.

Although inflammation is a normal immunological response to injury, there is growing evidence that persistent inflammation may contribute to disease.

In one study, rats were given soursop extract, which was found to reduce edema and inflammation.

Furthermore, laboratory research on cancer cells and animal tissue suggests that soursop can:

Suppress prostate cancer cells and reduce prostate size in rats;
Cause apoptosis (cell death) in lung cancer cells;
Inhibit colon cancer cell cycle progression
Stabilize breast cancer cells; and
Prevent DNA damage in mouse breast tissue.

Soursop and Cancer: Cancer-Resistant Properties

The soursop has over 200 phytonutrients, which are substances with anticancer properties.

Soursop also has intrinsic cytotoxic properties, according to research.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are cytotoxic therapies for cancer patients (meaning they kill cancer cells).

Studies reveal that the fruit can also inhibit cell proliferation in a variety of cancer cell types.

Breast, lung, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, and colorectal cancers are all included.

While this appears to be encouraging, it is vital to remember that there is little human evidence to back up these assertions.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America experts advise against taking soursop as a cancer fighter, pointing out that soursop has been linked to a slew of unproven claims.

Drugs derived from soursop plant chemicals are likely to be more effective than merely eating the fruit or drinking tea prepared from its leaves.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second largest cause of cancer fatalities.

In a mouse study, researchers discovered that the leaves of soursop had an anticancer effect on breast cancer cell lines.

Soursop extracts have also been found in studies to aid in the destruction of cells that are resistant to specific chemotherapy medicines.

Despite the fact that the findings were encouraging, the researchers decided that additional research needed to be carried out.

Cancer of the Colon

Colorectal cancer is the third greatest cause of mortality from cancer.

Soursop leaf extract has been shown to have anticancer activities against a cell line, as well as migratory inhibition and cytotoxicity against some cells.

More research is required to validate these assertions.

Cancer of the Pancreas

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth-largest cause of mortality from cancer.

According to research, pancreatic cancers are resistant to traditional chemotherapies and radiotherapies.

Because the disease frequently manifests with no identifiable early clinical symptoms, many diagnoses are already in the severe stages.

Does Soursop have any effect on cancer? Soursop and Cancer

Soursop includes a number of phytochemicals reliable sources. These are plant substances that have the potential to improve a person’s health.

It is particularly high in annonaceous acetogenin compounds (AGEs). Acetogenins block nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which is found in cancer cell membranes.

Cancer cells are cytotoxic to soursop. The ability of a drug to kill cells is referred to as cytotoxicity. Cytotoxic therapies include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

In laboratory and animal experiments, the aerial sections of the soursop plant have been shown to be effective against numerous forms of cancer

Soursop and Cancer – Side Effects: A Word of Caution

In high amounts, soursop can be poisonous, causing symptoms such as:

Rigid muscles.
Personality shifts.
Movement is slow.
Issues with eye movement.
Issues with gait and balance.

Alternative medicine should always be viewed as a supplement to traditional medicines, not as a replacement for them.

Soursop is a fruit that has a variety of health benefits.

There are several methods to ingest the plant, including eating it fresh, drinking it as a tea, or taking it as a supplement.

However, if you are thinking of taking soursop or any other supplement, go to your doctor first so they can tell you if it is safe for you and your individual situation.

FAQs – People also ask about Soursop and Cancer

Who should not take soursop? Soursop Tea Benefits and Graviola Side Effects

According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, do not consume soursop or soursop leaves if you:

Are you taking blood pressure medicine?
Do you take diabetes medication?

What are the advantages of soursop to cancer? Does Soursop aid in the treatment of cancer?

Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress, which can cause damage and disease.

Furthermore, laboratory studies on cancer cells and animal tissue indicate that soursop can suppress prostate cancer cells and reduce prostate size in rats.

Cause lung cancer cells to undergo apoptosis (cell death)

Can you eat soursop every day? Cancer and Soursop

“It may cause nerve damage and movement problems, especially if used for an extended period of time,” Wood warns.

“In addition, repeated use of soursop may be toxic to the kidneys or liver.”

What are the disadvantages of soursop? Is there anything bad about Soursop? Side Effects

While soursop has numerous health benefits, it also has some potential drawbacks.

The fruit and tea made from the leaves have been shown in studies to cause symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.

According to research, it may also interact with high blood pressure medications or diabetes medications.

How frequently should you consume soursop? Soursop and Cancer

Most soursop tea drinkers discover that their ideal serving size is one to three cups per day, depending on their size and habits.

If you consume soursop in other ways besides tea, you should limit your daily serving to one or one-half cups.

How much Graviola should I take on a daily basis?

500–1500 milligrams

Graviola is available as a capsule or an extract. There hasn’t been enough research done to establish a safe, standardized dose.

Manufacturers generally recommend 500 to 1,500 milligrams per capsule or 1 to 4 milliliters of extract per day.

Is soursop acidic or alkaline in nature?

Is soursop acidic or alkaline? When fresh, soursop is most likely alkaline. Once digested, most fresh fruits have an alkaline pH level.

Is it safe to eat soursop fruit?

The tasty fruit is nutritious and safe to eat, but the seeds are toxic and should not be consumed. During pregnancy, tea made from the leaves should be avoided.

Is soursop healthy for the kidneys? Is it safe to eat Soursop fruit?

After 12 weeks of treatment, soursop supplementation had no effect on kidney function or serum potassium levels, but it did lower blood pressure and SUA levels.

What happens if you eat the seeds of soursop?

Because soursop seed is not edible and has traditionally been known to be toxic due to the presence of the described compounds, its components and derivatives destined for human consumption must be subjected to careful research protocols to ensure their toxicological safety.

Is there a lot of potassium in soursop?

A cup of soursop contains 626 milligrams of potassium as well as 47 milligrams of iron.

Because potassium and sodium are inextricably linked, low potassium levels frequently indicate high sodium, which translates to high blood pressure.

Is soursop a sleep inducer?

Soursop Leaves Can Improve Your Sleep

“The leaves are brewed to make a sleep-inducing beverage.” The leaves can also be placed in a pillowcase.

Is soursop illegal? Banned?

Cancer experts advise against using soursop to treat cancer. Cancer experts advise against using soursop fruit to treat cancer.

While research suggests that soursop can help fight cancer, no human studies have been conducted.

As a result, no evidence of its safety or efficacy exists.

Is soursop healthy for the liver?

They treat viral or parasitic infections, rheumatism, arthritis, depression, and illness.

According to research, some Graviola extracts can help treat these conditions.

Graviola extracts have been shown in laboratory studies to kill certain types of liver and breast cancer cells.

How long soursop leaves should be boiled?

Keep in mind that the container you select must be able to withstand the temperature of boiling hot water.

Pour the boiled water into the vessel, making sure that the leaves are completely submerged.

Allow the vessel to sit for 30-40 minutes, covered.