Soursop fruit kills cancer cells

May 29, 2017

Soursop contains a number of natural substances that have biological activity, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

 PHOTO/Sauda Nabatanzi

Laboratory research supports the potential benefits of soursop as a remedy for disease.

In one study, published in "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," an extract of soursop inhibited the growth of Herpes virus in the laboratory.

In addition, the Cancer Center summarizes findings that suggest soursop extracts might slow growth of cancer cells or make them more susceptible to anti-cancer drugs.

For example, in one study published in 1997 in "Journal of Medicinal Chemistry," compounds from soursop were tested on breast cancer cells in culture and found to be up to 250 times more effective in killing the cells than some chemotherapy drugs.

These laboratory studies with soursop are promising, but research with human subjects is needed to confirm its potential usefulness.

Practitioners of herbal medicine recommend the fruit and leaves of the graviola tree to relieve stomach distress, fever, pain and respiratory problems such as cough and asthma, and for many other medical problems. Soursop contains a number of natural substances that have biological activity, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

 These include fatty compounds called acetogenins, especially one called annonacin, along with other compounds called quinolones, annopentocins and two alkaloids, coreximine and reticuline.

The recommended intake of soursop fruit or its extract has not been established. However, one fruit contains about 15 milligrams of annonacin, its most studied component, and one can of commercially prepared soursop nectar provides 36 milligrams.

 Avoid consuming soursop in excess, however, since large quantities of its alkaloid compounds may cause neurological symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. Do not self-treat with soursop or its extract. Discuss its use with your doctor to decide what is best for your situation.

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