We are hearing a lot of buzz on Soursop fruit and its potential health benefits across social media and it came to the limelight in a fast paced way. Let us decode the health benefits especially in terms of cancer disease.
Soursop fruit is native to tropical regions of America and is called ‘graviola’ with the scientific name Annona muricata. It is a heart shaped fruit with dark green prickly outer surface and is similar to custard apple which is small in size and has no spines. It is called ‘Laxman phala’.
Nutritional profile
Soursop fruit has an adequate amount of vitamin C compared to all nutrients, and fibre. It contains potassium, magnesium and iron in small amounts and some other vitamins such as thiamine, niacin and riboflavin are also present in micro quantities. Other parts like leaves and stems of this fruit have medicinal value.
Anti cancer effects
Soursop has a variety of phytonutrients and specifically it has more than 100 annonaceous acetogenin compounds (AGEs). These acetogenins have the capacity to inhibit nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide which is mostly present in the membranes of cancer cells.
Cytotoxic effects of Soursop fruit control cell proliferation which is similar to cytotoxic therapies like chemotherapy and radiation. It also has sufficient antioxidant activity that works against oxidative stress in our body.
Research on animal and cancer cells suggests that;
- Suppress prostate cancer cells by reducing the size of prostate in rats.
- Induces apoptosis of lung cancer cells.
- Inhibit spreading of colon cancer cells.
- Control breast cancer cells.
- Prevents the damage to DNA in breast tissue of mice.
Research studies on Soursop extract
- A study with Soursop extract on breast cancer cells showed the reduction of tumour size and can control the cancer cells growth by enhancing the immune system.
- An in vitro study of Soursop extract on leukaemia cells found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
- Another study of Soursop extract has been found to inhibit tumour growth and its metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells.
- A study of Soursop leaves extract suggests that it can inhibit the growth of tumours in prostate cancer.
- Another in vitro study of an endophytic fungi from Soursop leaves by using ethyl acetate has shown toxicity to cervical (HeLa) cancer cells by slowing down the rise of HeLa cancer cells.
Even Soursop extract has shown a profound effect of significant inhibition of colon cancer cell lines. Some laboratory studies also suggest Soursop extract has promising effects on liver and lung cancers.
Other possible effects of Soursop fruit
Soursop fruit and its plant can be used as a herbal medicine with the following effects of;
- Anti inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Anti malarial
- Anti microbial
- Anti bacterial
- Stabilises blood sugar levels
Bottom line
Most of the laboratory and animal studies using Soursop extract showed promising results on various cancers with its anticancer properties whereas human studies are yet to be done for the same effects.
The US FDA has recommended the use of Soursop fruit as a diet and not as a medicine. Using Soursop as a complementary therapy can be followed with the suggestion from your oncologist.
As per nutritional benefits, we can take Soursop fruit for its delicacy and versatility. When it is combined with our balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, we will get wholesome benefits and restore our health.
