Graviola or Annona muricata is a small tree found in tropical forests. Also known as Corossol, it is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world.
For hundreds of years, the fruit, bark, roots and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat and prevent a variety of symptoms associated with inflammation and infection. Since the mid-1990s, a great deal of research has been carried out into the therapeutic potential of Graviola, which is highly concentrated in acetogenins. These molecules are thought to have powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and antimicrobial activities, and to support the growth and function of healthy cells.
Graviola contains a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Its soothing properties are said to support the nervous system, promoting sleep and reducing stress and anxiety.
"They are used in infusions in popular medicines for their sleep-inducing."
Kossouoh C et al., ''Essential oil chemical composition of Annona muricata L. leaves from Benin.'' Journal of Essential Oil Research. 2007; 19(4): 307-309.
Graviola's diuretic properties are said to drain the kidneys and cleanse the entire body, promoting the elimination of toxins and waste. They also help destroy bacteria present in the urinary system (bladder, kidneys, urinary tract).
"It has been found that A.muricata extracts possess a broad range of activity against bacteria responsible for diseases and disorders such as intractable diarrhea, urinary tract infection (UTI), skin diseases and treatment-resistant secondary pneumonia."
Qazi A K, et al. ''Emerging therapeutic potential of graviola and its constituents in cancers.'' Carcinogenesis. 2018; 39(4): 522-533
Graviola is said to possess numerous antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to combat parasites, intestinal infections and certain viruses that attack the body.
"The extract exhibited antibacterial activity against S.aureus and Vibrio cholera, and EE showed potent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S.aureus."
Qazi A K, et al. ''Emerging therapeutic potential of graviola and its constituents in cancers.'' Carcinogenesis. 2018; 39(4): 522-533
Graviola contains a phenolic compound responsible for its antioxidant activity, which is thought to act by destroying free radicals and preventing damage caused by oxidative stress.
"[...] Both doses of extract showed significant acceleration of wound closure and tissue regeneration [...]"
Rady I et al., ''Anticancer properties of Graviola (Annona muricata): a comprehensive mechanistic review.'' Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2018; 2018
The many alkaloids present in Graviola support the body against bloating, diarrhea, gastric irritation and poor digestion. They also promote the elimination of chemical substances such as cortisone, toxic drugs and poisons of all kinds.
"Additionally, the antioxidant effect of A. muricata extract can play an important role in the gastroprotection."
Coria-Téllez A V, et al., ''Annona muricata: A comprehensive review on its traditional medicinal uses, phytochemicals, pharmacological activities, mechanisms of action and toxicity.'' Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 2018; 11(5): 662-691.
By protecting the body from cell oxidation, Graviola boosts the immune system. As a result, they prevent the development of certain disorders.
"Soursop has a lot of excellent properties that are necessary to keep the immune system strong.
Rethinam, P., and P. Sundararaj. ''Annona muricata l., soursop (graviola)-nature's gift to mankind with amazing medicinal benefits.'' International Journal of Innovative Horticulture, 2016; 5(2): 73-80.
The acetogenins present in Graviola stabilize blood sugar levels, helping to prevent the onset of diabetes. They also promote insulin production in the body, preventing blood sugar peaks.
"These different results show that the antidiabetic activity of Annona muricata aqueous extract can be explained by its hypolipidaemic effect, its antioxidant and protective action on pancreatic β-cells,which in turn improve glucose metabolism."
Ngueguim Tsofack F, et al., ''Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Annona muricata (Annonaceae), aqueous extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.'' Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2014; 151(2): 784-790
By facilitating the evacuation of uric acid from the bloodstream, Graviola's anti-inflammatory properties may help relieve pain associated with rheumatism and arthritis.
"The anti-inflammatory effects of A.muricata are thus demonstrated to occur through suppression of inflammatory mediators."
Qazi A K, et al. ''Emerging therapeutic potential of graviola and its constituents in cancers.'' Carcinogenesis. 2018; 39(4): 522-533