Graviola or Annona muricata is a small tree native to tropical forests. Also known as Soursop, it grows widely in tropical and sub-tropical regions throughout the world.
For hundreds of years, its fruit, bark, roots and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat and prevent a variety of symptoms principally linked to inflammation and infection.
In the mid-1990s, a number of research studies were conducted on the therapeutic potential of the leaves, which have a high concentration of acetogenins. These molecules are believed to have powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-parasite and anti-microbial action, while promoting the growth and proper functioning of healthy cells.
Graviola leaf extract 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 properties."
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.
The diuretic properties of Graviola leaves are believed to flush the kidneys and cleanse the entire body, thus promoting the elimination of toxins and waste. They are also believed to help destroy bacteria found in the urinary system (bladder, kidneys and 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 leaf extract is believed to have many anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, providing a defence against 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 leaves contain a phenolic compound responsible for their antioxidant activity, believed to destroy free radicals and prevent 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 found in Graviola leaves are believed to help defend the body against bloating, diarrhoea, gastric irritation and indigestion. They are also believed to encourage the elimination of chemical substances, such as cortisone, toxic medication and all types of poison.
"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 our bodies from cell oxidation, Graviola leaves are believed to strengthen our immune system, and thus prevent certain ailments from developing.
"These results suggest that Graviola leaves enhance immunity by activation of the MAP kinase pathways."
Kim G-T et al., "Immunomodulatory efficacy of standardized Annona muricata (Graviola) leaf extract via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016; 2016
The acetogenins found in Graviola leaves may help to stabilise sugar levels in the blood and therefore prevent diabetes. They are also believed to stimulate the production of insulin in the body, inhibiting spikes in blood sugar.
"These different results show that the antidiabetic activity of Annona muricata aqueous extract can be explained by its hypolipidaemic effect, Intioxidant and protective action on pancreatic β-cells,Ih 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 elimination of uric acid in the blood, the anti-inflammatory properties of Graviola leaf should soothe pain caused by 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