Soursop Graviola Leaves Extract
Also known as: Soursop, Graviola, Guanabana, Annona muricata
Overview
Annona muricata leaf extract, commonly known as Soursop or Graviola, is derived from the soursop tree native to tropical regions. It has been traditionally used for its purported medicinal properties, particularly in cancer and inflammatory conditions. The extract contains bioactive compounds such as acetogenins, which are believed to contribute to its biological effects. It is primarily used as a complementary therapy for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential. Research on this extract includes in vitro, animal, and some human studies, but high-quality clinical evidence remains limited. Systematic reviews indicate some promising preclinical effects but highlight the need for more rigorous human trials. The extract is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and teas, often standardized for acetogenin content.
Benefits
The primary benefits of Annona muricata leaf extract, based on preclinical studies, include anticancer activity, with in vitro and animal studies showing inhibition of cancer cell growth and induction of apoptosis, particularly in colorectal cancer cells. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, contributing to its chemopreventive potential. Hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects have been suggested in animal studies. Secondary benefits observed in preclinical models include antinociceptive (pain-relieving) and anti-ulcerative effects. Human data are limited but suggest safety at doses around 540 mg/day for up to 30 days. Quantitative clinical effect sizes are not well established due to the lack of large, well-controlled RCTs. While preclinical studies show statistically significant anticancer effects, translation to clinical outcomes is unconfirmed.
How it works
Annona muricata leaf extract's mechanism of action involves several biological pathways. It activates intrinsic apoptosis pathways, including cytochrome c release and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. The extract inhibits cancer cell proliferation via modulation of signaling pathways such as ERKs and yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Its antioxidant activity is attributed to free radical scavenging mechanisms. Acetogenins in the extract inhibit mitochondrial complex I, leading to decreased ATP production in cancer cells, promoting apoptosis. Specific pharmacokinetic data in humans are limited; oral administration at 540 mg/day appears safe, but bioavailability and metabolism require further study.
Side effects
Annona muricata leaf extract is generally considered safe at oral doses up to 540 mg/day for short durations (up to 30 days) in humans. Minimal adverse effects have been reported in human studies at recommended doses. However, animal studies indicate potential neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity at high doses or prolonged use, though these findings may not directly translate to humans. Potential neurotoxicity has been observed in animal models, so caution is advised, especially in populations with neurological conditions. No well-documented drug interactions exist; however, caution is advised due to potential effects on liver enzymes and mitochondrial function. It is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Safety in children, the elderly, and those with liver or neurological disorders is not established.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Annona muricata leaf extract is not definitively established; preclinical studies use variable doses. Human safety data support up to 540 mg/day orally for up to 30 days. The maximum safe dose is unknown, and animal toxicity at high doses suggests caution. There are no specific timing recommendations; it is typically taken orally once daily. A leaf extract standardized for acetogenin content is preferred for consistency. Absorption factors are unknown, as bioavailability studies are lacking. No required cofactors have been established.
FAQs
Is soursop leaf extract effective for cancer treatment?
Preclinical evidence supports anticancer potential, but there is insufficient clinical evidence to recommend it as a standalone or primary treatment. More clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Is it safe to take daily?
Short-term use (up to 30 days) at 540 mg/day appears safe; long-term safety is unknown. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional.
Can it be combined with conventional cancer therapies?
Some studies suggest potential synergistic effects with drugs like simvastatin in colorectal cancer models, but clinical confirmation is needed. Consult with your oncologist before combining therapies.
Are there risks of neurotoxicity?
Animal studies indicate possible neurotoxic effects at high doses; caution is warranted, especially in vulnerable populations. Discontinue use if neurological symptoms develop.
Research Sources
- https://mjpharm.org/effect-of-annona-muricata-soursop-on-patients-with-cancer-a-systematic-review/ – This systematic review included in vitro and animal studies showing inhibition of cancer cell growth and apoptosis induction by A. muricata. While human data were limited but suggested safety, the review concluded that more clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in cancer treatment. The primary limitation was the reliance on preclinical data and the lack of large randomized controlled trials.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jphp.13182 – This systematic review evaluated in vitro, animal, and human studies and found hepatoprotective, neurotoxic, antinociceptive, and chemopreventive effects associated with A. muricata. It noted that animal toxicity doses may not directly translate to humans, and human studies showed good tolerability at the studied doses. The review was limited by the small number of human trials and the variable quality of the included studies.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/2/402 – This study investigates the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Annona muricata extracts. It highlights the potential of these extracts in combating oxidative stress and inhibiting cancer cell growth, suggesting their possible use in dietary supplements and functional foods. Further research is needed to confirm these effects in vivo and in clinical settings.
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/graviola – Cancer Research UK provides general information about Graviola (Soursop), noting that while some laboratory studies show anti-cancer effects, there is no reliable evidence that it works as a cancer treatment in humans. They advise caution due to the lack of clinical evidence and potential side effects.
- https://journal.i3l.ac.id/index.php/IJLS/article/view/118 – This systematic review synthesized evidence on simvastatin and A. muricata leaf extract, showing suppression of colorectal cancer cell growth via apoptosis pathways. It suggested synergistic potential with other treatments but called for further mechanistic and clinical studies. The review was primarily limited by its focus on in vitro and animal studies, with a lack of clinical evidence.