Soursop Root
Also known as: Soursop, Graviola, Soursop Root, Annona muricata
Overview
Soursop root is derived from the Annona muricata plant, a tropical fruit tree native to the Americas. While the fruit and leaves are more extensively studied, the root also contains a rich array of bioactive phytochemicals, including annonaceous acetogenins, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds. Traditionally, soursop root has been used in folk medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and analgesic properties. These compounds are investigated for their cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Research on soursop root specifically is moderate, with most high-quality studies focusing on leaf and fruit extracts. The evidence is primarily preclinical, with limited rigorous clinical trials on root extracts alone. Despite this, the root is considered a source of compounds with potential therapeutic benefits, sharing many characteristics with other parts of the plant.
Benefits
Soursop extracts, including those from the root, have demonstrated several potential benefits, primarily in preclinical settings. The most notable is its *anticancer activity*, where compounds have shown the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis in various in vitro and in vivo models, particularly for colorectal cancer. While promising, this evidence is largely preclinical, and human clinical trials specifically on root extracts are limited. *Hepatoprotective effects* have also been observed, with studies reporting protective effects on liver function markers without causing hepatotoxicity in human and animal models. Additionally, preclinical studies suggest *anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects*. In some clinical settings, Annona muricata extracts have been associated with *maintaining nutritional status and increasing energy intake* in cancer patients. The strength of evidence for these benefits varies, with strong preclinical data for anticancer and hepatoprotective effects, but limited human clinical trials, especially for the root.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for soursop root's bioactive compounds, particularly annonaceous acetogenins, involves the induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, often via caspase activation. These compounds also inhibit cell proliferation through various pathways, including BMP, mevalonate, and ERK signaling, although these mechanisms are primarily demonstrated with leaf extracts. Acetogenins are also known to potentially inhibit mitochondrial complex I. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of soursop root contribute to its hepatoprotective and analgesic effects by reducing oxidative stress and modulating inflammatory pathways. While specific data on root absorption is limited, acetogenins generally have poor water solubility, which may impact their oral bioavailability.
Side effects
Soursop root, similar to other parts of the Annona muricata plant, is generally considered safe at studied doses. Clinical trials involving soursop leaf extracts have reported minimal common side effects, with no significant adverse events, hepatotoxicity, or nephrotoxicity observed. Uncommon or rare side effects, such as neurotoxicity, have been suggested in some preclinical studies, but these have not been confirmed in human trials at typical doses. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised due to the potential for effects on liver enzymes. Contraindications are not well established, but due to a lack of data, caution is recommended during pregnancy and lactation. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable, with cancer patients in clinical studies tolerating supplementation without adverse biochemical changes.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for soursop root extract is not well defined, as most clinical studies focus on leaf extracts, often standardized for acetogenin content. Optimal dosage ranges for the root are currently unknown. Studies on leaf extracts show wide variations, ranging from 500 mg to several grams daily. A maximum safe dose for soursop root has not been established; while toxicity has been observed in animal studies at very high doses, this may not directly translate to humans. Clinical studies often involve supplementation over several weeks, such as 8 weeks. Root extracts are less common in supplements compared to leaf extracts. The poor water solubility of acetogenins may limit bioavailability, suggesting that formulation strategies could be important for absorption. No specific cofactors are established as required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is soursop root safe to use?
Current evidence suggests safety at typical doses, but root-specific data are limited. Leaf extracts have demonstrated safety in clinical trials without liver or kidney toxicity.
Does it cure cancer?
No conclusive clinical evidence supports soursop root or leaf extracts as a standalone cancer cure; anticancer effects are mostly preclinical and require further human studies.
How long before effects are seen?
Some benefits, such as improved energy intake, have been observed after several weeks of supplementation in clinical studies, typically around 8 weeks.
Can it cause side effects?
Side effects are rare and generally mild. Neurotoxicity is a theoretical risk from animal studies but has not been confirmed in humans at usual doses.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jphp.13182 – This systematic review by Chan et al. (2020) examined preclinical and human studies on Annona muricata. It found that leaf extract shows hepatoprotective, neurotoxic, and antinociceptive effects. The review concluded that toxicity observed in animal studies may not directly translate to humans, highlighting the need for more human data.
- https://mjpharm.org/effect-of-annona-muricata-soursop-on-patients-with-cancer-a-systematic-review/ – Isaali et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review of clinical trials involving Annona muricata in cancer patients. The review found no evidence of hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity and noted increased energy intake in some patients. It also highlighted that while in vitro anticancer activity exists, clinical evidence is limited, primarily focusing on leaf extracts.
- https://journal.i3l.ac.id/index.php/IJLS/article/view/118 – Amadea et al. (2021) performed a systematic review focusing on soursop leaf extract's effects on colorectal cancer (CRC) in in vitro and in vivo models. The review concluded that soursop leaf extract suppresses CRC cell growth and may have synergistic effects with simvastatin, acting through mechanisms like BMP and ERK pathways. This study primarily covers preclinical findings.
