Also known as graviola, the soursop leaf has gained popularity for its supposed medicinal benefits, especially in the prevention and treatment of cancer. However, it is important to note that while there are promising studies on its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, more scientific research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.

Soursop leaves have multiple health-promoting properties due to their active compounds such as alkaloids, acetogenins, and phenolic compounds.

Its main properties include:

Antioxidants: fight damage caused by free radicals, protecting cells and reducing oxidative stress.

Anti-inflammatory: relieve inflammation such as joint pain, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.

Analgesic: traditionally used to relieve muscle pain, headaches, or cramps.

Antimicrobial: active against bacteria and fungi, helping to prevent infections.

Improve digestive health: soothe stomach discomfort, improve digestion, and They relieve constipation.

Sedatives and relaxants: They help reduce stress, anxiety and promote restful sleep.

Anticancer potential: They contain acetogenins that could have cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, although more clinical studies are needed to confirm this.

Hypotensive: They help lower blood pressure.

Healing: They promote healing and tissue regeneration.

Diuretics: They promote the elimination of fluids.

In addition, the leaves strengthen the immune system by increasing the production of White blood cells help in the treatment of diabetes by regulating blood sugar, protect the liver, and are useful against ulcers and gastritis due to their gastric protective effect.

These properties make the soursop leaf a natural resource widely used in traditional medicine, although caution and professional consultation are always recommended to avoid contraindications.

Preparation

Soursop leaf tea is usually prepared with dried leaves in boiling water. It is recommended to drink it after main meals, but its consumption should be supervised by a doctor or herbalist, especially in cases of pregnancy or if taking medication for hypertension.

It is suggested to use approximately 1 teaspoon of dried leaves per cup (240 ml) of boiling water, letting it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes and consuming 2 to 4 cups a day, preferably after meals.

For extracts in capsules, it is usually recommended between 500 and 1500 mg per day, or 1 to 4 ml of liquid extract, although some products suggest taking 20 drops diluted in 30 ml of water 1 to 3 times a day before meals.

Do clinical studies support its use?

There are clinical studies that support the use of soursop (Annona muricata) leaves in the treatment of certain specific diseases, mainly in type 2 diabetes and in studies related to cancer.

In type 2 diabetes, there is a randomized, double-blind clinical study conducted in diabetic patients who received capsules with ethanolic extract of soursop leaves plus glibenclamide. This study showed a greater decrease in blood glucose levels in patients who combined soursop with glibenclamide compared to those who received glibenclamide alone. Adverse effects were minimal and transient.

In animal models, several studies with diabetic rats have shown that soursop leaf extract significantly reduces blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and other metabolic markers. These studies suggest promising antidiabetic benefits due to active compounds present in the leaves.

In cancer, there is preclinical evidence (in vitro and in animals) that extracts of soursop leaves and seeds possess antitumor activity, inhibiting the growth and even the metastasis of cancer cells, for example, in pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancer. Some studies report induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and a decrease in biomarkers associated with cancer. In an isolated clinical case, stabilization of metastatic breast cancer was documented after ingestion of leaves boiled in water in conjunction with chemotherapy treatment.

There is also a recent animal model study that indicates that the aqueous extract of the leaves could relieve symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, such as chronic pain and anxiety, although more research is needed.

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