BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
If you’ve never heard of soursop, you’re not alone. This spiky green fruit, also known as graviola, recently found new fans in the wellness world, especially for its potential anticancer properties. Native to Central and South America, soursop has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat everything from infections to diabetes—and, more recently, cancer. But what does the science say?
“Among all former studies on this plant, the most promising activities are found to be its anticancer, anti-parasitic and insecticidal activity,” researchers noted in a 2015 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. However, they also emphasized that “further investigations on the biochemical and physiological functions of active compounds… are completely pivotal.”
The power—and risk—of acetogenins
The key to soursop’s potential health benefits lies in its bioactive compounds, particularly acetogenins. These compounds have shown promise for their cytotoxic effects—meaning they can kill cancer cells—while also helping to prevent cancer’s growth. But there’s a catch: acetogenins like annonacin have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s.
“High doses of acetogenins can be neurotoxic and may cause neurodegenerative disorders,” scientists noted in a 2022 study in Molecules. The good news? Experts believe these risks are mainly a concern with continuous, high-dose exposure.
Soursop’s roots in traditional medicine
For centuries, traditional healers in Central and South America have used every part of the soursop tree—from its fruit and leaves to its bark—to treat a wide range of ailments, including parasitic infections and inflammation. Soursop’s rise in popularity among Western wellness enthusiasts reflects a growing interest in natural and traditional remedies.
What about its nutrition?
Beyond the potential anticancer effects, soursop offers a solid nutritional profile. A cup of its creamy white flesh contains 148 calories, 7.42 grams of fiber, and is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. It’s also packed with antioxidants that help combat inflammation and oxidative stress.
Despite its slightly alarming appearance, soursop tastes surprisingly good—often described as a mix between strawberry and banana. And while it contains 30.5 grams of sugar per cup, it has a low glycemic index, making it a decent choice for those watching their blood sugar levels.
A closer look at the anticancer claims
While soursop has been hailed as a complementary treatment for cancer, the research is still evolving. “This systematic review has identified that Annona muricata extracts exhibit beneficial effect on cancer, demonstrating cytotoxicity effect… and selective killing of cancer cells without affecting normal cells,” researchers wrote in a 2024 review.
That said, most experts agree that more research and clinical trials are needed. In other words, while soursop smoothies won’t replace conventional treatment anytime soon, adding this fruit to your diet isn’t a bad idea.
Moderation is key
Like many natural remedies, soursop’s benefits come with a caveat. The risk of neurotoxicity linked to acetogenins highlights the importance of moderation. While it might be tempting to load up on soursop supplements, sticking to the whole fruit in reasonable amounts is likely the safer bet.
For now, consider soursop a tropical treat with potential super-fruit status—just one that needs a bit more research to confirm its full benefits.
