Popular as a cancer prevention remedy although important to remember that to date no significant science backs this claim up to a consequential cure. However various studies show anti-cancer properties and results. *Check Scientifically Studied Medicinal Effects for more information.
Not only are the leaves medicinal but the fruit that the tree offers is popular, with a pineapple aroma and flavour crossed between sour strawberries and apples, along with a banana cream undertone.
In general Soursop tea appears to boost the immune system, help with inflammation and be rich in antioxidants. Working as an all-around nutritious health aid.
Dosage and Preparation
Bring 700ml filtered water in a stainless steel pan to a boil.
2 tablespoons of the leaf nd let steep for 10 minutes. Roots can be left in the pan and reused 2-3 times over 2 days, with strength increasing as the leaves break down.
Names
- Soursop
- Graviola
- Guyabano
- Guanábana
- Sirsak
- Catuche
- Graviola
- Custard apple
- Paw paw
- Corossolier
- Anón
Scientifically Studied Medicinal Effects
- Anti-inflammatory PMID: 29973884 PMID: 25133801
- Chemopreventive Anticancer PMID: 29973884 PMID: 31659754 PMID: 30151067 PMID: 26184167 PMID: 29462271 PMID: 34337375
- Dental Health PMID: 28050493
- Anti-microbial PMID: 28050493
- Candida PMID: 28050493
- Hepatoprotective PMID: 31659754
- Anti-ulcerative PMID: 31659754
- Antinociceptive PMID: 31659754
- Antidiabetic PMID: 26184167
- Antimalarial PMID: 26184167
- Antiparasitic PMID: 26184167
- Anti-arthritic PMID: 26184167
- Anticonvulsant PMID: 26184167
Medicinal Component
- Annonamine
- Phytosterols
- Tannins
- Flavonoids
Indigenous Historical Uses
- Digestive remedy
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Anti-carcinogenic properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- Blood pressure
- Antibacterial
- Insomnia
- Pain
- Hypertension
- Inflammation
- Fever
- Coughs
- Asthma,
- Nervous disorders
- Blood glucose lowering effects,
Side Effects
Avoid during pregnancy.
History
Historically a tree of great interest where the leaves, bark, seeds and fruits are used. Fruits are a delicious and nutritious food eaten regularly in the tropical Americas and Caribbean. The remainder is used for a variety of ailments as natural medicine.
Habitat
Natively found in the American and Caribbean tropical regions. Requires humidity and nighttime/winter temperatures above 5 degrees. Has been regrown throughout the world in tropical and subtropical regions. Thrives below 1200m.
Appearance
A small vertical tree that can grow up to 10m. Young branches are hairy.
Oblong to oval leaves, that can be up to 8-16cm long and 3-7cm wide, dark glossy green with minute hairs on the back. Stalks are 4-13mm with no hairs.
Flower stalks are 2-5 millimetres and woody, growing 15-20 millimetres when flowering and becoming dense with hairs.
Petals are thick green/yellow, approximately 2.5-3cm.
Dark green, prickly fruits, up to 30 centimetres long. Firm texture. Juicy, aromatic white/creamy flesh.
