Graviola

Graviola (soursop) is well-known in many tropical areas in South and North America, including the Amazon. Its uses vary by region or country. The bark, leaves, roots, fruits, and seeds have high therapeutic value. Graviola has a long history of use in traditional medicine and has been valued for generations by indigenous communities. Presently, in the United States and Europe, graviola is used to promote healthy cellular reproduction.

There are plenty of active compounds and chemicals that have been found in graviola as researchers and scientists have been studying its properties since the 1940s. Most studies have focused on chemicals of interest called Annonaceous acetogenins. Graviola produces these natural compounds in its leaves, stems, bark, and seeds. Scientists have confirmed that these chemicals have significant immunological activity.

Annonaceous acetogenins are only found in the Annonaceae family, where graviola belongs. Studies in three different laboratories determined that these acetogenins are superb inhibitors of enzyme processes that are found in the membranes of dangerous cells. Purdue University in Indiana has conducted intensive studies on acetogenins, many of which have been funded by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Health.

Long-term intake of graviola must be accompanied by probiotics since this plant leads to the eradication of friendly bacteria due to its antimicrobial activity.