Soursop (Graviola)

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Graviola is a fruit from a tree in the rain forests of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.The flavour of graviola (also commonly known as soursop) has been described as a combination of strawberry and pineapple. Others have suggested that it also has a citrus/creamy flavour which is similar to that of coconut or banana. The fruit consists of a white pulp, some fiber, and a center core of black seeds. The sweet pulp is used for making juices, candies, sorbets, and ice cream flavorings in the Latin American countries where it is commonly found.

Nutritionally, the fruit is said to be rich with carbohydrates, vitamin C, and vitamin  B1 & B2. The fruit, seeds, and leaves have a number of herbal medicinal uses among indigenous peoples of regions where the plant is common.

Graviola's scientific name is Annona muricata, and is also commonly referred to as soursop. Some of its other common names are as cherimoya, guanabana, custard apple, and brazilian paw paw. In many countries, people use the bark, leaves, root, and fruits of this tree for traditional remedies. The active ingredient are a type of plant compound known as phytochemicals called annonaceous acetogenins. People in African and South American countries have used graviola for generations to treat viral and parasitic infections. And it has reportedly been used as a treatment for rheumatism, arthritis, depression, and sickness. Scientific research shows that some graviola extracts can help to treat these conditions.

There is growing scientific evidence that indicates that the fruit's extracts can selectively inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells. It is able to do so by "down regulating expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in vitro and in a mouse model, but the effect has not been studied in humans." There is a growing number of websites which are making the claim that Soursop Graviola can cure cancer. We recommend a healthy dose of skepticism until there is enough scientific evidence to bolster these claims.