Everyone right now is raving and writing about the heart-shaped green fruit, the Guanabana, the ‘Sour Sop’ that like most of these new raves, grows right here in the tropics.

Guanabana, Sour Sop | Anti-Cancer, Anti-Oxidant, Miracle Super Food

Our team is now, as I write this one, in Latin America, the Caribbean where the Sour Sops grow well.

Some are claiming that the anti-cancer, cancer-killing power of guanabana, is 10,000x that of chemotherapy.

We are excited to study this plant ourselves, up close and personal.

Soursop is the fruit of species Annona muricata, a broad-leaf, flowering, evergreen tree. The exact origin is unknown but it is thought to be native to the tropical regions of the Americas.

Annona is a genus, same group as cherimoya and they are members of the Annonaceae family.

The leaf of the Annona muricata contains some powerful alkaloids, I am excited to get to know the tree better and as I know more I will come back and add it in (as always).@

The Sour Sop is said to cancel cancer progression in the Petri dish on contact, it is said that a month of smoothies of it can cure anything. “The hype,” I say!… but is it?

The Next Crop Singled Out: Sour Sop, Guanabana

Don’t ever get stuck on one food, as my Teacher in Painting with Biology, says to me; a person I am so lucky to have here on a neighboring Island, who was friends with my dear Uncle Bo; just yesterday (the article has been updated see bottom of page) told me a story about the extreme total deforestation and ecological damage in Bolivia he saw when companies and consumers through incomplete diet information singled out what they thought was a miracle tree. Let’s not single anyone out ok.

It is a good time to say.

✚ They are all miracle trees, with different potentials and potency and roles in the greater cycle of life. If we realized this we would be optimal humans, no longer singling things out and hopefully balancing what we take by planting many more of the species.

A Nutritional Diversity diet plan is a sure way to address the human body and its complete spectrum of needs, and this requires diversity and not one item.

“For me, it is different every single day. When it comes to food, vitamins, and nutrients; diversity is key.” – Rachel Finch, Australian Model

Annona is one of the 129 genera of the Annonaceae family and contains 119 species with eight species grown for commercial uses.

In India, Annona squamosa (“sugar apple”) (a different Annona species) leaves are crushed and applied to wounds, ulcers, and is sniffed to relieve hysteria and fainting spells. Decocted leaves are used systemically to treat dysentery, and in Tropical America as a tonic, febrifuge, and cold remedy.

✚ Sour Sop Cancer Treatment

Recently in 2015 Dr. Tajudeen Abdul Hameed, published the research paper entitled, “CANCER KILLER, FOUND,” also stating the fruit is a “broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent for both bacterial and fungal infections, and is effective against internal parasites and worms, lowers high blood pressure and is used for depression, stress and nervous disorders.” [1]

Turns out these claims have been put to the test, and a plethora of study now exists on the wonder plant.

From our study and our learning, we have more than a reason to believe that the most anticancer, beneficial effects of foods are unleashed when a sufficient amount of nutrition is consumed.

Interesting opposition is out there.

Currently, there are also claims that “no evidence” of cancer treatment exists, while a quick Google search renders listings of thousands of hype, or ripe, articles outlining study after studies, and results and testimony after ..and…..  clearly we are on the cusp of an age where valid information is under heavier, and heavier threat. Ultimately best, in this case, to give a quick try yourself!

Equally to the no evidence claim, there is a lot of argument, skepticism, and if it did work as claimed certainly the cancer industry would not like you to believe it.

The American Cancer Center, says “Experts warn against using soursop to fight cancer“, a piece whose final line is “using herbal supplements while undergoing chemotherapy could reduce the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents due to possible herb-drug interactions.”

As always, I believe it is best placed within a well made Nutritional Diversity diet plan, but most definitely get yourself some Guanabana.

It tastes excellent, like pineapple, strawberry mango twist, and can dominate our less tasty plants in your ND blends, as a great flavor base.

“Inexplicably, the results [of the NCI research] were published in an internal report and never released to the public. Since 1976, guanabana has     proven to be an immensely potent cancer killer in 20 independent laboratory tests, but as of now, no double-blind clinical trials,” reports Christopher Lane, Ph.D., in Psychology Today

Opposition to the results indicating guanabana a cancer killer has been obtuse and many of the papers have been submitted to show it in a painfully harmful light [2].

The leaves of guanabana contain annonamine, which is an aporphine-class alkaloid featuring a Quaternary ammonium group, said to be toxic. The soursop tree is in the same generic category as, Annona, as cherimoya and the Graviola as it is sometimes called, is in the Annonaceae family. The seed is said to have a component contributor to some neurodegenerative disease, it is a rather hard seed to digest, and I have had them in smoothies, with no noticeable effect, although if my brain is degenerating….would I know?

Seed removal is not difficult.

Plant medicine manuals even suggest insufficient amounts of the fruit or tree sometimes referred to as the Graviola, which will prevent sickness.

Many cultures such as the Native Americans became expert nutritionists who realized this and would keep several things on hand in pouches to quickly address certain imbalances. in their system.

Our culture largely figures it can just go to this advanced hospital of our time and get things fixed up.

Let’s take a look at the best guanabana available.

GUANABANA / SOURSOP RANKINGS

1. Bitters Formula

This particular liquid extract is a potent mix. I think this is a very good way to get a few vital nutrients into the system. There are so many food states out there, a mixed extract as this is rare.

Soursop leaves (also known as graviola or guanabana), roots and fruit extract, fresh ginger extract, senna, aloe vera, moringa, black seed, vanilla, flaxseed, African mahogany bark, garlic, fennel seed, black pepper.

One customer said, that it was a great detoxification liquid they used in their smoothie every day.

2 . Betel Natural

This Amazon’s choice product carries caps for those who like that delivery method best, in a diverse combination with curcuma, and moringa. It is well priced and the three for one deal,  getting two other ND recommended ingredients that make good nutritional sense. I recommend if you go capsule go with these.

3. NalLife Organic Sour Sop Leaves

Great bang for the bucket for those who want to try using leaves, in powders or teas. This pack of 200 dried leaves can be a great pack take along and introductory to working with leaves in ND dieting.

4. Simple Entero Fruit & Leaf Powder

Here is powder from the leaf and the fruit together, and can make for a good pack or pantry insert, very perfect for smoothie or tea making.

5. Finfast Organic Sour Sop Tea Bags

For those who like the convenience of tea bags for tea time, and graviola is a preference, I have ranked these reputable organic soursop tea bags.

6. Superior Labs 1200 mg

Those on a dedicated minimum of daily graviola leaf, or like it in capsule form, this is pure 100% the stuff.

7. Primor Natural Fruit Puree

In the case of this fruit, I have found and ranked a company who provides 100% Kosher fruit from puree. I think with a cane sugar-sweetened beverage from puree like this just means fast assimilation and a decent state of its nutrients. Be sure to thank it before indulging.

8. Graviola

9. Graviola leaf tea

I am not a tea guy but I know folks enjoy it. Over 300 folks, with this Nalite time, tested tea bag.

An interesting study was conducted to “validate” specifically Graviola tea. [x]

10. Sour Sop Oil

An oil seems cool, this is going my list. A suggested topical oil with properties found in this soursop extract, that can help to heal the skin and promote cell regeneration.

Soursop contains a high amount of Vitamin C and ascorbic acid that play a major role in promoting the skin’s glow and treat hyper-pigmented areas.

The seller mentioned to a consumer that it could have positive effects on skin cancer.

GUANABANA / SOURSOP BENEFITS

Guanabana is good for you.

Guanabana phytochemical evaluations on different parts of the plant have shown the presence of various phytoconstituents and compounds, including alkaloids, megastigmanes , flavonol triglycosides, phenolics, cyclopeptides, and essential oils. However, Annona species, including A. muricata type, have been shown to be a generally rich source of annonaceous acetogenin compounds.

The high and complex quantity of different major minerals such as K, Ca, Na, Cu, Fe and Mg suggests that regular consumption of the A. muricata fruit can help provide essential nutrients and elements to the human body [3].

And as for the anti-cancer discussion started in the intro above, a plethora of studies have evaluated anti-cancer properties in soursop fruit. [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]

Leaf extracts could be malaria treatments. [12] Anti-cancer potentials in leaf for prostate cancer. [13]

The central effects reported justifying the traditional use of the plant for treating behavioral and neurological disorders with nerve-calming, sedative effects that mirror certain prescription behavioral, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant drugs today such as benzodiazepine . [14]

Specific targeting mechanisms have been recognized in this high antioxidant superfood that attacks and rectifies cell impurities and inflammation. [15,16]

The species has shown the ability to regulate metabolic systems from disorder and dysfunction, for people who have unhealthy and high-fat diets. [17]

Leaf extract has shown to protect the gastric system [18] as well as antiulcer activity in animal testing. [19]

Strong indications of pancreatic restoration and cleanse have been shown of the MUC4-mucin property of annona muricata. [20]

The traditional study extends the superfood to treating headaches, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and insomnia. Internal administration of the leaf’s decoction is believed to exhibit anti-rheumatic and neuralgic effects, whereas the cooked leaves can be used topically to treat abscesses and rheumatism. [21]

An interesting study also found that the flower of the annona muriatica tree was a potent place to get powerful plant properties and effects. [22] This is consistent with most flower parts in the plant world.

An examination found that the fruit acted as a powerful antimicrobial, and efficient treatment of oral pathogens. [23] This could make for a good daily toothpaste additive with some olive or coconut oil to further initiate a productive reaction?

In more recent testing, calling for more examination, the species outs to a very proactive record regarding breast cancer lines specifically. [24]

GUANABANA / SOURSOP SIDE EFFECTS

Some groups warn substances derived from graviola damaged nerve cells and caused neurological side effects similar to Parkinson’s disease in laboratory and animal experiments. In addition, some animal studies suggest long-term use may increase the risk of other neurological diseases.  [13]

This harmful substance is likely in the seed. It is a well-known tradition where the fruit grows, to avoid eating the seed at all costs. Seeds are for planting, of course.

Indigenous uses and its deep origins from the amazon could indicate it for rare, sterner healing applications. The fruit is strong, and overuse could happen easily. Slight joint pain and a faint head buzz may set in as one goes over their effective dose.

GUANABANA / SOURSOP EXPERIENCE

People in Africa and South America as well as parts of Asia where the Guanabana plant is found, use bark, leaves, roots, and fruits of the Guanabana tree. Uses also include treating infections with parasites, viruses, arthritis, depression, and other types of sickness. We know from research that some Guanabana extracts have helped to treat these conditions.

According to several sites on the web claim that a study published in the Journal of Natural Products, following a recent study conducted at Catholic University of South Korea stated that one chemical in Guanabana was found to selectively, without affecting other cells, in good health; kill colon cancer cells at “10,000 times the potency of (the commonly used chemotherapy drug) Adreamycin.”

A number of online users for the graviola oil, have mentioned it as a hair growth treatment, an itchy scalp medicine, and overall scalp health ointment. Recommended by a few was to dilute into coconut oil. I have heard this true also with neem.

Oils and fats are reactive ingredients for annona materials and can play a helpful role in seeing stronger parts of the plant essence move faster through the stomach into the body system.

GUANABANA / SOURSOP DISCUSSION

Take this wonder fruit with a high diversity of other species for maximum benefit.

The Guanabana, fruit product of the Guanabana tree is a perfect opportunity to discuss ‘plant miracle hype,’ and the concerns involved with that power. Of course, these problems too are wonderfully solved by the knowledge of Nutritional Diversity and that it is not one plant that will break or break your health but whether or not your diversity of the right plants is sufficient enough to satisfy all the body’s nutritional needs to be healthy.

That being said, the fruit is every-bit of a miracle that the hype gives it, and you will not be able to trust all the Guanabana products out there as much as their quotes. Best is to go to the guanabana for a while, there is a lot there ion those regions; permaculture is the word.

Dehydrated is one state, that can be employed with the Guanabana. ND dieters do not do teas so that traditional remedy is not one that we practice here, but we do find that uptake for pre-workout energy drinks, raspberries and is highly aided by the inclusion of the Graviola fruit.

While we know studies report phenom antioxidant properties, too much Guanabana, and not enough balance does start to ache at the joints and tendons. This is your queue to pull up with something meaty and oily like coconut or avocado.

Real interested parties should go to where the Annona muricata grows and get one, whole and fresh, maybe even on the tree-OR BETTER YET GROW THEM! If not grow your own, we must say go to a grower you trust directly, you never know what is in the marketplace.

I would add that one to two trees production is good for one family per year. That being said the trees are small, can take some sun and some shade, and are easy to keep.  The fruit is valuable in the marketplace of Tropical America.

A very delicious all-natural ice cream is made with the blended, frozen guanabana sometimes mixed with coconut or another fruit and the stuff is delicious!

The first couple of days for classes or dieting guests at our tropical farm we go a few guanabana heavy antioxidant smoothies to start things off.

GUANABANA / SOURSOP FAQ

Q. Does a graviola per day keep the doctor away?

A. Not at all. Consumers who want to heal must concentrate on a wide diversity of whole food nutritional elements.

Q. What is your favorite way (author) to consume this fruit?

A. I have a little system where I dehydrate some for my highly diverse trail mix I am always making, I freeze some and I end up doing most as a dominant flavor agent in smoothies. Guanabana, mango, banana, dragonfruit, and around 18 green herbs and leaves is a good smoothie for me.

Q.  If extracts and powders are all I can get which is the best format?

A.  It depends on the application. Oils are best for topical applications and many times people mix down with coconut or olive oil. This can be a way of taking in the plant essence internally also. Powders, dried state materials are also a way to take the essence internally including leaf matter. In this case, it is also good to take with some oil and solid pieces of fresh vegetation. Cooking them into a dish can also be done. The leaves are valued as is the fruit.

Q. Can I get the anti-cancer effects from the consumption of the species fresh?

A. For sure. Regular whole food consumption is the best form of healing. If you can go to the fruit, and a tropical abundance of foods than you have the best chances of obtaining health.

Q. Where is guanabana native to?

A. Guanabana is native to the northern part of South America, yet it is grown throughout the tropical region of the Americas.

Q. What form of plant is the guanabana tree?

A. The guanabana plant is a small, erect, evergreen tree that can reach about 30 feet (9.1 m) tall.

Q. Which plant family guanabana tree belongs to?

A. Guanabana tree is a member of the genus Annona of the custard apple tree family.

Q. What temperature range is best for the growth of guanabana trees?

A. Guanabana plants adapt to relatively warm winters and in general, would not survive under 5 °C (41 °F)

Q. How does the guanabana plant look?

A. Guanabana leaves are oblong and branches are hairy. The fruits are dark green and prickly.

Q. When does the guanabana plant blossom?

A. The soursop tends to flower and fruit without a hitch, however in every growing locale there is a main season of ripening.

Q. Where is the name guanabana coming from?

A. Generally known in South America as guanabana. In the English world, it is known as soursop or custard apple.

Q. What varieties of uses exist for guanabana?

A. The flesh of the guanabana fruit consists of an edible, white pulp that is used to make fruit nectar, fruit juice drinks, and smoothies. The guanabana fruit is mostly for consumption.

Q. What are some known medical uses for the guanabana plant?

A. The flesh of soursop is applied as a poultice for 3 days to force out chiggers infection. Studies have concluded that soursop supplementation can positively lower blood pressure and blood uric level.

Q. Are there any precautions for the guanabana plant?

A. There is an alkaloid associated with every part of the guanabana plant which is demonstrated to be a neurotoxin though concentration varies among parts. The seeds are usually not consumed because they have a higher concentration.

Q. How long does a guanabana plant take to mature?

A. From flower to fruit, guanabana normally takes from 21 to 36 weeks.

Q. How to grow the guanabana plant?

A. Place the seeds in peat pots filled with soil, with a maximum of 30 days after harvesting. Soil should be slightly moist to the touch. Soursop seeds germinate in 15 to 30 days. Transplant 12-inch-high seedlings into the yard in the spring. Water plants often to keep the soil moist, yet not wet, during hot weather. Guanabana plant tolerates well to drought conditions.

Q. What are natural pests associated with the guanabana plant?

A. Natural enemies to the root of the guanabana plant are mealy bugs, root grubs, carpenter moth larva, and scale insects.

Q. Who are the principal exporting countries of guanabana?

A. The main exporters of the guanabana fruit are Mexico followed by Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Haiti.

Q. What are the main nutrition components contained in the guanabana fruit?

A. Raw soursop is 81% water, 17% carbohydrates, 1% protein. Vitamin C is the major constituent of this fruit.

Q. What is the typical yield of guanabana fruit?

A. Guanabana plants bear about 12 to 20 or 24 fruits per tree.

GUANABANA / SOURSOP RECAP

Leaves from the tree medicinally are very powerful just as the fruit, especially for stomach track health.

With this heart-shaped green beauty its good to stay between one and four cups in a day, and take with a very high diversity of other nutritional elements for best result.

The results of integration with the species will improve with time and regularity of consumption.

Best Recommend: Go to the species and a tropical diversity. Save dried leaves for continued consumption on the way out. Order something from above for when you get home.

Good for oral, hair and scalp hygiene.

It seems to help the uptake of other nutrients such as taurine or coconut.

Just give me a good graviola product.

RELATED MATERIAL

These related materials list entertains great combinations with the sour superfood.

1. Coconut Oil
2. Cinnamon
3. Eggs
4. Katuk
5. Kombucha

Originally Published on Aug 30, 2017, Updated October 25, 2019, Aug 30, 2019, Feb 6, 2020