Soursop Fruit: 10,000 Times Stronger Than Chemotherapy
The fruit called soursop, or guanabana, is claimed to be 10,000 times more effective than chemotherapy at reversing cancer effects. Unlike chemotherapy, which kills surrounding cells and causes side effects like hair loss and nausea, a compound extracted from the Graviola tree targets and kills only cancer cells without harming healthy ones.
Parts of the Graviola tree (A. muricata) have been used in Africa and South America for various ailments. Online, fringe health websites and supplement sellers often claim it can “cure” cancer. Some even allege a conspiracy to hide this cure for financial gain. The Health Sciences Institute has promoted such claims, suggesting that pharmaceutical companies suppressed evidence of Graviola’s cancer-fighting potential because they couldn’t patent it.
Laboratory studies have indeed shown that Graviola extracts can kill cancer cells, potentially through unique chemicals called annonaceous acetogenins. These chemicals might inhibit substances that aid cellular respiration, leading to the death of cancer cells. Studies using Graviola extracts have shown effects against lung, colorectal, and liver cancer cell lines. Research on animals has also suggested anti-tumor potential in cases of prostate, breast, and colon cancers.
However, no large-scale clinical trials on humans have confirmed Graviola’s efficacy as a cancer treatment. The UK-based Cancer Research and other reputable organizations have stated that there is no scientific evidence supporting Graviola as a cancer cure. The FDA and FTC have warned against selling Graviola extract with cancer-curing claims, describing these products as “bogus.”
Moreover, studies have suggested that chemicals in the Graviola plant may be neurotoxic. Epidemiological studies link its consumption to a higher prevalence of atypical Parkinsonism. Investigations have shown significant neurotoxic effects from Graviola extracts, indicating potential health hazards.
In summary, while laboratory studies suggest anticancer potential, no evidence supports Graviola as a cancer treatment. Concerns about its neurotoxicity also exist, making claims of it being a cancer cure false.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Snopes.
