Graviola (Annona muricata) is originally from the Amazon rainforest and is now grown in the tropics around the world. The tree produces the sweet delicious fruit, known as Soursop in English and Durian Belanda / Sirsak in Malay. All parts of the small tree have been used in traditional medicine but it is the leaves in particular that have shown to contain the most bioactive phytochemicals in scientific studies. These compounds have been traditionally used to:
- Support immunity
- Provide antioxidant and anticancer support
- Gently support healthy blood pressure
- Relieve inflammation and arthritic pain
The leaves have been found to contain a large group of compounds known as acetogenins with remarkable antioxidant and anticancer properties against multiple cancers, many of which are resistant to modern chemotherapy. Because of this it has become popular as a natural alternative therapy in cancer treatment, especially when no other treatment options are available. Scientific studies have confirmed that it may effectively target and kill malignant cancer cells in several different cancers, including breast, colon, lung, liver, prostate and pancreatic cancer. The antitumor, properties of Graviola is partly responsible due to the acetogenins blocking production of adenosine triphosphate, ATP the energy-carrying compound, but only to abnormal cells and leaving healthy cells untouched. Traditional people living in the rainforests of South America used Graviola to treat high blood pressure via a gentle dilation of blood vessels as well as to relieve pain and inflammation, especially in joint pain and arthritis. Taken regularly the tea also supports relaxation and promotes sleep. Rainforest Herbs Graviola tea is made from the mature Malaysian leaves and has a pleasant taste. Not recommended during pregnancy or if low blood pressure is an issue.
How to prepare
As a daily preventative antioxidant tea: Add 1 full teaspoon Graviola leaf tea to a cup of boiling water and let sit for 10 minutes. Use a tea infuser for greater convenience.
As a stronger decoction: Add 2 full teaspoons in 1 and a half cups of water and keep on a low boil for 5 minutes. Strain and take every 4-6 hours.
Select References
- In Vivo Antimalarial Activity of Annona muricata Leaf Extract in Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei
- Antioxidant, DNA protective efficacy and HPLC analysis of Annona muricata (soursop) extracts
- Phytochemical screening, anti-oxidant activity and in vitro anticancer potential of ethanolic and water leaves extracts of Annona muricata (Graviola)
- Anti-cancer effect of Annona Muricata (Graviola) Leaves Crude Extract on breast cancer cell line
- Evaluation of cytotoxicity of aqueous extract of Graviola leaves on squamous cell carcinoma cell-25 cell lines
- Annona muricata leaves induced apoptosis in A549 cells through mitochondrial-mediated pathway and involvement of NF-?B
- Gastroprotective activity of Annona muricata leaves against ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats via Hsp70/Bax involvement
- Synergistic interactions among flavonoids and acetogenins in Graviola (Annona muricata) leaves confer protection against prostate cancer
- Annona muricata (Annonaceae): A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Isolated Acetogenins and Biological Activities
