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Common Name
Graviola, Soursop
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Botanical Name
Annona muricata
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Part Used
Leaf
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Clinical Summary
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Monograph
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Alcohol
45%
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Dose
40 to 80mL weekly
Graviola is used against an array of human ailments and diseases especially as adjunctive cancer therapy and for parasitic infections. It is also indicated for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, indigestion, diarrhoea, liver problems, fever, pain and bacterial infections.
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Traditional Use
All parts of the graviola tree including the bark, leaves, root, fruit and seeds are used extensively as traditional medicines against an array of human ailments and diseases, especially cancer and parasitic infections. Traditionally the dark leaves are used for headaches, insomnia, cystitis, liver problems, diabetes and hypertension. The cooked leaves, applied topically, fight rheumatism and abscesses.
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Actions
Anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiarthritic, insecticidal, antiparasitic, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, sedative
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Indications
• Cancer adjuvant therapy
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Gastric upset, indigestion, diarrhoea
• Jaundice
• Fever
• Pain
• Parasitic and bacterial infections -
Energetics
Cooling
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Use in Pregnancy
Information on safety and efficacy is lacking.
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Contraindications & Cautions
There is a concern that graviola might exacerbate Parkinson's symptoms as acetogenin constituents are neurotoxins in vivo. Neurotoxicity studies of annonacin suggest that there is a need for a long exposure to this molecule to observe the effect in rodent models, while pharmacokinetic studies estimated low bioavailability of this compound. Nevertheless patients with established Parkinson disease should avoid consumption of the fruit or decoctions made from the leaves.
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Drug Interactions
None known.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.
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Substitutes
Paw Paw, Green Tea