Graviola/Soursop (Annona muricata) Tea

About Graviola

Graviola (Annona muricata), also known as soursop, guanabana, or Brazilian paw paw, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The fruit, leaves, bark, and roots have been used for centuries in various cultures.

Traditional Uses

Graviola has a long history of traditional use in South American and African folk medicine, where it has been valued for supporting general well-being. The leaves are commonly used to make tea or an infusion.

What the Research Shows

Graviola has been the subject of extensive scientific investigation over the past 50 years. While we cannot make therapeutic claims about this product under current New Zealand regulations, we can share what published research has explored:

Laboratory and Preclinical Studies

Research has identified acetogenins (ACGs) as key bioactive compounds in graviola extracts. Studies in test tubes and animal models have investigated these compounds' effects on various cell lines.

Laboratory studies have found that graviola extracts can affect cell processes, including apoptosis (programmed cell death), ATP production (cellular energy), and cell signalling pathways.

Research in animal models has examined graviola's antioxidant properties, including effects on antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase.

Different parts of the graviola plant (seeds, pulp, leaves, and twigs) have been studied, and varying concentrations of active compounds have been identified in each part.

Important Limitations

There have been no studies in humans demonstrating that graviola works as a cancer treatment. All current research has been conducted in laboratory settings or animal models.

As is common with many natural options for adjunctive oncology support, human clinical studies are lacking, and it is unclear whether the effects observed in laboratory settings would translate to humans.

Safety Considerations

Important Safety Information:

• Some research has raised concerns about potential nerve changes with graviola consumption. Laboratory studies have identified compounds that may affect nerve function, and one study found an association between consuming large amounts of graviola and specific neurological symptoms.
• Animal studies suggest graviola may affect blood glucose and blood pressure levels.
• Graviola may interact with certain medications or medical conditions.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid graviola.
• Not recommended for individuals with Parkinson's disease or movement disorders.

This product is not suitable for self-treatment of severe medical conditions.

Our Recommendation

We encourage all clients to:

• Consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using graviola, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.
• Discuss the use of any natural health products with your medical team.
• Consider working with a registered naturopath or medical herbalist who can provide personalised guidance.

Regulatory Context

Under current New Zealand regulations (the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985 and the Medicines Act 1981), we are not permitted to make therapeutic claims about natural health products. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and represents a summary of published scientific literature.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Quality and Preparation

Our graviola leaves are organically grown and sustainably harvested.

Suggested Use: 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes, three times daily.

References Available

The information in this document is based on peer-reviewed scientific publications. A complete reference list is available upon request for healthcare practitioners or researchers.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal product, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. The therapeutic benefits described in research studies have not been evaluated by Medsafe or approved for therapeutic use in New Zealand.