“And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.” (Qur’an, 6:99)

Soursop, is the fruit of Annonamuricata, a broadleaf, flowering, evergreentree  that grows  in the America, Asia and tropical parts of  Africa especially in Eastern Nigeria and Mambilla Plateau. The soursop is adapted to areas of high humidity and relatively warm winters; if the fruit becomes dry is no longer good for concentrate. The flavour has been described as a combination of strawberry and pineapple, with sour citrus flavour notes contrasting with an underlying creamy flavour reminiscent of coconut or banana.

The Soursop designation is actually the name of the fruit produced by the Soursop tree. The fruit appears in large, heart-shaped forms with a yellow-green, spiky skin and white fleshy interior. Much like the name implies the fruit is fairly acidic with a taste that resembles a mix of strawberry and pineapple. Not unlike other types of fruit, Soursop contains essential vitamins and minerals which make for a healthy addition to anyone’s diet

Also known as Graviola, is widely used by many indigenous cultures for a variety of physical ailments. Many parts of the tree are used; including the leaves, fruit, bark and seeds and each provides its own set of healing properties. The flesh of the fruit consists of an edible, white pulp, some fiber and a core of indigestible, black seeds. The species is the only member of its genus suitable for processing and preservation. The pulp is also used to make fruit nectar, smoothies, fruit juice drinks, as well as candies, sorbets, and ice cream flavourings.

Due to the fruit’s widespread cultivation and popularity soursop and its derivative products are consumed across the world also via branded food and beverage products available in many countries. In Ethiopia, it is a common fruit, often used for dessert as the only ingredient. The seeds are normally left in the preparation and removed while consuming, unless a blender is used for processing.

The  leaf and bark have been shown to regulate blood sugar and cure diabetes. This has led to discoveries of the fruit’s effectiveness of disorders of the endocrine system: liver, kidney, thyroid, pancreas, ovary, prostate, intestines, gall bladder and appendix. It has also been shown to fight lung & breast cancer as well as brain tumours. It has been proven effective as an anti-spasmodic and eliminates dust mites that cause asthma and bronchial diseases. The leaf tea itself can cure liver issues, and improves pancreas functioning, while effectively de-worming children, and curing malaria.

Naturopath Leslie Taylor, acknowledges that alkaloids are highest in the seeds and roots of graviola and because of this, have shown neurotoxic effects in tests. She recommends, instead, using the leaves and pulp of the fruit when trying to treat certain illnesses (which is beneficial considering the leaves contain the highest concentration of acetogenins).

Acetogenins are active compounds capable of preventing abnormal or cancer-type cells from producing the energy they need to grow and reproduce. They do this by interfering with the enzyme processes involved in producing ATP, the energy molecules that fuel cell activity. Without these molecules, cells are unable to carry out the basic functions that keep them alive and allow them to reproduce. These compounds also inhibit blood flow to abnormal cell bodies which work to cut off their nutrient supplies.

A study conducted at Purdue University has proven promising results that the leaves and stems of the plant were incredibly efficient at destroying certain cancerous cells in the body. It found that tumour cells that are resistant to chemotherapy treatment, or, multi-drug resistant (MDR) cells, were effectively destroyed by acetogenins. Ongoing studies into the health benefits of Soursop may reveal this natural elixir as a possible cancer treatment.   It has been shown to raise immune defence in chemotherapy patients.NB (There is, however, no medical evidence that it is effective except oral tradition by individuals)When considering herbal or plant remedies, the type of condition being treated often determines the type of treatment preparation needed. Each method is designed to draw out certain medicinal properties of the plant. Tea preparations draw out the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant while tincture preparations enhance the plant’s antibacterial properties.

Pregnant women should not consume large amounts of this fruit or the leaves, barks or seeds, as the foetus produces large amounts of ATP, thus acetogenins could attack the developing foetus.

Source: Internet