Graviola tree, also known as soursop, is found in the Amazon jungle and some of the Caribbean islands. The graviola tree (Annona muricata) produces a delicious fruit which is widely consumed by indigenous peoples. (There seems to be some confusion regarding calling the graviola fruit Brazilian pawpaw or papaw since fruits from other plant species may also be called pawpaw, such as the tropical fruit papaya (Carica papaya).) The fruit and the leaves of graviola are used in traditional medicine for their tranquillizing and sedative properties.

Graviola by Physician Formulas

This graviola product is 100% pure ground natural plant material.

Graviola Supplement Facts:
Graviola - 500 mg *
   (Annona muricata) leaf & stern           

Click here to buy Graviola on sale

Suggested Use:  As a dietary supplement, take 1 graviola capsule daily or a few times a week or as directed by a health care professional. Take breaks from use, for instance one week off per month.
* Graviola daily value not established

What does the research say about Graviola
I did a thorough Medline search and could not find any research with graviola done with humans, or even animals. There are dozens of laboratory tests done in test tubes. Some of these studies show graviola to have anti-viral, anti-parasitic and potent anti- cancer properties. However we do not know if graviola has the same properties if ingested as a supplement in humans. For more graviola information.

Graviola and cancer opinion
Until human trials are done, it is difficult to make any recommendations regarding graviola. Does graviola work well when taken as a supplement? What is the ideal dosage? Is graviola effective for cancer prevention or treatmetn? How often should graviola be taken and for how long? These are questions that still need to be answered through rigorous research.  However, some of the studies regarding graviola's anti- cancer potential are intriguing and certainly worthwhile to further explore. In the meantime, it is prudent to take breaks from use of graviola, for instance one week off each month, and perhaps one or two days off each week.

What's in Graviola?
There are quite a number of compounds in graviola with exotic and long names. Some of these include acetogenins, muricins, and many others.

Graviola and Cancer
Although laboratory research with graviola and cancer looks promising, little is known about the role graviola supplements would play in human cancer prevention or treatment. Therefore, at this point, the role of graviola and cancer in humans in unclear. You may also consider these two sites, mangosteen and the benefits of curcumin turmeric.

Graviola concern
Graviola appears to have beneficial substances, but we suggest not taking more than one capsule 3 times a week until more research is available.
Annonacin, a lipophilic inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, induces nigral and striatal neurodegeneration in rats: possible relevance for atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe.
J Neurochem. 2004 Jan;88(1):63-9. Experimental Neurology and Therapeutics, INSERM U289, Hopital de la Salpetriere, Paris, France.
In Guadeloupe, epidemiological data have linked atypical parkinsonism with fruit and herbal teas from plants of the Annonaceae family, particularly Annona muricata. These plants contain a class of powerful, lipophilic complex I inhibitors, the annonaceous acetogenins. To determine the neurotoxic potential of these substances, we administered annonacin, the major acetogenin of Annona muricata, to rats intravenously with Azlet osmotic minipumps (3.8 and 7.6 mg per kg per day for 28 days). Annonacin inhibited complex I in brain homogenates in a concentration-dependent manner, and, when administered systemically, entered the brain parenchyma, where it was detected by matrix-associated laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, and decreased brain ATP levels by 44%. In the absence of evident systemic toxicity, we observed neuropathological abnormalities in the basal ganglia and brainstem nuclei. These data are compatible with the theory that annonaceous acetogenins, such as annonacin, might be implicated in the aetiology of Guadeloupean parkinsonism and support the hypothesis that some forms of parkinsonism might be induced by environmental toxins.

Other herbs and supplements that are becoming more popular:
These include Acai berry, Bioperine supplement, and Mangosteen.

Graviola study
Proximate composition and selected physicochemical properties of the seed, pulp and oil of sour sop (Annona muricata - graviola ).
Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2002 Spring;57(2):165-71.
Proximate composition and physicochemical analyses were carried out on the seed, pulp and extracted oil of sour sop ( graviola ). The results showed that the graviola seed contained 8.5% moisture, 2.4% crude protein, 13.6% ash, 8.0% crude fiber, 20.5% fat and 47.0% carbohydrate. The graviola seed also contained 0.2% water soluble ash, 0.79% titratable acidity and 17.0 mg calcium/100 g. The graviola pulp was found to contain 81% moisture, 3.43% titratable acidity and 24.5% non-reducing sugar. Selected physicochemical characteristics included refractive indices of 1.335 for the graviola seed and 1.356 for the pulp, pH values of 8.34 for the graviola seed and 4.56 for the pulp, and soluble solids contents of 1.5 degrees Brix for the graviola seed and 15 degrees Brix for the pulp.

Effect of the extract of Annona muricata ( graviola extract ) and Petunia nyctaginiflora on Herpes simplex virus.
J Ethnopharmacol. 1998 May;61(1):81-3.
Annona muricata (graviola) and Petunia nyctaginiflora (Solanaceae) were screened for their activity against Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and clinical isolate (obtained from the human keratitis lesion). We have looked at the ability of extract(s) to inhibit the cytopathic effect of HSV-1 on vero cells as indicative of anti-HSV-1 potential. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ethanolic extract of graviola and aqueous extract of P. nyctaginiflora was found to be 1 mg/ml.

The mitochondrial complex I inhibitor annonacin is toxic to mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons by impairment of energy metabolism.
Neuroscience. 2003;121(2):287-96.
The death of dopaminergic neurons induced by systemic administration of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I inhibitors such as 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+); given as the prodrug 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) or the pesticide rotenone have raised the question as to whether this family of compounds are the cause of some forms of Parkinsonism. We have examined the neurotoxic potential of another complex I inhibitor, annonacin, the major acetogenin of Annona muricata ( graviola ), a tropical plant suspected to be the cause of an atypical form of Parkinson disease in the French West Indies (Guadeloupe). When added to mesencephalic cultures for 24 h, annonacin was much more potent than MPP(+) (effective concentration [EC(50)]=0.018 versus 1.9 microM) and as effective as rotenone (EC(50)=0.034 microM) in killing dopaminergic neurons. The uptake of [(3)H]-dopamine used as an index of dopaminergic cell function was similarly reduced. Toxic effects were seen at lower concentrations when the incubation time was extended by several days whereas withdrawal of the toxin after a short-term exposure (<6 h) arrested cell demise. Unlike MPP(+) but similar to rotenone, the acetogenin also reduced the survival of non-dopaminergic neurons. Neuronal cell death was not excitotoxic and occurred independently of free radical production. Raising the concentrations of either glucose or mannose in the presence of annonacin restored to a large extent intracellular ATP synthesis and prevented neuronal cell demise. Deoxyglucose reversed the effects of both glucose and mannose. Other hexoses such as galactose and fructose were not protective. Attempts to restore oxidative phosphorylation with lactate or pyruvate failed to provide protection to dopaminergic neurons whereas idoacetate, an inhibitor of glycolysis, inhibited the survival promoting effects of glucose and mannose indicating that these two hexoses acted independently of mitochondria by stimulating glycolysis. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that annonacin promotes dopaminergic neuronal death by impairment of energy production. It also underlines the need to address its possible role in the etiology of some atypical forms of Parkinsonism in Guadeloupe.

Toxicity of Annonaceae for dopaminergic neurons: potential role in atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe.
In the French West Indies there is an abnormally high frequency of levodopa-resistant parkinsonism, suggested to be caused by consumption of fruit and infusions of tropical plants, especially Annona muricata ( graviola ). To determine whether toxic substances from this plant can cause the neuronal degeneration or dysfunction underlying the syndrome, we exposed mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons in culture to the total extract (totum) of alkaloids from Annona muricata root bark and to two of the most abundant subfractions, coreximine and reticuline. After 24 hours, 50% of dopaminergic neurons degenerated with 18 microg/ml totum, 4.3 microg/ml (13 microM) coreximine, or 100 microg/ml (304 microM) reticuline. The effects of the alkaloid totum were not restricted to the population of dopaminergic cells since GABAergic neurons were also affected by the treatment. Nuclei in dying neurons showed DNA condensation or fragmentation, suggesting that neuronal death occurred by apoptosis. Cell death was not excitotoxic and did not require toxin uptake by the dopamine transporter. Neurodegeneration was attenuated by increasing the concentration of glucose in the culture medium, which also reduced the effect of the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPP+, a mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitor. Toxin withdrawal after short-term exposure arrested cell death. Acute treatment with totum, coreximine, or reticuline reversibly inhibited dopamine uptake by a mechanism that was distinct from that causing neuronal death. GABA uptake was not reduced under the same conditions. This study suggests that alkaloids from graviola can modulate the function and the survival of dopaminergic nerve cells in vitro. It is therefore conceivable that repeated consumption could cause the neuronal dysfunction and degeneration underlying the West Indian parkinsonian syndrome.

Two new mono-tetrahydrofuran ring acetogenins, annomuricin E and muricapentocin, from the leaves of Annona muricata - graviola.
J Nat Prod. 1998 Apr;61(4):432-6.
Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the leaf extract of Annona muricata L. (graviola) has resulted in the isolation of two new Annonaceous acetogenins, annomuricine (1) and muricapentocin (2). Compounds 1 and 2 are monotetrahydrofuran ring acetogenins bearing two flanking hydroxyl groups; however, each has three additional hydroxyl groups. Compound 1 has an erythro 1,2-diol, and 2 has a 1,5,9-triol moiety. Both 1 and 2 showed significant cytotoxicities against six types of human tumors, with selectivities to the pancreatic carcinoma (PACA-2) and colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Graviola research.

Isoquinoline derivatives isolated from the fruit of Annona muricata ( graviola ) as 5-HTergic 5-HT1A receptor agonists in rats: unexploited antidepressive (lead) products.
J Pharm Pharmacol. 1997 Nov;49(11):1145-9.
Extracts of the graviola plant have been shown to inhibit binding of [3H]rauwolscine to 5-HTergic 5-HT1A receptors in calf hippocampus, and three alkaloids, annonaine (1), nornuciferine (2) and asimilobine (3), isolated from the fruit have been shown to have IC50 values of 3 microM, 9 microM and 5 microM, respectively, although in ligand-binding studies it was not possible to determine whether interaction of these ligands with the receptor was agonistic or antagonistic. These results imply that the fruit of graviola possesses anti-depressive effects, possibly induced by compounds 1, 2 and 3, and that in the past potent leads for the development of anti-depressive therapeutics have not been used.

Five new monotetrahydrofuran ring acetogenins from the leaves of Annona muricata - graviola.
J Nat Prod. 1996 Nov;59(11):1035-42.
Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the leaves of Annona muricata ( graviola ) resulted in the isolation of annopentocins A (1), B (2), and C(3), and cis- and trans-annomuricin-D-ones (4, 5). Compounds 1-3 are the first acetogenins reported bearing a mono-tetrahydrofuran (THF) ring with one flanking hydroxyl, on the hydrocarbon side, and another hydroxyl, on the lactone side, that is one carbon away from the THF ring. Compounds 4 and 5 from graviola were obtained in a mixture and are new mono-THF ring acetogenins bearing two flanking hydroxyls and an erythro-diol located between the THF and the ketolactone rings. Compound 1 was selectively cytotoxic to pancreatic carcinoma cells (PACA-2), and 2 and 3 were selectively cytotoxic to lung carcinoma cells (A-549); the mixture of 4 and 5 was selectively cytotoxic for the lung (A-549), colon (HT-29), and pancreatic (PACA-2) cell lines with potencies equal to or exceeding those of Adriamycin. Graviola anti-cancer benefits.

Muricatocins A and B, two new bioactive monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins from the leaves of Annona muricata (graviola).
J Nat Prod. 1995 Jun;58(6):902-8.
The leaves of Annona muricata (graviola) have yielded the novel monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins, muricatocins A [1] and B [2]. Each compound possesses five hydroxyl groups, with two hydroxyl groups at the C-10 and C-12 positions. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 (except for positions C-10 and C-12) were determined by Mosher ester methodology. The C-10, C-12 acetonides (1c, 2c) suggested relative stereochemistry and significantly enhanced cytotoxicity against the A-549 human lung tumor cell line. Three known monotetrahydrofuran acetogenins, annonacin A, (2,4-trans)-isoannonacin, and (2,4-cis)-isoannonacin, were also found from graviola.

Graviola fruit concerns
As you can read in detail in the research updates above, there is a concern that consuming the graviola fruit for prolonged periods (many years in a row or perhaps a lifetime) may increase the risk for a form of Parkinson's Disease. This is not known for certain at this time but to be cautious, it would be best to take holidays from use of graviola and not eat the fruit for months at a time without a break.

Graviola fruit
Graviola fruit, also known as soursop, can be found in such exotic places as the Amazon jungle and the Caribbean islands. It has a creamy, delicious fruit and a history of medicinal uses. Graviola fruit has long been used to support general well-being. And in recent decades, scientific research has uncovered even more exciting potential health benefits from graviola fruit and extracts.

Graviola extract supplement emails
Q. Two years ago my nephew was scheduled for surgery after a positive biopsy for prostrate cancer. While awaiting surgery he took graviola supplement for two months. His tumors disappeared and his PSA dropped to 2 and his surgery was cancelled. His checkups remain fine. His PSA is now less than 2.

Q. Re: Graviola and cancer. Some 10 years ago I noticed a lump towards the bottom of my breastbone, about the size of a small pea. I thought I had pulled a muscle working out and paid no attention. About eighteen months later I realized there were two lobes about an inch long attached, and enlarged blood vessels had grown to supply them. I knew that tumors chemically stimulate growth in the adjacent blood vessels to fuel further growth, and became concerned. By happenstance I had been recently reading information on graviola bark by a supplement supplier. They also had a capsule within which graviola was combined with another Amazonian plant, also a bark if I recall correctly, which was claimed to work synergistically with the former, and I took a course of that for a few weeks. After about four weeks the lumps changed from a jelly like consistency to one very very much harder, and stopped enlarging. In subsequent weeks the blood vessels began to shrink and fade. (I knew that experiments to stop tumor growth by reducing blood supply were one avenue of current research, and took this as a positive sign). To make sure I took the capsules for about ten weeks or so. Over the years the lumps have been partly reabsorbed. I did not feel it necessary to get medical attention, figuring if the obvious tumors had been taken care of, any metastases that might have been growing would be taken care of too. I am not recommending this to others, this was just my decision. Perhaps graviola is effective for some cancers and tumors. I don't know if mine were cancerous, it was not necessary to have a biopsy as it was so rapidly effective!

Q. I want to get some graviola herb supplement for my dad who has pancreatic cancer but have heard that anti oxidants may interfere with its effects. Is this true and which ones might be a problem? He currently takes; Essiac tea, Apricot kernals, vitamin B17, Vitamin C, Multi vitamin, Miracle mineral supplement, Goji berries, Pancreatic enzyme. Something to oxegenate the blood, Vit A and E emulsion, Barley grass supplement.
   A. We have not come across any human research regarding the role of graviola and cancer. There is hardly any human studies with graviola supplement use. Hence, it is premature to make any claims about graviola and even more premature to make claims that it should or should not be taken in combination with other supplements or antioxidants.

Q. Is graviola a blood thinner? I am taking a graviola supplement and will be having breast cancer surgery in a week, and need to get off all blood thinners.
   A. We have not seen any studies regarding the role of graviola herb on blood clotting or platelet activity. However, it is a good idea to be off supplements and herbs before surgery.

Q. We have a young man (32) in our church who has cancer of the Lymph nodes and it has metastasized into his liver, probably a few other placed too! I am considering buying this graviola extract for the cancer to give to him. How much graviola extract should he take a day? Chemotherapy has not phased his cancer and the doctors tell him they can't do any more.
   A. We wish you could know for certain whether graviola supplements would help him but hardly any human research has been done with graviola for cancer treatment, therefore little is known about the benefits of graviola for cancer.
      Q. I have gotten newsletters from HEALTH SCIENCES INSTITUTE OUT OF OHIO touting the power of graviola for cancer and now you tell me graviola supplement hasn't had viable research done on humans I have been told graviola herb is 10,000 time more powerful than Chemo and it doesn't destroy the good cells. Could you give any clue on proper graviola dosage?
         A. Since there have not been human studies with graviola and cancer, it is anyone's guess what the appropriate graviola dosage would be. You're asking us to give a recommendation when we have no research to base it on. We understand how much you care about healing the cancer, but you are asking for information from us that we just don't have. If we did, we would gladly share. One good option is to begin with one graviola capsule a day and increase the dosage after a few days in consultation with a health care provider.

Q. My mother is 75 years old and has stage 4 colon cancer and has spread to the lymph nodes. Last year she was diagnosed with stage 4 Uterine cancer and had a hysterectomy. She went through 6 horrible chemotherapy treatments went into remission and 3 weeks later discovered inoperable colon cancer. I gave her graviola supplements for her cancer while she doing chemotherapy treatment and she did quite well. Now that the cancer is in the colon I just recently started to try her again on graviola but she gets nauseous and throws up after taking graviola supplement or could it be a reaction to the strong pain killers that she is taking. I was giving her 1000 mg of graviola but I do not want her to vomit. I discontinued the graviola supplement. Could graviola make you nauseous and vomit? Or the pain medicine morphine and methadone?
   A. Pain medications that have opium derivatives such as morphine and codeine, without a doubt, cause nausea and vomiting.

Q. I was informed by my supplement provider that graviola extract depletes COQ10 in your system, or it may keep the Graviola from working. I had breast cancer surgery, and my husband had Lung surgery, and we are taking graviola. We are taking 100mg of COQ10, and 1200 mg 3 times a day of Graviola. I appreciate your help; as this could be a life or death matter for both of us.
   A. We have not seen any studies regarding the interaction of graviola and CoQ10. We wish you optimal health and the best outcome.