Graviola

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

Annona cherimola, Annona macrocarpa, Annona muricata, Brazilian Cherimoya, Brazilian Paw Paw, Corossol, Corossol Épineux, Corossolier, Durian Benggala, Guanabana, Guanavana, Nangka Blanda, Nangka Londa, Soursop, Sour Sop, Toge-Banreisi.

Overview

Graviola is a small evergreen tree. The leaves, fruit, seeds, and stem are used to make medicine.

Despite safety concerns, graviola is used to treat infections caused by bacteria and parasites including leishmaniasis, a disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of sand fleas; herpes; coughs; and cancer. It is also used to cause vomiting and to empty the bowels. Some people use graviola to help them relax.

Graviola is applied to the skin for arthritis.

In foods, graviola is used in cooking and beverages.

How does it work?

Graviola contains many chemicals that may be active against cancer, as well as disease-causing agents such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Cancer. There is evidence that some of the chemicals in graviola may keep cancer cells from removing anticancer drugs. This may help the drugs work better. Some chemicals in graviola may also kill cancer cells directly.
  • Bacterial infections.
  • Parasitic infections.
  • Coughs.
  • Inflammation of the nose and throat.
  • Herpes.
  • An infection caused by sand fleas (leishmaniasis).
  • Causing relaxation.
  • Causing vomiting.
  • Emptying the bowels.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of graviola for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

Graviola is UNSAFE. It can kill nerve cells in the brain and other parts of the body. It may cause movement disorders similar to Parkinson's disease.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy or breast-feeding: Do not use graviola. It is UNSAFE.

Parkinson's disease: Graviola might make the symptoms of Parkinson's disease worse.

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Dosing

The appropriate dose of graviola depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for graviola. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

FDA Logo

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Alali, F. Q., Liu, X. X., and McLaughlin, J. L. Annonaceous acetogenins: recent progress. J Nat Prod 1999;62(3):504-540. View abstract.

ARMIJO, R. Otubreak of food poisoning at the School of Medicine cafeteria traced to guanabana seed (soursop seed). Bol.Asoc.Med.P.R. 1958;50(5):181-184. View abstract.

Betancur-Galvis, L., Saez, J., Granados, H., Salazar, A., and Ossa, J. Antitumor and antiviral activity of Colombian medicinal plant extracts. Mem.Inst.Oswaldo Cruz 1999;94(4):531-535. View abstract.

Bezerra, V. S., Lima Filho, J. L., Montenegro, M. C., Araujo, A. N., and da Silva, V. L. Flow-injection amperometric determination of dopamine in pharmaceuticals using a polyphenol oxidase biosensor obtained from soursop pulp. J.Pharm.Biomed.Anal. 12-4-2003;33(5):1025-1031. View abstract.

Bories, C., Loiseau, P., Cortes, D., Myint, S. H., Hocquemiller, R., Gayral, P., Cave, A., and Laurens, A. Antiparasitic activity of Annona muricata and Annona cherimolia seeds. Planta Med. 1991;57(5):434-436. View abstract.

Carbajal, D., Casaco, A., Arruzazabala, L., Gonzalez, R., and Fuentes, V. Pharmacological screening of plant decoctions commonly used in Cuban folk medicine. J.Ethnopharmacol. 1991;33(1-2):21-24. View abstract.

Champy, P., Hoglinger, G. U., Feger, J., Gleye, C., Hocquemiller, R., Laurens, A., Guerineau, V., Laprevote, O., Medja, F., Lombes, A., Michel, P. P., Lannuzel, A., Hirsch, E. C., and Ruberg, M. 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;88(1):63-69. View abstract.

Champy, P., Melot, A., Guerineau, Eng, V, Gleye, C., Fall, D., Hoglinger, G. U., Ruberg, M., Lannuzel, A., Laprevote, O., Laurens, A., and Hocquemiller, R. Quantification of acetogenins in Annona muricata linked to atypical parkinsonism in guadeloupe. Mov Disord. 2005;20(12):1629-1633. View abstract.

Chang, F. R. and Wu, Y. C. Novel cytotoxic annonaceous acetogenins from Annona muricata. J.Nat.Prod. 2001;64(7):925-931. View abstract.

Chang, F. R., Liaw, C. C., Lin, C. Y., Chou, C. J., Chiu, H. F., and Wu, Y. C. New adjacent Bis-tetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins from Annona muricata. Planta Med. 2003;69(3):241-246. View abstract.

Damico, D. C., Freire, M. G., Gomes, V. M., Toyama, M. H., Marangoni, S., Novello, J. C., and Macedo, M. L. Isolation and characterization of a lectin from Annona muricata seeds. J.Protein Chem. 2003;22(7-8):655-661. View abstract.

Dos Santos, A. F. and Sant'ana, A. E. The molluscicidal activity of plants used in Brazilian folk medicine. Phytomedicine. 2000;6(6):431-438. View abstract.

Feras, Q. Annonaceous acetogenins: Recent progress. J.Nat.Prod. 1999;62(3):504-540.

Gleye, C., Akendengue, B., Laurens, A., and Hocquemiller, R. Coronin from roots of Annona muricata, a putative intermediate in acetogenin biosynthesis (1). Planta Med. 2001;67(6):570-572. View abstract.

Gleye, C., Duret, P., Laurens, A., Hocquemiller, R., and Cave, A. cis-monotetrahydrofuran acetogenins from the roots of annona muricata1. J.Nat.Prod. 1998;61(5):576-579. View abstract.

Gleye, C., Laurens, A., Hocquemiller, R., Cave, A., Laprevote, O., and Serani, L. Isolation of Montecristin, a Key Metabolite in Biogenesis of Acetogenins from Annona muricata and Its Structure Elucidation by Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry. J.Org.Chem. 2-7-1997;62(3):510-513. View abstract.

Gleye, C., Raynaud, S., Fourneau, C., Laurens, A., Laprevote, O., Serani, L., Fournet, A., and Hocquemiller, R. Cohibins C and D, two important metabolites in the biogenesis of acetogenins from Annona muricata and Annona nutans. J.Nat.Prod. 2000;63(9):1192-1196. View abstract.

Hasrat, J. A., De Bruyne, T., De Backer, J. P., Vauquelin, G., and Vlietinck, A. J. Isoquinoline derivatives isolated from the fruit of Annona muricata as 5-HTergic 5-HT1A receptor agonists in rats: unexploited antidepressive (lead) products. J.Pharm.Pharmacol. 1997;49(11):1145-1149. View abstract.

Hernandez, L., Munoz, R. A., Miro, G., Martinez, M., Silva-Parra, J., and Chavez, P. I. Use of medicinal plants by ambulatory patients in Puerto Rico. Am J Hosp.Pharm 1984;41(10):2060-2064. View abstract.

Kim, G. S., Zeng, L., Alali, F., Rogers, L. L., Wu, F. E., McLaughlin, J. L., and Sastrodihardjo, S. Two new mono-tetrahydrofuran ring acetogenins, annomuricin E and muricapentocin, from the leaves of Annona muricata. J.Nat.Prod. 1998;61(4):432-436. View abstract.

Kim, G. S., Zeng, L., Alali, F., Rogers, L. L., Wu, F. E., Sastrodihardjo, S., and McLaughlin, J. L. Muricoreacin and murihexocin C, mono-tetrahydrofuran acetogenins, from the leaves of Annona muricata. Phytochemistry 1998;49(2):565-571. View abstract.

Kotake, Y., Okuda, K., Kamizono, M., Matsumoto, N., Tanahashi, T., Hara, H., Caparros-Lefebvre, D., and Ohta, S. Detection and determination of reticuline and N-methylcoculaurine in the Annonaceae family using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J.Chromatogr.B Analyt.Technol.Biomed.Life Sci. 6-25-2004;806(1):75-78. View abstract.

Lannuzel, A., Hoglinger, G. U., Champy, P., Michel, P. P., Hirsch, E. C., and Ruberg, M. Is atypical parkinsonism in the Caribbean caused by the consumption of Annonacae? J.Neural Transm.Suppl 2006;(70):153-157. View abstract.

Lannuzel, A., Hoglinger, G. U., Verhaeghe, S., Gire, L., Belson, S., Escobar-Khondiker, M., Poullain, P., Oertel, W. H., Hirsch, E. C., Dubois, B., and Ruberg, M. Atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe: a common risk factor for two closely related phenotypes? Brain 2007;130(Pt 3):816-827. View abstract.

Lannuzel, A., Michel, P. P., Hoglinger, G. U., Champy, P., Jousset, A., Medja, F., Lombes, A., Darios, F., Gleye, C., Laurens, A., Hocquemiller, R., Hirsch, E. C., and Ruberg, M. The mitochondrial complex I inhibitor annonacin is toxic to mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons by impairment of energy metabolism. Neuroscience 2003;121(2):287-296. View abstract.

Leboeuf, M., Legueut, C., Cave, A., Desconclois, J. F., Forgacs, P., and Jacquemin, H. [Alkaloids of Annonaceae. XXIX. Alkaloids of Annona muricata.]. Planta Med. 1981;42(5):37-44. View abstract.

Li, D. Y., Yu, J. G., Zhu, J. X., Yu, D. L., Luo, X. Z., Sun, L., and Yang, S. L. Annonaceous acetogenins of the seeds from Annona muricata. J.Asian Nat.Prod.Res. 2001;3(4):267-276. View abstract.

Liaw, C. C., Chang, F. R., Lin, C. Y., Chou, C. J., Chiu, H. F., Wu, M. J., and Wu, Y. C. New cytotoxic monotetrahydrofuran annonaceous acetogenins from Annona muricata. J.Nat.Prod. 2002;65(4):470-475. View abstract.

Lopez Abraham, A. M., Rojas Hernandez, N. M., and Jimenez Misas, C. A. [Plant extracts with cytostatic properties growing in Cuba. I.]. Rev.Cubana Med.Trop. 1979;31(2):97-104. View abstract.

Luna, Jde S., De Carvalho, J. M., De Lima, M. R., Bieber, L. W., Bento, Ede S., Franck, X., and Sant'ana, A. E. Acetogenins in Annona muricata L. (annonaceae) leaves are potent molluscicides. Nat.Prod.Res. 2006;20(3):253-257. View abstract.

Lutchmedial, M., Ramlal, R., Badrie, N., and Chang-Yen, I. Nutritional and sensory quality of stirred soursop (Annona muricata L.) yoghurt. Int.J.Food Sci.Nutr. 2004;55(5):407-414. View abstract.

Meyer, T. M. The alkaloids of

Morre, D. J., de Cabo, R., Farley, C., Oberlies, N. H., and McLaughlin, J. L. Mode of action of bullatacin, a potent antitumor acetogenin: inhibition of NADH oxidase activity of HeLa and HL-60, but not liver, plasma membranes. Life Sci. 1995;56(5):343-348. View abstract.

N'Gouemo, P. et al. Effects of ethanol extract of

Onimawo, I. A. Proximate composition and selected physicochemical properties of the seed, pulp and oil of sour sop (Annona muricata). Plant Foods Hum.Nutr. 2002;57(2):165-171. View abstract.

Osorio, E., Arango, G. J., Jimenez, N., Alzate, F., Ruiz, G., Gutierrez, D., Paco, M. A., Gimenez, A., and Robledo, S. Antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activities in vitro of Colombian Annonaceae. J.Ethnopharmacol. 5-22-2007;111(3):630-635. View abstract.

Padma, P. et al. Effect of

Rieser, M. J., Fang, X. P., Rupprecht, J. K., Hui, Y. H., Smith, D. L., and McLaughlin, J. L. Bioactive single-ring acetogenins from seed extracts of Annona muricata. Planta Med. 1993;59(1):91-92. View abstract.

Rieser, M. J., Gu, Z. M., Fang, X. P., Zeng, L., Wood, K. V., and McLaughlin, J. L. Five novel mono-tetrahydrofuran ring acetogenins from the seeds of Annona muricata. J.Nat.Prod. 1996;59(2):100-108. View abstract.

Tormo, J. R., Gonzalez, M. C., Cortes, D., and Estornell, E. Kinetic characterization of mitochondrial complex I inhibitors using annonaceous acetogenins. Arch.Biochem.Biophys. 9-1-1999;369(1):119-126. View abstract.

Tormo, J. R., Zafra-Polo, M. C., Serrano, A., Estornell, E., and Cortes, D. Epoxy-acetogenins and other polyketide epoxy derivatives as inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. Planta Med. 2000;66(4):318-323. View abstract.

Wu, F. E., Gu, Z. M., Zeng, L., Zhao, G. X., Zhang, Y., McLaughlin, J. L., and Sastrodihardjo, S. Two new cytotoxic monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins, annomuricins A and B, from the leaves of Annona muricata. J.Nat.Prod. 1995;58(6):830-836. View abstract.

Wu, F. E., Zeng, L., Gu, Z. M., Zhao, G. X., Zhang, Y., Schwedler, J. T., McLaughlin, J. L., and Sastrodihardjo, S. Muricatocins A and B, two new bioactive monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins from the leaves of Annona muricata. J.Nat.Prod. 1995;58(6):902-908. View abstract.

Wu, F. E., Zhao, G. X., Zeng, L., Zhang, Y., Schwedler, J. T., McLaughlin, J. L., and Sastrodihardjo, S. Additional bioactive acetogenins, annomutacin and (2,4-trans and cis)-10R-annonacin-A-ones, from the leaves of Annona muricata. J.Nat.Prod. 1995;58(9):1430-1437. View abstract.

Yu, J. G., Gui, H. Q., Luo, X. Z., and Sun, L. Murihexol, a linear acetogenin from Annona muricata. Phytochemistry 11-20-1998;49(6):1689-1692. View abstract.

Yu, J. G., Gui, H. Q., Luo, X. Z., Sun, L., Zhu, P., and Yu, Z. L. [Studies on the chemical constituents of Annona muricata]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1997;32(6):431-437. View abstract.

Yuan, S. S., Chang, H. L., Chen, H. W., Yeh, Y. T., Kao, Y. H., Lin, K. H., Wu, Y. C., and Su, J. H. Annonacin, a mono-tetrahydrofuran acetogenin, arrests cancer cells at the G1 phase and causes cytotoxicity in a Bax- and caspase-3-related pathway. Life Sci. 5-9-2003;72(25):2853-2861. View abstract.

Zeng, L., Wu, F. E., Oberlies, N. H., McLaughlin, J. L., and Sastrodihadjo, S. Five new monotetrahydrofuran ring acetogenins from the leaves of Annona muricata. J.Nat.Prod. 1996;59(11):1035-1042. View abstract.

Caparros-Lefebvre D, Elbaz A. Possible relation of atypical parkinsonism in the French West Indies with consumption of tropical plants: a case-control study. Caribbean Parkinsonism Study Group. Lancet 1999;354:281-6. View abstract.

dos Santos AF, Sant'Ana AE. Molluscicidal properties of some species of Annona. Phytomedicine 2001;8:115-20.. View abstract.

Jaramillo MC, Arango GJ, Gonzalez MC, et al. Cytotoxicity and antileishmanial activity of Annona muricata pericarp. Fitoterapia 2000;71:183-6. View abstract.

Lannuzel A, Michel PP, Caparros-Lefebvre D, et al. Toxicity of Annonaceae for dopaminergic neurons: potential role in atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe. Mov Disord 2002;17:84-90. View abstract.

Oberlies NH, Chang CJ, McLaughlin JL. Structure-activity relationships of diverse Annonaceous acetogenins against multidrug resistant human mammary adenocarcinoma (MCF-7/Adr) cells. J Med Chem 1997;40:2102-6. View abstract.

Padma P, Pramod NP, Thyagarajan SP, Khosa RL. Effect of the extract of Annona muricata and Petunia nyctaginiflora on Herpes simplex virus. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;61:81-3. View abstract.

Roman G. Tropical myeloneuropathies revisited. Curr Opin Neurol 1998;11:539-44. View abstract.