Cancer has remained one of the toughest diseases to date for humanity across the world. Many people are actively searching for ‘natural cure’ to this disease that is ravaging many lives.
Soursop—like the name rings with magic—is a fruit of the tropical region and is said to be of great interest to most people due to its cancer-fighting capability. But how near is the reality?
What is Soursop?
Soursop is a green, spiky fruit related to the custard apple and chirimoya. It is originally from the tropical regions of the Americas. It looks, approximately, like a giant green strawberry and a melon with rough skin. It is sweet but slightly acidic, best described as a hybrid of strawberry and pineapple, and comes in a creamy texture.
The plant soursop, at every stage, from the leaves to the fruit, has been used in traditional medicine for millennia. The natives of South and Central America relied on this as their source of healing several years ago. In the scientific world, this is unacceptable; some evidence is required if at least it demands more than tradition can offer.
What Does Scientific Research Say About Soursop and Cancer?
Various lab studies have shown some interesting findings related to the possible anticancer activity of soursop. Researchers found some compounds from soursop, specifically acetogenins, which possibly have a selective killing activity toward cancerous cells. These studies were conducted in laboratory vessels and animals, not clinical trials.
Scientists in a critical publication in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology have demonstrated that possible soursop leaf extracts can inhibit the development of breast cancer cells. A similar publication in the Journal of Medicinal Food recommended that soursop might inhibit tumor size in some types of cancer.
Is This Research Sufficient?
Now, a word of caution: although these early studies are hopeful, they are inconclusive. Most investigations have been done in the lab, so here’s the bottom line:
- Test tube research doesn’t always predict outcomes in human bodies
- Animal-based research needs to be validated in the human subject
- Only by doing a more holistic investigation can concrete evidence be established
Scientists are pleased but cautious. Cancer is a complex disease; no single fruit or extract can be considered a miracle cure.
What’s particularly interesting about Soursop for Cancer Research?
The most fascinating thing about soursop is its acetogenins: Some compounds that appear to interact with cancer cells in ways that might seem unusual and, as such, have not been seen with other substances. These compounds appear to disrupt the energy production of cancer cells. It may
- Inhibit the development of new blood vessels in tumors
- This may make cancer cells more susceptible to cell death
- But recall that “potential” does not mean “proven”. These are early results requiring much more rigorous study.
Do Side Effects from Soursop Pose Any Danger?
While soursop sounds very promising, there is no risk-free avenue. Some studies suggest that neurotoxic effects might be caused when consuming high levels of soursop. People suffering from certain neurological conditions must be more attentive.
Soursop may also affect other medications – especially blood pressure and diabetes medications. Any person considering soursop as an adjunct supplement must consult a healthcare provider first.
How Should People View Soursop Relating To Cancer?
Soursop is an exciting area of ongoing research and certainly not a proven cancer treatment. This nutritionally significant fruit may hold promise for health, but replacing traditional therapies for cancer with such fruit is incorrect and unjustified.
Soursop is among one of the special fruits which if included in the diet it always has positive health impacts in your body. It has vitamin C and antioxidants that makes the product to be associated with a healthy lifestyle. Nonetheless, people should only consume it and not rely on the fruit as a subsitute for cancer treatment or consultation.
What is the take-home message?
Soursop and Cancer: A Scientific Investigation It is an excellent example of how scientific research works: initial findings are exciting, but much verification is needed. Scientists are interested in soursop’s potential but are seriously invested in substantial, evidence-based investigation.
Necessary steps remain for anyone dealing with cancer or concerned about health:
- Maintain a well-balanced, nutritious diet
- Regular health checks
- Adhere to the recommendations of medical professionals
- Stay abreast of new scientific research
Soursop may prove helpful in cancer in the years to come, but this is still a promising field of research rather than an established treatment. This series, from a tropical fruit to a future therapeutic agent, reminds us that medical research often cannot be simple.
So, continue with healthy eating, stay inquisitive, and always seek healthcare experts’ advice on a case-by-case basis.
REFERENCES:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/soursop
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9256652/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6091294/
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/graviola