What is a soursop?

Soursop, also known as graviola (Annona muricata L), is a fruit which has recently gained attention due to its antitumor, anti-inflammatory² and antihypertensive properties⁴, to name a few. It is found in the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Africa.² Its season is the October to December period.¹⁹ 

Compounds in soursop

Soursop also contains the following bioactive compounds which are medicinal: 

• Coumarins 
• Tannins 
• Flavonoids 
• Phenols 
• Terpenoids 
• Saponins⁵ 
• Gallic acid 
• Anthocyanin 
• Acetogenins 
• Alkaloids 
• Megastigmanes 
• Quercetin⁵ 

Some of its antioxidant properties come from alkaloids, vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotenoids.⁵ It also possesses Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6, carbohydrates, protein and water.¹⁹ These components come together and create an efficient natural remedy. Below are the properties of soursop and the compounds associated with the properties:

Digestive wellness

Achieving optimal health involves taking care of different aspects of wellness, such as digestive wellness, which plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) defines digestive wellness as “the proper functioning of the digestive system, which is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients along with the removal of waste from the body”.¹ 

The digestive system is central to maintaining digestive health and the central nervous system is linked to the digestive system. They have a bidirectional relationship. Although they have different roles.⁹ Ensuring the well-being of both systems is pivotal to promoting digestive wellness.

Now, let's delve into some terms and their significance.

The gut, also known as the gastrointestinal tract, consists of the stomach, intestine, and colon and is part of the digestive system. These organs take part in the process of digestion.¹⁰ The CNS, that is the central nervous system, includes the brain and spinal cord and uses nerve cells to transmit signals to and from different systems, muscles, and even the digestive system.¹¹ 

While the CNS contains the highest number of nerve cells in the body, the gut comes in second place compared to other body parts. It is often referred to as the "second brain". This similarity is the paramount link between the two. The enteric nervous system, the vagus nerve from the CNS, and the gut microbiome in the gastrointestinal tract are components of this link that impact the CNS or the gut.⁸ Researchers have found a link between microbial metabolism and antimicrobial properties that directly affect the gut-brain connection.^{.21, 22}

Source: Ana Kuznetsova using BioRender

Can soursop be considered an efficient natural remedy?

The gut-brain connection can impact various aspects of digestion like hunger, cravings, satiety, metabolism, gut motility, food intolerances and stress levels.⁸ Additionally, it is related to certain digestive disorders such as functional constipation, diarrhoea, functional dyspepsia, and gastroparesis. Also, obesity and chronic stress.⁸ Consuming soursop is a remedy that can impact the gut-brain connection due to its antimicrobial properties and ultimately promote digestive wellness. 

Why is it necessary to have a healthy digestive system?

It's common knowledge that living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining good eating habits are necessary. Many people are committed to activities like cardio and pilates, simply walking more and taking on veggie challenges.

These activities are profitable, but it's equally important to care for the health of our gut. In an interview with Dr Elisabeth Lipski²³, a professor of clinical nutrition and author of various books on digestion, she explained that leaky gut syndrome⁶, a hypothetical condition of increased permeability in the lining of the intestine walls¹⁵ linking it to several medical issues such as allergies, coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, HIV, and malabsorption syndrome.⁶ It triggers autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.⁶

Additionally, it's commonly seen in individuals with AIDS, liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, lung conditions like asthma and bronchitis, as well as other health conditions. Also, It is possible that an unhealthy gut could contribute to skin issues, allergies, weight loss, fibromyalgia, attention deficit disorder or recurring headaches.⁶ 

Another expert in oncology supports the link between poor digestion and gut health and the various ailments like obesity, allergies, diabetes and certain types of cancer¹⁴ it leads to. These experts' insights confirm that gut health is essential for a healthy digestive system. 

Common digestive system disorders 

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 
2. Gallstones
3. Heartburn 
4. Coeliac disease 
5. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
6. Bowel infections 

Now, let’s discover the… 

Incredible impact of Soursop on your digestive well-being!

The ability of our digestive system to break down, absorb and remove the food we eat from our body depends on numerous factors. Let's explore some of them. 

Macronutrients in soursop 

Constipation: Soursop fruit contains 83% of the recommended daily fibre and promotes regularity of bowel movement and satiety, thereby alleviating digestive problems such as constipation.¹⁶

Breakdown and absorption: Soursop leaves stimulate collagen and elastin production needed for the breakdown and absorption process. It also facilitates iron absorption,²⁰ making it even more beneficial.

Digestive enzyme synthesis: Soursop is rich in vitamin B3 called niacin, a super vitamin that helps to combine coenzymes such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and its phosphorylated form, NADP. These are essential for carbohydrates, fats, and proteins digestion into usable energy¹⁷ for a healthy digestive system. Please note that Vitamin B3 deficiency leads to pellagra, identified by diarrhoea, mental and skin disturbance and possibly death.¹⁸

Chemical compounds in soursop 

Gastroprotection: Soursop contains Quercetin, one of the most potent antioxidant flavonoids that protects cells from free radicals. It helps decrease gastric acid production, maintaining a balance in the stomach. Also, it prevents lipid peroxidation of the gastric cell, protecting the gastric line (cells lining the stomach) from ulcers. This makes it an efficient gastroprotective agent.³

Antidiarrhoeal: Soursop contains two compounds called saponin and tannin¹³ which have an antidiarrhoeal effect by slowing down intestinal motility and inhibiting the release of substances that cause diarrhoea.⁷ 

Phytochemicals and antioxidants in soursop 

When the digestive system gets inflamed, it can cause digestive issues. Bacterial or parasitic infections harm your digestive health. Soursop has phytochemicals and antioxidants that help fight these infections. These compounds support your immune system and rid your stomach of free radicals, protecting your digestive cells from oxidative stress. Also, balancing your gut environment.⁵ 

Probiotics 

Scientists have discovered that soursop can be used to make probiotic yoghurts. Probiotics are good bacteria that help protect our gut by creating an environment where good bacteria thrive in our gut, thereby preventing infection.¹² 

Consumption tips

Soursop is a palatable fruit and can be consumed in various ways.²² There is no best way to consume this fruit since each of the different ways is very beneficial. 

1. It can be eaten as a fruit in its natural form or can be dried
2. Using soursop’s leaf, you can make a warm tea by infusion, helping it preserve their properties¹⁹
3. You can also blend it with other fruits to make a smoothie. Avoid the seed as it may contain some toxic substances 
4. Finally, you can make juice out of it
5. Soursop has been made into an essential oil, but this is only for cosmetic purposes and should not be consumed 

Contraindications

Although soursop has various powerful effects upon use, it should be noted that not everyone should be consuming this fruit. Consult your doctor before use if on regular medications as it interferes with some medication. Additionally, excessive consumption of soursop’s fruit leaf should be avoided as this may lead to health problems.¹⁹

1. Soursop should be avoided by those with hypotension (low blood pressure) due to its anti-hypertensive properties 
2. Soursop may also interfere with medication used to treat hypertension. Those on anti-hypertensive drugs should consult with their doctor before consumption 
3. Lactating and pregnant women should also avoid consuming soursop in any form 
4. Soursop can aggravate Parkinson’s symptoms. Patients with parkinsonism should also avoid consumption. 
5. Although soursop’s sweet taste is a reason for its popularity, this is no good news for diabetic patients as it may affect their sugar level due to its high sugar content

FAQ’s

What does soursop do to your body?

Soursop has various functions, such as aiding digestion, promoting iron absorption and relieving constipation and diarrhoea due to its antioxidant and probiotic properties. 

Is it safe to eat soursop every day?

Soursop leaf makes an excellent tea when infused but shouldn't be consumed in excess because it contains some neurotoxic substances that harm health.

Who should not drink soursop tea?

Although it has various properties that can help with diabetes, inflammation, infection and possibly cancer, it has some contraindications; please refer to the information above.

Is soursop a laxative?

Yes, it helps with constipation because of its high fibre content.

Is it good to take soursop at night?

If you are on regular medication, you should consult your doctor.

How much soursop can you drink a day?

1-2 soursop tea or juice a day is beneficial.

What are the side effects of soursop tea?

Soursop may cause some allergic reactions and can interfere with certain medications. Additionally, it has a neurotoxic effect.

How long does it take soursop to start working?

The time it takes for soursop to start working depends on the form of consumption and the specific condition it is being used for.

Summary

Soursop has some compounds and properties that have been deemed invaluable since ancient times, making it a powerful natural remedy, a fact that has only recently been proven by science. Soursop is a super fruit with natural wonders, incorporating it into your diet is beneficial due to its gastroprotective, digestive, calming,¹³ and antidiarrheal effects.¹³ 
Soursop also boosts gut motility, scavenges and neutralises free radicals, protecting the digestive system from infections and supporting a balanced gut environment to prevent parasitic and bacterial infections that affect the digestive and immune systems.