14/07/2022

Focus on the research of Mutakin, M. et al. "Pharmacological Activities of Soursoup"

Known scientifically as Annona muricata, graviola is a plant widely used in traditional medicines to support and prevent many diseases. Especially known for its acetogenins, graviola appears to have pharmacological activities that have been extensively tested, in vitro and in vivo, by modern science. A closer look at the review by Mutakin, M. et al. covering 49 studies published between 1981 and 2021 [1].

What is graviola?

Commonly called Guanabana or Corossol, due to the sweet and sour taste of its fruit, graviola is a fruit-bearing plant belonging to the Annonaceae family. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, South America, and the tropical forests of Africa.

Different parts of this plant are reputed and traditionally used for various benefits: the seeds for parasitic infections; the fruit for arthritis, nervous disorders, and diarrhea; and the leaves for cystitis and insomnia [2,3].

Annona Muricata contains various substances. Among them, acetogenins (annomuricins and annonacin), alkaloids (coreximine and reticuline), flavonoids (quercetin), and vitamins. These substances each have activities on our body [1].

Key points of the review “Pharmacological Activities of Soursop”

The review published in January 2022 by Mutakin, M. et al. covers the chemical compounds of Graviola, its traditional uses, and its pharmacological activities based on the analysis of 49 studies published between 1981 and 2021.

According to studies, Graviola is traditionally used for skin diseases, respiratory diseases, fever, diarrhea, bacterial infections, diabetes, hypertension, headaches, and insomnia. 

The main pharmacological activities demonstrated in studies are: anti-cancer (25%), anti-ulcer (17%), anti-diabetic (14%), anti-protozoal (10%), anti-diarrheal (8%), antibacterial (8%), antiviral (8%), anti-hypertension (6%), and wound healing (4%).

Explanations.

Traditional medical uses of graviola

The review by Mutakin, M. et al.[1] summarizes several studies that have examined the traditional uses of different parts of Graviola. These studies highlighted the following uses and characteristics:

• respiratory and skin diseases [4]
• stomach aches [5,6]
• cystitis [2]
• diabetes [4,5,6]
• diarrhea [2,7] and dysentery [3]
• fever [2,4]
• bacterial, fungal [2], and parasitic infections [4,5,6]
• analgesic [4] and sedative [2,4] activities
• anthelmintic, antispasmodic, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory activities [2,4].

 

Pharmacological activities of graviola

If Graviola is widely used as a traditional medicine, it is because of its pharmacological properties. These properties were studied in 49 research articles, reviewed by Mutakin, M. et al. [1] and included anticancer (25%), antiulcer (17%), antidiabetic (14%), antiprotozoal (10%), antidiarrheal (8%), antibacterial (8%), antiviral (8%), antihypertensive (6%), and wound healing (4%) properties.

According to studies, the anticancer activity of Graviola is linked to several mechanisms depending on the parts of Annona muricata used. Extracts from fruits, stems, seeds, and twigs help inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) [8]. Extracts from leaves, twigs, and roots promote the inhibition of cancer cell growth [9, 13]. In the case of lung cancer [10], colorectal [11], and breast cancer [12], it appears that the use of Graviola leaf extract induces apoptosis. Furthermore, several compounds of Annona muricata show antiproliferative effects: acetogenins in the case of prostate cancer [14] and colorectal [13], annomuricine E [13], annonacin [15].

Also, studies have focused on the anti-ulcer effect of Graviola. This effect is due to the high concentration of flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, which have effects because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastro-protective properties [1]. Several studies demonstrate gastric protective activities by reducing the ulceration process through the activation of prostaglandin synthesis and the suppression of aggressive factors of the gastric mucosa [16]. Other studies have shown anti-ulcer activity through the regulation of Bax and Hsp70 [17].  

The antidiabetic activity of Annona Muricata is due to the antioxidant properties contained in the fruits and leaves of Graviola [18] [4] as well as flavonoids that inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase, suppressing carbohydrate hydrolysis and glucose absorption and inhibiting carbohydrate metabolism into glucose [19].

Similarly, the anti-diarrheal activity of Annona Muricata is attributed to flavonoids, triterpenoids, and saponins which play a role by inhibiting intestinal motility and secretions that cause diarrhea [20].

Regarding the action on hypertension, research has shown that extracts from the fruit and leaves of Annona muricata have antihypertensive properties [18], notably by lowering blood pressure [21].

Finally, studies on Graviola have demonstrated antibacterial and antiviral activities. One study reported that the bioactive compounds of Annona muricata, such as alkaloids, attack the bacterial membrane (plasma and outer membrane), resulting in broad-spectrum antibacterial activity [22]. Several studies have demonstrated antiviral activity of Annona muricata due to the presence of rutin [23]. Also, acetogenins can be considered antiviral agents, notably against SARS-CoV-2, and should be studied in vitro and in vivo [24].

Toxicity and danger of graviola

Several studies have been conducted to determine the toxicity of Annona muricata. Generally, the toxicity level depends on the part of the plant as well as the solvent. Indeed, one study showed that the aqueous extract of A. muricata had an LD50 > 5 g/kg, while that of the ethanolic extract was > 2 g/kg. Another study reported an LD50 of >211 mg/kg for the aqueous leaf extract, which is above the recommended daily consumption limit for humans. Another study reported that acetogenin is a neurotoxin which, at high doses, can be neurotoxic and cause neurodegenerative disorders. It is also thought that certain alkaloids present in A. muricata affect nerve cells.

However, the studied doses that produced negative effects are equivalent to consuming one fruit every day for a year. Thus, research on the neurotoxicity of annonacin indicates that neurodegenerative disorders caused by these compounds occur due to continuous exposure or consumption.

That is why, to avoid the onset of neurodegenerative disorders that could be due to compounds of Annona muricata, excessive and continuous consumption is not recommended. Furthermore, additional research and clinical trials on pure compounds are necessary to ensure the safety of Annona muricata as a potential medicine for various diseases.

 

N.B.: The scientific research presented is for informational purposes only. This information should not be read as recommending or endorsing specific products. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

 

Sources

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