Graviola, also know as Soursop, is a small evergreen tree from the Amazon. One of the herbal remedies rainforest natives have used for generations, graviola has a rich history. Amazon natives are know to use
all parts of the graviola tree
for its profound healing properties – among them, immune, circulatory and lymphatic support, and anti-depressive effects. Research since the 1940s has validated and expanded understanding of this herb and its unique phyto-nutritional qualities. Several hundred bioactive annonaceous acetogenins have been isolated from graviola and other members of its species.
The healing powers of Graviola have been confirmed by three separate research groups, annonaceous acetogenins chemicals found in graviola have significant antitumorous properties and provide selective toxicity against various types of cancer cells (without harming healthy cells). Eight clinical studies have been published on the subject. Many of the acetogenins have demonstrated selective toxicity to tumor cells at very low dosages—as little as 1 part per million. In 1998 four studies were published which further specify the chemicals and acetogenins in graviola which are demonstrating the strongest anticancerous, antitumorous, and antiviral properties.
A 1976 National Cancer Institute plant screening program found graviola leaves and stems to show active toxicity against cancer cells and researchers have been following up on these findings since. Thus far, specific acetogenins in graviola and/or extracts of graviola have been reported to be selectively toxic to many types of tumor cells, including prostate adenocarcinoma.
