Soursop and graviola are two names for the same tropical fruit – Annona muricata – which grows in South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa. In Sweden, interest in soursop as a dietary supplement has increased significantly in recent years. But what does the research actually say, and where can you buy it in Sweden?
What does soursop contain?
Soursop is rich in acetogenins – a group of bioactive compounds unique to the Annonaceae family that has attracted the most research interest. The fruit also contains vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium and potassium, as well as a range of antioxidants including flavonoids and tannins.
What does the research say?
Most of the research on soursop is laboratory-based or conducted on animals. Cell studies have shown that the acetogenins in soursop have a cytotoxic effect – the ability to kill cancer cells in culture. This is where the strong claims circulating online come from. However, there is a significant methodological leap from cell studies to conclusions about effects in humans, and clinical evidence is currently lacking.
What is more solidly substantiated are soursop's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Animal studies point to effects against oxidative stress, blood pressure regulation, and antimicrobial activity. These are reasonable properties to attribute to the supplement based on existing research.
Soursop leaves – what are they?
Soursop leaves – the leaves from the graviola tree – contain the highest concentration of acetogenins and are traditionally used as tea in their native countries. This is why many people specifically search for soursop leaves or soursop tea. As a supplement, leaf and fruit kernel extracts are most common.
Can you buy soursop in Sweden?
Yes – soursop is available as a dietary supplement in Sweden in the form of capsules containing dried extract from leaves or fruit. It is legal to buy and use. Fresh soursop fruit is harder to find but is sometimes available in exotic food stores in major cities.
At Noop, you can find soursop extract in our Longevity dietary supplements.