Nos actifs 14/07/2022

Spotlight on an extraordinary exotic fruit: the Graviola

In Brazil, it is called Graviola. On Réunion Island, Sapotille. In India, Sapadille. In Vietnam, Mang-Cau. In Thailand, Thu-Riankhaeek. In Spain, Guanabana. So many names that designate the fruit of the Graviola, also called Corossolier. This shrub from the tropical forests of Africa, America, and Asia is valued by traditional medicine for its many virtues. Its fruit, leaves, roots, bark, and also its seeds reveal treasures for the health of the body and mind. For several decades, the benefits of graviola have engaged scientists. An overview of an exotic fruit unlike any other.

The fruit

On this small tree with shiny leaves grows the graviola. Heart-shaped, it is an edible fruit recognizable by its dark green bark dotted with small spines. It is quite large as it can measure up to 30 centimeters and weigh between 1 and 5 kilos. Its flesh is white and contains black seeds. Beyond its therapeutic virtues, graviola is used in cooking for its juice, which is both sweet and tangy, reminiscent of the taste of lychee or mango.

Traditional uses

In the tropics, where it grows, graviola has long been consumed by indigenous people for its many therapeutic properties. All parts of the shrub are used: the fruit, bark, leaves, roots, and even seeds. The fruit and its juice are consumed notably against worms and parasites, to reduce fever, to increase breast milk secretion, or as an astringent in diarrhea and dysentery. The bark, leaves, and roots are considered sedative, antispasmodic, hypotensive, and effective against nervous disorders.

In the Peruvian Andes, leaf tea is drunk against catarrh (inflammation of mucous membranes) and seeds are ground against parasites.

In the Amazon, the bark, roots, and leaves are used as sedatives and antispasmodics, as well as against diabetes.

The indigenous people of Guyana consume leaf and/or bark tea as sedatives and cardiac tonics.

In Brazil, leaf tea is taken against liver disorders. Leaf oil and green fruit are mixed with olive oil and applied externally against neuralgia, rheumatism, and joint pain.

In Jamaica, Haiti, and the West Indies, the fruit and its juice are consumed in cases of fever, parasites, and diarrhea. The bark or leaves are prepared as a tea and used as antispasmodics, sedatives, cardiac stimulants, against cough, flu, asthma, and hypertension.

Properties and benefits of graviola

The flesh of graviola is mainly composed of water (80%). Very energetic, it contains carbohydrates (mainly fructose), vitamins (C, B1, B2), proteins, minerals (potassium, iron, phosphorus), amino acids, alkaloids, and fibers.

Due to its nutritional richness, graviola helps support the body in various ways:

It is a powerful diuretic.
It lowers blood pressure.
It helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
It detoxifies the body by boosting liver capacities and facilitates intestinal transit.
It acts as an antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal, and antiparasitic.
It helps fight fever, sleep disorders, stress, and depressive states.
It acts against viruses, herpes, microbes, anti-inflammatory diseases, certain heart and liver diseases.

Moreover, for several decades, a specificity of graviola has interested the scientific community: the acetogenins contained in its leaves. These acetogenins are phytochemical compounds found exclusively in species of the Annonaceae family and are believed to have anti-tumor properties.

Graviola under the scientists' microscope

The active compounds of this exotic fruit have occupied scientists since 1940, with more than a hundred research programs in the United States, India, Japan, Korea, and Europe. Published studies have highlighted its antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antiparasitic, insecticidal, and hepatoprotective properties. A comprehensive review of graviola's virtues was published in 2015 in a meta-analysis conducted at the Faculty of Science in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. However, most research focuses on the chemical compounds present in the fruit, especially in the leaves: the acetogenins.

Natural antibacterial, anti-infectious, and antiviral

Graviola possesses numerous antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, helping to fight parasites and intestinal infections, as well as certain viruses that attack the body.

Strengthens the immune system

Rich in antioxidants, graviola leaves promote the elimination of free radicals. Their acetogenins protect the body from cell oxidation, thereby preventing the development of certain diseases.

Diuretic action

The diuretic properties of graviola leaves help drain the kidneys, thus promoting the elimination of toxins and waste. They also contribute to destroying bacteria present in the bladder and urinary tracts.

Antidiabetic

The acetogenins present in graviola leaves help stabilize blood sugar levels and thus prevent the onset of diabetes. They also promote insulin production in the body, preventing blood sugar spikes.

Anti-inflammatory

The ability of graviola leaves to reduce inflammation makes them an ally for those suffering from rheumatism or arthritis. Indeed, they can remove uric acid from the blood, thus relieving joint pain and treating gout syndrome.

Supports digestion

The many alkaloids present in graviola leaves support the body against bloating, diarrhea, gastric irritations, and poor digestion. They help dissipate liver and stomach pain and promote the elimination of chemical substances, such as cortisone or toxic medications.

Sleep disorders and anxiety

Graviola leaves contain a high level of tryptophan, a molecule that acts on serotonin. Its soothing virtues support the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety and promote sleep.

Anti-cholesterol

Graviola leaves offer cholesterol-lowering properties. They therefore help reduce the incidence of bad cholesterol in the body.

Potential anti-cancer properties of acetogenins

Numerous studies conducted since 1970 have shown the potential of acetogenins. The acetogenins in graviola are said to be much more concentrated and efficient in the leaves than in the fruit. These molecules would contribute to the destruction of tumor cells in several types of cancer, including ovarian, breast, prostate, kidney, pancreatic, lung, liver, and intestinal cancers.

Research has shown that these active ingredients may be capable of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, that is, their programmed cell death. The properties of acetogenins have been notably studied by American Professor Jerry L. McLaughlin from Purdue University in Indiana. In a study published in 1996, he states that certain acetogenins from graviola are "10,000 times more potent on colon cancer cells" than products commonly used in cancer chemotherapy. In 1999, the medical faculty of the Catholic University of Korea also noted that acetogenins would destroy cancer-affected cells but spare healthy cells. Jerry MacLaughin continued his work with his team and discovered in 2000 that the active components of graviola work by blocking the energy sources of cancer cells. In 2003, researchers from Taiwan discovered that the main acetogenin of graviola, Annonacin, was highly toxic against certain cancer cell lines, notably those of the breast, prostate, liver, brain, and skin. Since then, other universities have supplemented this research and published works on the power of acetogenins in several types of cancers, notably those of the lung, breast, pancreas, liver, and prostate.

Do graviola leaves have dangerous properties for health?

Some scientific studies have raised some doubts about a possible correlation between Parkinson's disease and a high consumption of graviola leaves. Research has focused on the issue of alkaloids contained in graviola leaves, which may be toxic at high doses. Alkaloids are neurotoxins that at very high doses could lead to neurodegenerative diseases.

Like most other fruits or plants, graviola only unfolds all its benefits within the framework of an appropriate dosage, and therefore a correct dosage. It is therefore wise to respect the dosage of the products you buy, as well as the duration of the course. In case of a history of Parkinson's, do not hesitate to discuss it with your doctor.

How to consume graviola?

Graviola can be consumed as fruit, juice, sorbet, leaf infusion, powder, or in the form of dietary supplementss. The advantage of capsules is that they allow for a precise and safe dosage within the framework of a dietary supplementation course.