Graviola tree, also known as soursop, is found in the Amazon jungle and some of the Caribbean islands. The graviola tree (Annona muricata) produces a delicious fruit which is widely consumed by indigenous peoples. (There seems to be some confusion regarding calling the graviola fruit Brazilian pawpaw or papaw since fruits from other plant species may also be called pawpaw, such as the tropical fruit papaya (Carica papaya).) The fruit and the leaves of graviola are used in traditional medicine for their tranquillizing and sedative properties.

Graviola by Physician Formulas

This graviola product is 100% pure ground natural plant material.

Graviola Supplement Facts:
Graviola - 500 mg *
   (Annona muricata) leaf & stern           

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Subscribe to a FREE Supplement Research Update newsletter. Twice a month we email a brief abstract of several studies on various supplements and natural medicine topics, and their practical interpretation by Ray Sahelian, M.D. We will discuss graviola cancer research as more information becomes available.

Suggested Use:  As a dietary supplement, take 1 graviola capsule a few times a week or as directed by a health care professional. Take breaks from use, for instance one week off per month.
* Graviola daily value not established

What does the research say about Graviola
We cannot find any research with graviola done with humans, or even animals. There are dozens of laboratory tests done in test tubes with graviola or graviola extract. Some of these studies show graviola to have anti-viral, anti-parasitic and potent anti- cancer properties. However we do not know if graviola has the same properties if ingested as a supplement in humans.

Thoughts on Graviola
Until human trials are done, it is difficult to make any recommendations regarding graviola. Does graviola work well when taken as a supplement? What is the ideal dosage? Is it better to take a graviola whole powder supplement or a graviola extract? How often should graviola be taken and for how long? These are questions that still need to be answered through rigorous research. For more graviola information. There are several other herbs that have become popular, including Mangosteen supplement, Acai supplement, and Hoodia-Extract for weight loss and Bioperine. For more mangosteen information.

What's in Graviola?
There are quite a number of compounds in graviola with exotic and long names. Some of these include acetogenins, muricins, and many others. The leaves of graviola have muricatocins, annomuricins, acetogenins gigantetrocin A, annonacin-10-one, muricatetrocins A and B, annonacin, and goniothalamicin.

Graviola and Cancer
Although laboratory research with graviola and cancer looks promising, little is known about the role graviola supplements would play in human cancer prevention or treatment. Therefore, at this point, the role of graviola and cancer in humans in unclear.

Graviola Extract
we are aware that some companies sell a graviola extract, but whether a graviola extract offers benefits beyond that of regular graviola whole powder is not known.

Graviola and atypical Parkinson's
Is atypical parkinsonism in the Caribbean caused by the consumption of Annonacae?
J Neural Transm Suppl. 2006;(70):153-7. Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe, France.
An abnormally frequent atypical levodopa -unresponsive, akinetic-rigid syndrome with some similarity to PSP was identified in the Caribbean island Guadeloupe, and was associated with the consumption of plants of the Annonacea family, especially Annona muricata (corossol, soursop) suggesting a possible toxic etiology. Annonaceae contain two groups of potential toxins, alkaloids and acetogenins. Both alkaloids and annonacin, the most abundant acetogenin, were toxic in vitro to dopaminergic and other neurons. However we have focused our work on annonacin for two reasons: (1) annonacin was toxic in nanomolar concentrations, whereas micromolar concentrations of the alkaloids were needed, (2) acetogenins are potent mitochondrial poisons, like other parkinsonism-inducing compounds. We have also shown that high concentrations of annonacin are present in the fruit or aqueous extracts of the leaves of A. muricata, can cross the blood brain barrier since it was detected in brain parenchyma of rats treated chronically with the molecule, and induced neurodegeneration of basal ganglia in these animals, similar to that observed in atypical parkinsonism. These studies reinforce the concept that consumption of Annonaceae may contribute to the pathogenesis of atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe.

Graviola for dog or pet
Q. My dog has lymphoma. He is undergoing chemo for the last 9 months. We also put him on salvestrol which is not working. He has been on salvestrol for about 3 months. I heard about graviola extract and would like to know if my dog who is 11 pounds can take it and what dose would you recommend?
   A. We have not seen research with graviola extract and lymphoma in a dog. If the vet approves, your dog could take a quarter or so of a capsule, but we are just guessing on the dosage since we have no studies to rely on.

Graviola Research Update
Proximate composition and selected physicochemical properties of the seed, pulp and oil of sour sop (Annona muricata - graviola ).
Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2002 Spring;57(2):165-71.
Proximate composition and physicochemical analyses were carried out on the seed, pulp and extracted oil of sour sop ( graviola ). The results showed that the graviola seed contained 8.5% moisture, 2.4% crude protein, 13.6% ash, 8.0% crude fiber, 20.5% fat and 47.0% carbohydrate. The graviola seed also contained 0.2% water soluble ash, 0.79% titratable acidity and 17.0 mg calcium/100 g. The graviola pulp was found to contain 81% moisture, 3.43% titratable acidity and 24.5% non-reducing sugar. Selected physicochemical characteristics included refractive indices of 1.335 for the graviola seed and 1.356 for the pulp, pH values of 8.34 for the graviola seed and 4.56 for the pulp, and soluble solids contents of 1.5 degrees Brix for the graviola seed and 15 degrees Brix for the pulp.

Effect of the extract of Annona muricata ( graviola extract ) and Petunia nyctaginiflora on Herpes simplex virus.
J Ethnopharmacol. 1998 May;61(1):81-3.
Annona muricata (graviola) and Petunia nyctaginiflora (Solanaceae) were screened for their activity against Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and clinical isolate (obtained from the human keratitis lesion). We have looked at the ability of extract(s) to inhibit the cytopathic effect of HSV-1 on vero cells as indicative of anti-HSV-1 potential. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ethanolic extract of graviola and aqueous extract of P. nyctaginiflora was found to be 1 mg/ml.

Annonacin, a lipophilic inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, induces nigral and striatal neurodegeneration in rats: possible relevance for atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe.
J Neurochem. 2004 Jan;88(1):63-9.
In Guadeloupe, epidemiological data have linked atypical parkinsonism with fruit and herbal teas from plants of the Annonaceae family, particularly Annona muricata ( graviola ). These plants contain a class of powerful, lipophilic complex I inhibitors, the annonaceous acetogenins. To determine the neurotoxic potential of these substances, we administered annonacin, the major acetogenin of graviola, to rats intravenously with Azlet osmotic minipumps (3.8 and 7.6 mg per kg per day for 28 days). Annonacin inhibited complex I in brain homogenates in a concentration-dependent manner, and, when administered systemically, entered the brain parenchyma, where it was detected by matrix-associated laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, and decreased brain ATP levels by 44%. In the absence of evident systemic toxicity, we observed neuropathological abnormalities in the basal ganglia and brainstem nuclei. Stereological cell counts showed significant loss of dopaminergic neurones in the substantia nigra (-31.7%), and cholinergic (-37.9%) and dopamine and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32)-immunoreactive GABAergic neurones (-39.3%) in the striatum, accompanied by a significant increase in the number of astrocytes (35.4%) and microglial cells (73.4%). The distribution of the lesions was similar to that in patients with atypical parkinsonism. These data are compatible with the theory that annonaceous acetogenins, such as annonacin, might be implicated in the aetiology of Guadeloupean parkinsonism and support the hypothesis that some forms of parkinsonism might be induced by environmental toxins.

Toxicity of Annonaceae for dopaminergic neurons: potential role in atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe.
In the French West Indies there is an abnormally high frequency of levodopa-resistant parkinsonism, suggested to be caused by consumption of fruit and infusions of tropical plants, especially Annona muricata ( graviola ). To determine whether toxic substances from this plant can cause the neuronal degeneration or dysfunction underlying the syndrome, we exposed mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons in culture to the total extract (totum) of alkaloids from Annona muricata root bark and to two of the most abundant subfractions, coreximine and reticuline. After 24 hours, 50% of dopaminergic neurons degenerated with 18 microg/ml totum, 4.3 microg/ml (13 microM) coreximine, or 100 microg/ml (304 microM) reticuline. The effects of the alkaloid totum were not restricted to the population of dopaminergic cells since GABAergic neurons were also affected by the treatment. Nuclei in dying neurons showed DNA condensation or fragmentation, suggesting that neuronal death occurred by apoptosis. Cell death was not excitotoxic and did not require toxin uptake by the dopamine transporter. Neurodegeneration was attenuated by increasing the concentration of glucose in the culture medium, which also reduced the effect of the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPP+, a mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitor. Toxin withdrawal after short-term exposure arrested cell death. Acute treatment with totum, coreximine, or reticuline reversibly inhibited dopamine uptake by a mechanism that was distinct from that causing neuronal death. GABA uptake was not reduced under the same conditions. This study suggests that alkaloids from graviola can modulate the function and the survival of dopaminergic nerve cells in vitro. It is therefore conceivable that repeated consumption could cause the neuronal dysfunction and degeneration underlying the West Indian parkinsonian syndrome.

Cytotoxicity and antileishmanial activity of Annona muricata pericarp - graviola.
Fitoterapia. 2000 Apr;71(2):183-6.
Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Annona muricata pericarp ( graviola ) were tested in vitro against Leishmania braziliensis and L. panamensis promastigotes, and against cell line U-937. The ethyl acetate graviola extract was more active than the other extracts and even of Glucantime used as reference substance. Its fractionation led to the isolation of three acetogenins--annonacin, annonacin A and annomuricin A.

Two new mono-tetrahydrofuran ring acetogenins, annomuricin E and muricapentocin, from the leaves of Annona muricata - graviola.
J Nat Prod. 1998 Apr;61(4):432-6.
Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the leaf extract of Annona muricata L. (graviola) has resulted in the isolation of two new Annonaceous acetogenins, annomuricine (1) and muricapentocin (2). Compounds 1 and 2 are monotetrahydrofuran ring acetogenins bearing two flanking hydroxyl groups; however, each has three additional hydroxyl groups. Compound 1 has an erythro 1,2-diol, and 2 has a 1,5,9-triol moiety. Both 1 and 2 showed significant cytotoxicities against six types of human tumors, with selectivities to the pancreatic carcinoma (PACA-2) and colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Graviola research.

Isoquinoline derivatives isolated from the fruit of Annona muricata ( graviola ) as 5-HTergic 5-HT1A receptor agonists in rats: unexploited antidepressive (lead) products.
J Pharm Pharmacol. 1997 Nov;49(11):1145-9.
Extracts of the graviola plant have been shown to inhibit binding of [3H]rauwolscine to 5-HTergic 5-HT1A receptors in calf hippocampus, and three alkaloids, annonaine (1), nornuciferine (2) and asimilobine (3), isolated from the fruit have been shown to have IC50 values of 3 microM, 9 microM and 5 microM, respectively, although in ligand-binding studies it was not possible to determine whether interaction of these ligands with the receptor was agonistic or antagonistic. These results imply that the fruit of graviola possesses anti-depressive effects, possibly induced by compounds 1, 2 and 3, and that in the past potent leads for the development of anti-depressive therapeutics have not been used.

Five new monotetrahydrofuran ring acetogenins from the leaves of Annona muricata - graviola.
J Nat Prod. 1996 Nov;59(11):1035-42.
Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the leaves of Annona muricata ( graviola ) resulted in the isolation of annopentocins A (1), B (2), and C(3), and cis- and trans-annomuricin-D-ones (4, 5). Compounds 1-3 are the first acetogenins reported bearing a mono-tetrahydrofuran (THF) ring with one flanking hydroxyl, on the hydrocarbon side, and another hydroxyl, on the lactone side, that is one carbon away from the THF ring. Compounds 4 and 5 from graviola were obtained in a mixture and are new mono-THF ring acetogenins bearing two flanking hydroxyls and an erythro-diol located between the THF and the ketolactone rings. Compound 1 was selectively cytotoxic to pancreatic carcinoma cells (PACA-2), and 2 and 3 were selectively cytotoxic to lung carcinoma cells (A-549); the mixture of 4 and 5 was selectively cytotoxic for the lung (A-549), colon (HT-29), and pancreatic (PACA-2) cell lines with potencies equal to or exceeding those of Adriamycin. Graviola anti-cancer benefits.

Graviola fruit concerns
As you can read in detail in the research updates above, there is a concern that consuming the graviola fruit for prolonged periods (many years in a row or perhaps a lifetime) may increase the risk for a form of Parkinson's Disease. This is not known for certain at this time but to be cautious, it would be best to take holidays from use of graviola and not eat the fruit for months at a time without a break. The graviola in the capsules that are provided come from the stem and leaves and we don't know for sure at this time how the chemical composition of these leaves and stems differs or is similar to the graviola fruit.

Graviola questions
Q. Can Graviola be taken with high potency vitamin and mineral tablets (eg. Usana Essentials)?
   A. We are not familiar with Usana Essentials. As a general rule, it is best to first find out how each supplement is influencing you by itself before combining them. The dosage of the supplements can make a significant difference in regards to compatibility.

Q. I would like to order some graviola for the purpose of fighting lung cancer but there are different companies selling this product. How am I to know which is the best company to order from? I have checked out your website and also RAIN-TREE.COM but am unable to see the difference other than yours is 500mg and theirs is 600mg. How am I suppose to decide? Can you do a comparison as this is very important in my situation? I know I have to make the final decision but would like to be more informed.
   A. There are hundreds of supplement companies and together they have tens of thousands of different products. It is impossible to compare these different products since it would require countless human trials for several months each to determine what kind of effect each product is having in comparison to another. This is not practical. The best option for a consumer is to read as much about the company they are buying from and to determine after the research which ones appeal to you most and are most reliable and honest. Chances are most products are about equivalent and you would not be making a mistake going with one graviola product or the other.

Q. I have a friend that suffers from stage 4 multi-drug resistant colon cancer. Because I know how tired she is right
now, I am doing the research for her. I respect what you said, "What does the research say about Graviola. As of November 2007, I could not find any research with graviola done with humans, or even animals. There are dozens of laboratory tests done in test tubes. Some of these studies show graviola to have anti-viral, anti-parasitic and potent anti- cancer properties. However we do not know if graviola has the same benefits or risks if ingested as a supplement in humans."

Q. I recently read some info on your website and others about the cancer fighting benefits of graviola. Since I am a smoker, I thought I should add graviola to the numerous other supplements I take as a preventative measure. One side effect that I noticed, within 1 hour of taking it, was a substantially reduce desire to smoke. I am taking 1000 mgs of graviola supplement ( Annona muricata leaf ). My smoking has dropped 30% or more for the past 2 weeks and 50% or more of what I now smoke is more out of habit than an actual desire to smoke. From what I have read about graviola, the dosage for cancer fighting benefits is based on a weight related ratio. After taking a 500 mg graviola supplement per day for 2 or 3 days, I tried increasing dosage to 2 capsules per day, 1 am and 1 pm, but discovered that the 2nd capsule had a stimulating effect that made it hard to go to sleep so I have cut back to just 1 a day and have been taking it for about 2 weeks. I am male, late 50's, 6' tall, 210 lbs and have Celiac Disease. I have been a smoker for over 40 yrs and have tried "everything" to stop smoking over the years without much help, Now it looks like I may have accidentally stumbled over a natural supplement that can do the job. Just thought I would share this info with you and your readers, for what it is worth. Hope someone else gets the same results as I have.
   A. Graviola is a sedative so we are surprised it made you feel stimulated. Please keep us updated and let us know if the anti smoking benefits continue.
      Q. The graviola supplement  does have a physically calming effect. I noticed that within 30 minutes to hour after taking the 500 mg capsule, i felt a physical calming set in over my body and some things that were bothering me didn't seem so bad but the second capsule, taken about 8 hours later, did not seem to add to the physical calming but did have a "stimulating" effect on my mind, my "brain" seemed to be more active which made it hard to go to sleep. I have always been the "proverbial night owl", I have always had trouble going to sleep at night because my brain did not want to turn off, I feel this is some how related to my Celiac Disease that I only discovered about 6 yrs ago. I was lucky to find a physician who sympathized with my plight about 6 yrs ago. He prescribed Valium for me to take at night, depending on how I felt at bed time, I would take 5 to 10 mgs at bedtime and this helped to solve my sleep problems. The past 6 to 12 months, I have cut down on the Valium to where I only use 5 mgs maybe once a week and some weeks, none at all. The day I took 2 graviola capsules, I had to take 5 mgs of Valium because my mind was so active, if I had a 10 mg on my nightstand that night I would have taken it. Even with the 5 mg, I tossed and turned all night which is unusual for me after taking something to help me sleep. Based on what I had read about graviola and it's sedative effects, I was concerned about getting sleepy earlier than normal and needing to retire earlier than normal but to the contrary I was physically calm but my mind was working over time. I took a graviola supplement about 20 minutes ago, I feel calmer now but my heartbeat feels stronger, not faster but like it is beating harder each time, this could be related to the fact that I currently have the Flu or something, whatever I have, it has knocked me for a loop for the past week.

Q. s graviola herb curative against prostate cancer? I am taking graviola supplement since one month at 4 capsules
per day of 600 mg each. I feel much better. What is your opinion on this natural graviola herb for prostate cancer?
   A. We have not seen any human research regarding the use of graviola herb supplement for the treatment of prostate cancer or other cancers.

Q. I wanted to know whether you had any information on the Gravizon clinical trial that was sponsored by the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine. Gravizon, a product of Amazon Herbs was used as primary treatment for dogs with spontaneous soft tissue tumors.
   A. As of June 2008, we are not aware of research with Gravizon graviola brand on dogs.


Graviola research - Soursops (Annona muricata L.) are highly aromatic fruits with white juicy flesh and are native to tropical North and South America.