Can Soursop Leaves Cure Cancer? New Study Says
Cancer remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases, and the search for safer, more effective treatments is ongoing. Recently, researchers explored whether soursop leaves cure cancer, particularly cervical cancer, which continues to affect hundreds of thousands of women globally. While early findings appear promising, experts caution against considering soursop leaves as a treatment option.
What Is Soursop?
Soursop, also known as Graviola, is the fruit of Annona muricata, an evergreen tree native to tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of Southeast Asia, including Southern India. Beyond its sweet, tangy taste, the plant has long been used in traditional medicine. Its leaves, fruit, and bark contain natural compounds like tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, many of which have antioxidant properties that help protect the body from harmful free radicals linked to cancer.
Can Soursop Leaves Treat Cervical Cancer?
Scientists have been particularly interested in special compounds called acetogenins, found in the soursop plant. These substances have shown the ability to destroy cancer cells, even those resistant to common treatments, in laboratory studies.
In a 2022 study, researchers went one step further. Instead of testing the leaves directly, they studied the fungi living inside soursop leaves. They extracted these fungi and tested them on cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells) and healthy cells for comparison.
The results were striking: five fungal extracts were able to kill cancer cells, while one named Sir-SM2, a type of Penicillium fungus, showed the strongest anticancer effect. Importantly, Sir-SM2 was much less toxic to normal cells, making it a potential candidate for future drug development.
What Do Previous Studies Say?
Earlier reviews, including one in 2018, highlighted that different parts of the soursop plant leaves, stems, and fruit demonstrated anticancer properties in lab and animal experiments. These studies suggest that soursop has real potential, but most findings remain at the experimental stage, not yet in human clinical trials.
Should You Consume Soursop Leaves for Cancer?
Despite the excitement around these findings, health authorities such as the U.S. FDA do not approve soursop or its leaves as a cancer treatment. The FDA warns that such products are often sold without proper testing, and they may be unsafe for people and even pets.
That said, the fruit itself is safe to enjoy as part of a healthy diet. Soursop is naturally rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and is low in calories, making it both nutritious and delicious.
Conclusion
While recent studies give hope that soursop leaves can cure cancer, they might one day become a reality, much more research is needed before they can be used as an official treatment. For now, patients should rely on proven cancer therapies and enjoy soursop fruit for its nutritional benefits rather than as a cure.
Soursop leaves and their natural compounds show strong anticancer potential in lab studies, but there is no medical approval yet. Eating the fruit is healthy, but it should not replace conventional cancer treatments.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 18 August 2025
- 13:00
