Family: Annonaceae
Genus: Annona
Species: muricata
Synonyms: Annona macrocarpa, A. bonplandiana, A. cearensis, Guanabanus muricatus
Common names: Graviola, soursop, Brazilian paw paw, guanábana, guanábano, guanavana, guanaba, corossol épineux, huanaba, toge-banreisi, durian benggala, nangka blanda, cachiman épineux
Part Used: Leaves, fruit, seeds, bark, roots

Wildcrafted from sustainable sources from the Amazon – Peru

Main Actions (in order):

• anticancerous
• antitumorous
• antimicrobial
• antiparasitic
• hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)

Main Uses at the IPIFA institute:

1. for cancer (all types)
2. as a broad-spectrum internal and external antimicrobial to treat bacterial and fungal infections
3. for internal parasites and worms
4. for high blood pressure
5. for depression, stress, and nervous disorders

Properties/Actions Documented by Research:

• antibacterial
• anticancerous
• anticonvulsant
• antidepressant
• antifungal
• antimalarial
• antimutagenic (cellular protector)
• antiparasitic
• antispasmodic
• antitumorous
• cardiodepressant
• emetic (causes vomiting)
• vasodilator - hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)
• insecticidal
• sedative
• uterine stimulant

Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:

• antiviral
• cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart)
• decongestant
• digestive stimulant
• febrifuge (reduces fever)
• nervine (balances/calms nerves)
• pediculicide (kills lice)
• vermifuge (expels worms)

Traditional Preparation: The therapeutic dosage is reported to be 2 g three times daily in capsules or tablets. A standard infusion (one cup 3 times daily) or a 4:1 standard tincture (2–4 ml three times daily) can be substituted if desired.

Cautions: It has cardiodepressant, vasodilator, and hypotensive (lowers blood pressure) actions. Large dosages can cause nausea and vomiting. Avoid combining with ATP-enhancers like CoQ10.

Contraindications:

• Graviola has demonstrated uterine stimulant activity in an animal study (rats) and should therefore not be used during pregnancy.
• Graviola has demonstrated hypotensive, vasodilator, and cardiodepressant activities in animal studies and is contraindicated for people with low blood pressure. People taking antihypertensive drugs should check with their doctors before taking graviola and monitor their blood pressure accordingly (as medications may need adjusting).
• Graviola has demonstrated significant in vitro antimicrobial properties. Chronic, long-term use of this plant may lead to die-off of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract due to its antimicrobial properties. Supplementing the diet with probiotics and digestive enzymes is advisable if this plant is used for longer than 30 days.
• Graviola has demonstrated emetic properties in one animal study with pigs. Large single dosages may cause nausea or vomiting. Reduce the usage accordingly if this occurs.
• One study with rats given a stem-bark extract intragastrically (at 100 mg/kg) reported an increase in dopamine, norepinephrine, and monomine oxidase activity, as well as a inhibition of serotonin release in stress-induced rats.
• Alcohol extracts of graviola leaf showed no toxicity or side effects in mice at 100 mg/kg; however, at a dosage of 300 mg/kg, a reduction in explorative behavior and mild abdominal constrictions was observed. If sedation or sleepiness occurs, reduce the amount used.

Drug Interactions:  None have been reported; however, graviola may potentiate antihypertensive and cardiac depressant drugs. It may potentiate antidepressant drugs and interfere with MAO-inhibitor drugs. See contraindications above.

In Australia, it is a violation of TGA regulations to list any therapeutic claims for any medication, natural or orthodox prescriptive, without TGA approval. For further information about this herb, we recommend doing your own thorough research, such as using any links provided or reliable researched websites

http://www.rain-tree.com/plistbot.htm

http://www.australiannaturaltherapistsassociation.com.au/

http://www.herbmed.org/

Disclaimer:  The information contained here is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the body and the author, publisher, printer and distributors accept no responsibility for such use. All herbs should be taken with care whether topically or internally. Please skin test if using it topically and discontinue use in cases of rnegative reactions. Unless taken as a food/tea, please always take internally under proffesional supervision & consult your practitioner if symptoms persist or you have any concerns including drug/herb interactions. Please consult with a proffesional herbalist or your doctor if you are taking any medications to check for herb/drug interactions.