Graviola

Graviola, also known as soursop, guanabana, or Brazilian Paw Paw, is an evergreen tree found in tropical areas of North and South America. The heart-shaped fruit, along with leaves, roots, and stems, has been used in traditional herbal medicine in native cultures for many years. Scientists, interested by native population reports, began studying the plant for possible medicinal applications in the 1940s. Their research has shown graviola to have anti-tumorous, anti-parasitic, insecticidal, and anti-microbial activities. The primary active compounds have been identified as Annonaceous acetogenins.

In 1976 the National Cancer Institute screened a number of plant materials to identify any which might have promise as medicinal compounds. Graviola and its active compounds were believed to hold promise and since then graviola has been studied extensively to determine its application in fighting more serious conditions.

The properties of graviola lend it to five main uses:

• Healthy cell growth and function
• To treat bacterial and fungal infections (both internal and external)
• For internal parasites and worms
• For high blood pressure
• For depression, stress, and nervous disorders

Because of graviola’s ability to lower blood pressure, individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure) should not take it without a doctor’s supervision. Our graviola is harvested in Brazil.