Graviola, also known as soursop, is a fruit that hails from the Amazon rainforest. This fruit has traditionally been used to treat many medical conditions. More recently, the experts at TKO Farms in Tustin, California, say scientific studies have been conducted to explore the potential anti-cancer properties of Graviola. Although the results of these studies are promising, more research is necessary to confirm the efficacy of Graviola against cancer.
What Is Graviola?
Graviola is a small evergreen tree that grows in the tropical rainforests of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Also known as soursop or custard apple, Graviola is prized for its delicious fruit, which has a sweet-tart flavor reminiscent of pineapple and lemon. The tree is also used medicinally, as the leaves and roots contain compounds with potential anticancer activity.
TKO Farms says Graviola trees can reach a height of 15 meters (50 feet), with dark green leaves 20-30 centimeters (8-12 inches) long. The edible fruits are large and oval-shaped, with green skin and white flesh. Graviola fruits are typically harvested by hand, as they are too delicate to withstand mechanical harvesting.
The leaves, roots, fruit, and seeds of Graviola all contain compounds with medicinal properties. These include acetogenins, which are thought to have anticancer activity. In laboratory studies, these compounds have been shown to kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells. Some animal studies have also suggested that Graviola may be effective against other diseases, including malaria and bacterial infections. However, further research is needed to determine whether these effects also occur in humans.
Graviola and Cancer Cells
TKO Farms says one study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine examined the effects of Graviola extract on human cancer cells. The study found that Graviola could kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unscathed selectively. The researchers believe that the unique composition of Graviola makes it an effective natural treatment for cancer.
Another study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, looked at the effects of a different Graviola extract on colon cancer cells. This study found that Graviola effectively induces apoptosis, or cell death, in colon cancer cells. The researchers believe that Graviola may be a promising alternative treatment for colon cancer.
In addition, a review of studies published in the journal Cancer Letters found that Graviola effectively killed many cancer cells, including breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer cells. The reviewers believe that Graviola shows promise as a natural treatment for cancer.
How To Talk To Your Doctor About Graviola
If you’re interested in trying Graviola to treat your cancer, you must talk to your doctor first. While the results of some studies are promising, more research is necessary to confirm the efficacy of Graviola against cancer. Additionally, there is a lack of safety data on Graviola, so it’s essential to speak with your doctor about the potential risks and side effects before taking this or any other supplement.
Your doctor can help you weigh Graviola’s potential benefits and risks and decide whether this treatment is proper for you.
How To Prepare Graviola
If you try Graviola, there are a few different ways to prepare it. The fruit of the Graviola tree can be eaten fresh or juiced. The leaves and roots can also be dried and made into tea. Graviola supplements are also available in capsule and powder form.
When preparing Graviola, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. As with any supplement, there is a lack of regulation, so purchasing Graviola from a reputable source is essential. Additionally, please speak with your doctor before taking Graviola, as it may interact with other medications.
What Organizations Are Doing To Advance Graviola Research?
TKO Farms says the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is currently sponsoring a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Graviola in people with advanced cancer. This trial is still recruiting participants, so if you’re interested in trying Graviola, you may be eligible to participate.
In addition, the NCI is sponsoring a laboratory study to examine the effects of Graviola on cancer cells. This study will help researchers better understand how Graviola works against cancer and could potentially lead to developing new cancer treatments.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is also funding research on Graviola. One ACS-funded study examines Graviola extract’s effects on colon cancer cells. This study will help researchers understand how Graviola works against cancer and could potentially lead to developing new cancer treatments.
Although the research on Graviola and cancer is still in its early stages, the results of the studies that have been conducted are promising. Graviola appears to be effective at killing cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. If you are interested in exploring Graviola as a possible treatment for cancer, speak with your doctor to see if it is right for you.
