Graviola Fact Sheet
Neil E. Levin, CCN, DANLA
8/29/05
Key Ingredients:
100% Graviola (Annona muricata), a rain forest tree leaf
Main Product Features:
Graviola may support the immune system’s ability to cull undesirable cells.1-6 There is a historic use as a sedative or nerve tonic, also to elevate mood and to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Graviola tree (Annona muricata), also known as soursop, is found in the Amazon jungle and some of the Caribbean islands. Graviola tree leaves have been used traditionally for their various therapeutic properties. More recent scientific studies suggest that Acetogenins, the active constituents of Graviola, can support healthy cell growth and function.1-6 In addition, Graviola has been used for its whole body calming effects and as a supplement to help maintain a positive mood.8
Additional product use information & quality issues:
Most commercial preparations are of a non-standardized extract or of leaf-and-stem mixture. NOW nutritionists declined to use an unproven extract, preferring to use the pure leaf powder, as the stems are largely composed of cellulose. Studies have used Graviola leaf (and extracts of the leaf) to show efficacy1,2,3,4,5, so we were unwilling to use the more dilute leaf-and-stem mixture.
Serving size & how to take it:
Two to 8 capsules per day in divided doses.
Complementary products:
Antioxidants, AHCC, Veggie Carotenoids, EGCg green tea extract
Specific:
Do not use if any neurodegenerative diseases are present or if there is a family history of Parkinson’s disease.7 Do not use without physician’s supervision if there is any significant liver impairment.
General:
Pregnant and lactating women and people using prescription drugs should consult their physician before taking any dietary supplement.
This information is based on my own knowledge and references, and should not be used as diagnosis, prescription or as a specific product claim. This document has not been reviewed by the FDA or by the company posting it. Information given here may vary from what is shown on the product label because this represents my own professional experience and understanding of the science underlying the formula and ingredients. When taking any new formula, use common sense and cautiously increase to the full dose over time.
Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References:
1. Padma P, Pramod NP, Thyagarajan SP, Khosa RL. Effect of the extract of Annona muricata and Petunia nyctaginiflora on Herpes simplex virus. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998 May;61(1):81-3. PMID: 9687085
2. Betancur-Galvis L, Saez J, Granados H, Salazar A, Ossa J. Antitumor and antiviral activity of Colombian medicinal plant extracts. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 1999 Jul-Aug;94(4):531-5. PMID: 10446015
3. Kim GS, Zeng L, Alali F, Rogers LL, Wu FE, Sastrodihardjo S, McLaughlin JL. Muricoreacin and murihexocin C, mono-tetrahydrofuran acetogenins, from the leaves of Annona muricata. Phytochemistry. 1998 Sep;49(2):565-71. PMID: 9747542
4. Wu FE, Gu ZM, Zeng L, Zhao GX, Zhang Y, McLaughlin JL, Sastrodihardjo S. Two new cytotoxic monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins, annomuricins A and B, from the leaves of Annona muricata. J Nat Prod. 1995 Jun;58(6):830-6. PMID: 7673926
5. Liaw CC, Chang FR, Lin CY, Chou CJ, Chiu HF, Wu MJ, Wu YC. New cytotoxic monotetrahydrofuran annonaceous acetogenins from Annona muricata. J Nat Prod. 2002 Apr;65(4):470-5. PMID: 11975482
6. Oberlies NH, Chang CJ, McLaughlin JL (1997) Structure-activity relationships of diverse Annonaceous acetogenins against multidrug resistant human mammary adenocarcinoma (MCF-7/Adr) cells. J Med Chem 40:2102-6.
7. Roman G (1998) Tropical myeloneuropathies revisited. Curr Opin Neurol 11:539-44.
8. Hasrat JA, DeBruyne T, DeBacker JP, Vauquelin G, Vlietinck AJ (1997) Isoquinoline derivatives isolated from the fruit of Annona muricata as 5-HTergic 5-HT1A receptor agonists in rats: unexploited antidepressive (lead) products. J Pharm Pharmacol 49(11):1145-1149. |
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