Instagram has nearly 2 billion active users worldwide. Facebook has around 3 billion. And if there is one persistent threat that looms over social media users, it is misinformation.
Over time, many of us have begun relying on social media for information, particularly on health-related topics and advice on what we should or shouldn’t consume. Recently, one fruit that has been gaining traction across platforms like Instagram and Facebook for its purported anti-cancer properties is soursop (Graviola), a prickly, dark green fruit that commonly grows in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Soursop for cancer?
Soursop, a close cousin of the famous custard apple, is gaining buzz on social media for its anti-cancerous properties. This has led to a surge in products in the market, from supplements to juices to protein powders, with soursop as the main ingredient.
This trend has also somewhat impacted the growth of the fruit’s market. Numbers show that the global market size of soursop was worth 150 million dollars in 2021. It is estimated that the production volume could reach more than 455,600 tonnes and a valuation of 350 million dollars by 2027.
Since the fruit is primarily grown in tropical areas, its reputation as a cancer-killing agent started gaining hype in the West. Now, it seems that this misinformation has reached India as well, with several influencer doctors promoting the fruit as being as effective as chemotherapy.
Here’s what experts have to say
India Today spoke to various experts and all of them agreed that even though the fruit is high in antioxidants, there’s no study that shows it can heal cancer.
Chintamani, chairman and head of the department of surgical oncology at Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, emphasises that there is “no clear evidence to suggest that it is effective and safe for treatment of cancer in humans”.
He highlights that while soursop has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, these benefits have not been objectively assessed in human clinical trials.
According to him, “This product has a doubtful role as an anticancer agent and its safety is not established in humans.”
Dr Suman S Karanth, senior consultant in medical oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, points out that while laboratory studies on animal tissue and cancer cells have demonstrated some anti-cancer activity in prostate, lung, colon, and breast cancer cells, “these studies are not in humans”.
She warns that without clinical trials, there is no concrete evidence to support soursop’s efficacy in treating cancer in humans. Dr Karanth also raises concerns about the toxic effects of soursop’s acetogenin compounds, which can cause neurotoxicity and immune suppression.
Dr Pooja Babbar, a consultant in medical oncology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, further explains that even though soursop contains acetogenins, which may have cytotoxic effects (toxic effects on cell function) on cancer cells by inhibiting specific compounds found in cancer cell membranes.
The consensus among experts is clear: While soursop’s potential as a cancer-fighting agent is supported by preclinical studies (on animals), there is no substantial human evidence to validate its use as a cancer treatment.
But does it mean that the fruit has no benefits? Well, no.
Does it have any benefits?
Soursop offers several potential health benefits due to its rich nutritional content. The fruit is a source of essential vitamins (like Vitamin C, B1, and B2), minerals (like potassium, magnesium, and calcium), antioxidants, and dietary fibre.
According to Dr Shilpa M R, a consultant and dietitian at Kshemavana Yoga and Naturopathy Centre, Bengaluru, the fruit:
Boosts immunity: Soursop can “boost immunity” through its high Vitamin C content, which promotes the generation of white blood cells.
Rich in antioxidants: Soursop’s “antioxidant property prevents cancer” by combating oxidative stress in the body.
Promotes digestive health: Soursop’s high fibre content helps maintain gut health and prevent constipation.
Regulates blood pressure: Dr Shilpa M R notes that its potassium content helps control blood pressure by balancing sodium levels and relaxing blood vessels.
Reduces inflammation: Soursop has anti-inflammatory properties, which may offer relief for joint pain and other inflammatory conditions.
Promotes skin and hair health: The antioxidants and Vitamin C in soursop support collagen production and fight signs of ageing.
May help stabilise blood sugar levels: Dr Babbar notes that soursop may help stabilise blood sugar levels, which could benefit those managing diabetes.
Experts recommend consuming soursop in its natural form as a fruit, as it is considered safe for most people. However, they urge caution when using soursop supplements and other products as they are yet to be approved officially by the Food and Drug Administration.
Potential side effects
Despite its numerous health benefits, soursop also carries potential side effects. Experts caution that excessive consumption or unsupervised use of soursop could lead to adverse effects, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions.
Neurotoxicity: Prof Chintamani warns that soursop “is not very safe for those on treatment for neurological disorders like Parkinson disease”, as it may worsen symptoms and interfere with neurological treatments.
Toxic effects: Dr Karanth highlights that soursop’s fatty acid derivatives, called acetogenins, are “toxic” and linked to neurotoxicity, which can cause hair loss and immune system suppression.
Interference with cardiovascular treatments: Soursop could interfere with cardiovascular treatments and metabolic activities, urging caution and the supervision of a medical expert or nutritionist.
Nausea and vomiting: Dr Babbar mentions that soursop consumption can cause “nausea, vomiting” and a drop in blood pressure.
Allergic reactions: Dr Shilpa points out that some individuals may experience allergic responses like rashes or itching after consuming soursop.
The sour truth
Preclinical studies and anecdotal reports have fueled Soursop’s reputation as a potential cancer-fighting fruit. However, experts agree that there is no conclusive human evidence to support its use as an anti-cancer treatment. While it offers a range of health benefits due to its rich nutritional content, its potential side effects cannot be overlooked.