Fact-check: Is soursop very effective in killing cancer? This claim is unproven

Cancer Research UK does not support the use of Graviola to treat cancer. Their advice is to be very cautious about believing information or paying for any type of alternative cancer therapy on the internet because they say claims that Graviola can treat cancer are not backed up by research.

By Jibi Moses

Claims across the internet suggest that soursop, a species of the genus Annona of the custard apple tree family, Annonaceae, which has edible fruit is 10,000 times more effective in killing cancer than chemotherapy.

The claim asserts that this is based on cancer research conducted in the United Kingdom, but no authoritative source is cited.

What is soursop?

According to an article by Rachael Link, on an online platform named Healthline titled: Soursop (Graviola): Health benefits and Uses on October 06, 2017, Soursop also known as Graviola is the fruit of Amona Muricata, a type of free native to tropical regions of the Americas and some parts in Africa.

The prickly green fruit has a creamy texture and a strong flavor that is often compared to pineapple or strawberry.  It is typically eaten raw by cutting the fruit into half and scooping out the flesh although in some parts of the world it can be made into chocolate, ice cream and tea.

A typical serving of this fruit is low in calories yet high in several nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. It also contains a small amount of niacin, riboflavin folate and iron.

Interestly many parts of the tree are medicinal including the leaves stem and fruits. It is also used in cooking and can be applied on the skin.

High in Antioxidants 

Many of the reported benefits of Soursop are due to its high content of Antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals which can cause damage to cells. Some research shows that the Antioxidants could play a role in reducing the risks of several diseases including heart diseases, cancer and diabetes.

It may kill cancer cells.

Although most research currently is limited to test tubes and studies, some studies have found that Soursop could potentially help eliminate cancer cells. One test tube study treated breast cancer cells with Soursop extracts. Interestly enough, it was able to reduce tumor size, kill off cancer cells and enhance activity of the immune system.  Another study looked at the effects of Soursop extract on leukemia cells, which was found to stop growth and formation of cancer cells. However,  keep in mind that these test tube studies lolog at a strong dose of soursop extracts. Further studies need to look at how eating the fruit may affect cancer in humans.

Other health benefits are: it may help in fighting bacteria,  may help reduce inflammation and in helping to stabilize sugar levels. Many online sites have much information about Soursop and its benefits and these among others are: Wikipedia, Dr.Axe,WebMD, All recipes, medical news today, natural food series 

What do experts say about soursop?

211 Check contacted a medical expert in Juba, to give their expert views on what they know about the fruit medically, but he “couldn’t give clear explanation citing lack of medical evidence.”

Another health expert at the University of Juba told 211 Check that “due to the fact that the fruit is an antioxidant, it helps neutralise harmful cancer cells.”

An explainer by AFP Fact Check in 2020 stated that scientists say there is insufficient evidence to prove soursop work as a natural health cure.

“While research suggests soursop can fight cancer, it has not been studied in humans. As a result, there is no evidence of its safety or efficacy,” the non-profit Cancer Treatment Centers of America states in this article published on July 13, 2017.

The Cancer Research UK charity also states in an article here that “There is not enough reliable evidence that graviola works as a treatment for cancer.” Cancer Research UK does not support the use of graviola to treat cancer. Their advice is to be very cautious about believing information or paying for any type of alternative cancer therapy on the internet.

FDA Warns Against Soursop (Graviola):

In April 2017, the Food and Drug Association (FDA) sent out warning letters to 14 companies, advising them to change or remove the fraudulent claims regarding Graviola on their websites. The FDA forwarded warning letters to all companies selling/distributing Graviola because unsubstantiated claims are made that Graviola can cure cancer.

What is Chemotherapy?

According to Wikipedia, chemotherapy often abbreviated as Chemo, CTX or CTx, is a type of cancer treatment that uses one or more anticancer drugs (chemotherapeutic agents) as part of a standardized chemotherapy regimen. Chemotherapy may be given with a curative intent or it may aim to prolong life or reduce symptoms.  It is one of the major categories of the medical disciplines specifically devoted to pharmacotherapy for cancer which is called medical oncology. The term chemotherapy has come to connote nonspecific usage of intracellular poisons to inhibit mitosis (cell division) or induce DNA damage which is why inhibition of DNA repair can augment chemotherapy.

According to Mayo clinic, chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. It is most often used to treat cancer since cancer cells grow and multiply more quickly than most cells in the body. However, they went ahead to explain that it’s better for other conditions like bone marrow diseases and immune system disorders.  They further elaborated more on the risks and side effects of the therapy both immediate and long lasting. 

Many medical websites have elaborate information about chemotherapy and some of them are here, here, here and here.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that Soursop is 10,000 more effective than chemotherapy unproven; it is not verifiable based on available research and scientific evidence. 211 Check believes that individuals who intend to use Soursop in any form should consult with their treating physician first.