A lot of health fans and researchers are becoming interested in the benefits of soursop leaves. The leaves and fruits of this flowering tree from Brazil are known to have many health benefits. It is also said that these leaves are 10,000 times stronger and work better than chemotherapy.
Soursop leaves have a lot of good things for you. Read the article below to find out more about these leaves and whether or not their supposed benefits are true. Read on to find out more!
A study published in Biochemistry Research International claims that this plant’s leaves contain essential oils that are mostly made up of terpenes and terpenoids. Most of the compounds found in the leaf essential oils are sesquiterpenes, -cadinene (22.58%), and -muurolene (10.64%). Andrographolide, which is a diterpenoid, is also present in large amounts. It makes up 6.51% of the plant. -cadinol, -cardinol, -caryophyllene, and ledene oxide (II). Most of the aliphatic compounds in the essential oil of the leaf were 3-(octadecyloxy) propyl ester (5.57%) and octadecane (5.33%). Gitoxigenin, which is a phytosterol, D-limonene, which is a monoterpene, and -pinene, which is also a monoterpene, were also found in the leaf essential oil. Only 0.04% of the whole is made up of -pinene.
Health Benefits of Soursop Leaves
According to research, Soursop leaf has a number of health benefits, such as:
1. Possess Antiviral Properties
Extracts of sour sop have been shown to have antiviral effects against certain viruses. The plant is able to prevent HIV-1 from replicating in host cells by acting as an inhibitor. In addition to this, the virus is prevented from attaching itself to the host cell by these extracts. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) was shown to be inhibited by extracts of both the bark and the stems of the soursop plant.
The findings of the research that was discussed before can be generalized to the leaves as well, even though there is no direct research that indicates similar effects with the leaves themselves.
It is possible that the polyphenols in the soursop plant are responsible for its antiviral properties.
2. It helps with Pain Relief
A 2014 study on rodents found that Soursop has anti-inflammatory properties that could help relieve pain. The study’s authors agreed with the idea that Soursop can be used as a home remedy for pain and inflammation. In a 2010 study on rats, Soursop was found to block pain receptors and reduce inflammation. Still, researchers said they need to do more research to find out if Soursop is safe for people. It’s not clear if it would help with pain the same way.
3. Lower blood pressure
People often use sour sop to lower their blood pressure. High blood pressure that isn’t under control can make you more likely to get heart disease, diabetes, or a stroke. In a 2012 study on rats, Soursop was found to help lower blood pressure without making the heart beat faster. Researchers say that the herb’s ability to lower blood pressure is caused by Ca2+ ions that work against each other.
4. Stop Ulcer
Ulcers are painful wounds that form in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. A 2014 study on rodents found that Soursop could help with ulcers. It helped keep the stomach’s lining from getting hurt. It also kept the digestive tract from getting hurt by free radicals.
5. Management of Herpes
The herpes simplex virus causes herpes, which is an infection caused by a virus. It can show up on the mouth or genitalia. Soursop is thought to be an alternative way to treat herpes, but more evidence is still coming in to back this up. In the lab, Soursop was shown to be effective against herpes in a 2012 study. A 1999 study suggests that soursop extract may be able to fight the herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV-2). Most cases of genital herpes are caused by a virus called HSV-2. In test tubes, Soursop killed HSV-2 cells. In vitro means outside of a body that is alive.
6. Agent that fights cancer
Some evidence suggests that soursop may help fight some kinds of cancer. In vivo and in vitro research done in 2016 showed that some breast cancer cell lines were killed by Soursop extract. In vitro means outside of a living body, while in vivo means inside a living body. It also made T cells grow. T cells are a type of lymphocyte that can kill cancer cells and other damaged cells in the body. In 2012, an in vivo and in vitro study found that Soursop may help some pancreatic cancer cell lines because it slows down the metabolism of cells. Researchers warn, though, that Soursop alone is not enough to get rid of pancreatic tumors. It shouldn’t be the only thing you do to help. Researchers are still looking into how well Soursop works as a therapy for pancreatic cancer.
7. Boost Immunity
Soursop may have more than one antioxidant effect. Antioxidants keep cells healthy by looking for and killing disease-causing free radicals in the body. A 2014 study found that there are many compounds in Soursop extract that have antioxidant properties.
These include:
- tannins
- saponins
- phytosterols
- flavonoids
- anthraquinones
In general, antioxidants help people stay healthy. More research is needed to find out if the antioxidants in Soursop protect against certain diseases.
Side Effects Of Soursop Leaves
- May bring down blood pressure too much: The plant and its leaves may also lower blood pressure too much. So, people who take medicines to lower their blood pressure need to be careful.
- May Cause Neuron Dysfunction: Alkaloids are in both soursop and its leaves. Studies show that these things may cause dysfunction and death of neurons in people with Parkinson’s syndrome.
Soursop leaves and tea don’t have a set dose yet. There are also no reports of it being dangerous. Even at doses as high as 2 g/kg, tests on animals showed no signs of toxicity.
But we recommend that you talk to your doctor about the dosage.
