Does graviola increase estrogen? A look at the research and facts

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite anecdotal claims, graviola’s effects on estrogen are not straightforward and scientific evidence is largely mixed, stemming from animal and lab studies with differing outcomes. This necessitates a closer look beyond internet-driven promises to understand the tropical fruit's true impact on hormone balance and potential risks.

Quick Summary

Graviola's impact on estrogen is complex and not fully understood, with animal studies showing inconsistent results and no definitive human evidence. Some studies suggest it can downregulate estrogen receptors, while others show increases in certain contexts. Long-term use is linked to neurotoxicity.

Key Points

Inconsistent Estrogen Effects: Research on graviola's hormonal effects is mixed; some animal studies show increased estrogen in specific contexts (e.g., fertility issues, diabetes), while others indicate it can downregulate estrogen receptors.
No Reliable Human Data: There is a significant lack of human clinical trials to support the claim that graviola increases estrogen or to understand its full impact on human hormone balance.
Potential for Neurotoxicity: Long-term use of graviola has been linked to nerve damage and movement disorders that mimic Parkinson's disease, posing a significant safety risk.
Risks of Organ Damage: Repeated, high-dose consumption may be toxic to the kidneys and liver, and should be avoided by individuals with pre-existing organ conditions.
Crucial Caution for Health Conditions: Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions (like certain cancers), diabetes, or low blood pressure, as well as pregnant women, should avoid graviola due to potential negative interactions and risks.
Consultation is Key: Before starting any graviola supplement, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks and interactions.

Graviola, also known as soursop (Annona muricata), has long been revered in traditional medicine for its various health properties. However, its increasing popularity as a dietary supplement has brought many questions to the forefront, particularly regarding its effect on hormone balance. The specific query, 'Does graviola increase estrogen?' requires a careful examination of existing research, which is currently limited and mostly confined to animal and laboratory settings. The evidence suggests a far more complex picture than simply boosting estrogen levels, with some findings even indicating potential anti-estrogenic effects in certain contexts.

The complex interaction between graviola and hormones

The relationship between graviola and hormones is not a simple one, as research reveals conflicting findings depending on the context of the study. A 2019 study on chemically-induced breast cancer in rats found that graviola attenuated the cancer by downregulating the estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) gene. This anti-estrogenic action, inhibiting tumor growth, runs directly counter to the idea that graviola increases estrogen. This specific mechanism, along with an increase in pro-apoptotic genes, was a key pathway for its anti-cancer effects in this model.

Conversely, other animal studies have shown different outcomes. A 2024 study exploring the effects of graviola stem bark extract on female Wistar rats with mercury-induced toxicity found that the treatment led to significantly increased levels of estrogen, progesterone, and other reproductive hormones. The researchers concluded that this suggested an improvement in fertility in that specific toxicological context. Another study in 2019 focusing on diabetic male rats reported that graviola treatment resulted in increased testicular testosterone and estradiol levels, which helped to restore hormonal balance compromised by diabetes. These findings indicate that graviola's impact on estrogen and other hormones is highly dependent on the physiological state, gender, and type of extract used in the experiment.

Bioactive compounds in graviola and their potential effects

Graviola is rich in a variety of bioactive compounds, and understanding these can shed light on its diverse biological effects. The most notable are the Annonaceous acetogenins (ACGs), which are known for their potent cytotoxic properties and are believed to be responsible for much of graviola's potential anti-cancer activity. Other important phytochemicals include:

Flavonoids (like quercetin and rutin), known for their antioxidant properties.
Alkaloids, which have been linked to neurotoxicity in high, long-term doses.
Phenolic compounds, also contributing to its antioxidant capacity.

While some of these compounds might have subtle effects on hormone signaling, there is no evidence to suggest they function as phytoestrogens in the same way as compounds found in soy or flaxseed. The observed hormonal changes in animal studies appear to be more related to broader mechanisms, such as reducing oxidative stress or influencing specific cellular pathways, rather than a direct estrogenic effect. This lack of clear phytoestrogenic activity further complicates any claims of a simple estrogen-increasing effect.

Important safety considerations and risks

Anyone considering graviola supplementation must be aware of its significant safety risks, particularly with long-term, high-dose use. Reputable sources caution against its use due to potential neurotoxicity and liver and kidney damage.

Potential health risks associated with graviola

Neurological problems: Long-term consumption of graviola, particularly teas made from the leaves, has been associated with nerve damage and neurological problems, including movement disorders that mimic the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Organ toxicity: Repeated or long-term use of graviola supplements may be toxic to the liver and kidneys. Individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions should avoid it completely.
Drug interactions: Graviola can interact with medications for diabetes and high blood pressure, potentially causing unsafe drops in blood sugar or blood pressure. It can also interfere with certain medical tests, such as nuclear imaging.

Comparison of Reported Graviola Hormonal Effects in Animal Studies


Aspect	Effect	Context/Study Type	Caveat
Estrogen Receptors (ER-α)	Downregulated expression	Chemically-induced breast cancer in rats	Not an estrogen-increasing effect, but anti-estrogenic. Does not apply to normal physiology.
Estrogen Levels in Females	Significant increase	Female Wistar rats with mercury toxicity	Observed under toxic conditions; purpose was restoration of hormone levels.
Estradiol Levels in Males	Significant increase	Diabetic male rats	Restores depleted hormone levels caused by diabetes.
General Hormone Balance	Complex, inconsistent, not fully understood	Varying animal studies, lack of human data	Effects are context-dependent and may not translate to humans or normal physiological states.

Conclusion: Consult a professional

Based on current research, the assertion that graviola increases estrogen is an oversimplification. Evidence from animal studies is inconsistent, showing both anti-estrogenic actions in breast cancer models and increases in estrogen levels in specific toxicological and metabolic contexts. Critically, there is a lack of reliable human clinical trial data on this topic. The potential benefits of graviola are overshadowed by significant risks, particularly neurological and organ toxicity with prolonged use. Anyone with hormone-sensitive conditions, or who is on medication for conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, should exercise extreme caution. As with any potent herbal supplement, it is imperative to consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering graviola for any health purpose.

For more information on herbal therapies, Cancer Research UK provides a helpful overview of graviola and the current scientific understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Given that some studies show graviola affects estrogen receptors, and there are no definitive human clinical trials, it is highly advised that individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers avoid graviola. Consultation with an oncologist is crucial.

There is no reliable evidence from human studies to confirm that graviola tea increases estrogen levels. Some animal studies show increases in specific scenarios, but others show different hormonal effects, making it an unreliable and potentially risky approach.

The most significant risks include potential neurotoxicity, which can lead to Parkinson's-like movement disorders, and damage to the liver and kidneys, especially with long-term use.

While graviola contains various bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolics, there is no reliable evidence to suggest it contains significant levels of phytoestrogens that function like those found in foods like soy.

You should not self-medicate with graviola for fertility issues. While a few animal studies showed some hormonal increases, the context was very specific (e.g., toxicity-induced issues), and the lack of human data combined with serious risks makes it a dangerous option without professional guidance.

Long-term consumption of supplements made from graviola leaves and stems, as well as the seeds, has been associated with the most significant risks, particularly neurological damage.

Eating the fruit as part of a normal, varied diet is generally considered safe. The primary risks are associated with concentrated supplement forms (powders, capsules) and long-term, high-dose use of extracts.