Nutrition Diet: What is the side effect of soursop?

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Chronic, excessive consumption of soursop has been linked to a neurotoxic syndrome with symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease, due to a compound called annonacin. Understanding what is the side effect of soursop is essential for balancing its nutritional benefits against potential health risks.

Quick Summary

The consumption of soursop, especially in high doses or concentrated forms, poses a risk of neurotoxicity linked to the compound annonacin, potentially causing parkinsonism-like symptoms. It also has known interactions with certain medications.

Key Points

Neurotoxic Compound: Soursop contains annonacin, a neurotoxin found in its leaves, seeds, and bark.
Parkinsonism-like Symptoms: Excessive, long-term intake can lead to a neurological disorder resembling Parkinson's disease.
Medicinal Forms Pose Higher Risk: Concentrated forms like teas and supplements carry a much higher risk than moderate fresh fruit consumption.
Never Consume Seeds: Soursop seeds are highly toxic and should never be ingested.
Interact with Medications: Soursop can interfere with medications for high blood pressure and diabetes.
Special Populations Beware: Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with neurological, liver, or kidney issues should avoid soursop.
Moderation is Key: Occasional, moderate consumption of the fresh fruit pulp (seeds removed) is generally considered safe for healthy individuals.

Soursop's Neurological Side Effects

One of the most significant concerns regarding soursop is its potential for causing neurological damage. The plant, particularly its leaves, seeds, and bark, contains a neurotoxin known as annonacin. Studies have linked long-term, excessive consumption of soursop products to atypical parkinsonism, a neurodegenerative disease with symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease but unresponsive to typical Parkinson's medication. The annonacin compound acts as a potent inhibitor of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which can lead to the death of nerve cells, particularly in the basal ganglia of the brain.

Symptoms of this neurological disorder may include:

Slowness of movement
Rigid muscles
Problems with balance and gait
Difficulties with eye movement
Personality changes

Dosage and Duration are Key Factors

Research suggests that the risk of neurotoxicity is primarily associated with chronic and high-dose intake of soursop, particularly from teas or supplements made from leaves and bark. The fruit's pulp contains annonacin as well, but in much lower concentrations, and moderate consumption of the fruit itself is generally considered safer. However, the seeds are highly toxic and must always be removed and never consumed.

Significant Drug Interactions and Contraindications

Beyond the neurological risks, soursop can have serious interactions with various medications and is contraindicated for people with certain health conditions. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating soursop into your diet if you are on any medication or have a pre-existing condition.

Blood Pressure Medications: Soursop has natural blood pressure-lowering effects. For people taking antihypertensive drugs, this can lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels, or hypotension.
Diabetes Medications: It can also lower blood sugar levels. This can cause hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) when combined with diabetes medication.
Liver and Kidney Disease: Chronic use of soursop, particularly supplements, has been linked to liver and kidney toxicity. Individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney problems should avoid it.
Low Platelet Count: Some evidence suggests soursop can decrease platelet counts, so those with already low counts should be cautious.

Special Population Cautions

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of soursop supplements and teas during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Some compounds may have uterine stimulant effects, and due to limited research, it is best to avoid them during these periods.
Neurological Disorders: Individuals with Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders should completely avoid soursop, as it can worsen symptoms.

Comparison of Soursop Product Risks

It is important to differentiate between the risks associated with different forms of soursop consumption. The processing and concentration of annonacin vary significantly.


Feature	Fresh Fruit Pulp (Seeds Removed)	Soursop Tea (Leaves/Bark)	Soursop Supplements/Extracts
Annonacin Concentration	Lower	Higher	Much higher
Neurotoxicity Risk	Low (with moderation)	Higher (with chronic use)	Highest (with chronic use)
Medication Interaction	Low to moderate	Moderate to high	High
Liver/Kidney Risk	Low	Higher (with chronic use)	Highest (with chronic use)
Safe Consumption	Generally safe in moderation	Use with caution; not for long-term use	Avoid without medical supervision

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective

While soursop offers nutritional benefits, including fiber and vitamin C, and has been traditionally used for various ailments, the potential risks associated with the neurotoxin annonacin are a significant concern that cannot be ignored. These risks are most pronounced with chronic, high-dose consumption of teas, supplements, and extracts. However, moderate consumption of the fresh fruit, with all seeds carefully removed, appears to be relatively safe for most people.

Given the potential for serious neurological and organ damage, it is crucial to exercise caution. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like Parkinson's, liver or kidney disease, or those on blood pressure and diabetes medication, should avoid soursop products entirely or seek strict medical guidance. The key to safely enjoying soursop lies in moderation, knowledge, and always prioritizing consultation with a healthcare provider.

For more information on the active compounds in soursop, one may consult studies such as Pharmacological Activities of Soursop (Annona muricata Lin.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, moderate consumption of the fresh fruit pulp is generally considered safe for healthy individuals, but the seeds are toxic and must be removed. Concentrated forms like teas and supplements carry a much higher risk due to concentrated levels of a neurotoxin.

Excessive, long-term consumption of soursop, especially teas and extracts, has been linked to a condition called atypical parkinsonism, which shares symptoms with Parkinson's but is not the same disease. It is caused by the neurotoxin annonacin.

Annonacin is a neurotoxic compound found in soursop. It is present in the fruit pulp in lower amounts, but in higher, more dangerous concentrations in the seeds, leaves, and bark.

People with Parkinson's disease, liver or kidney problems, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid soursop. It should also be avoided by individuals taking blood pressure or diabetes medications.

Soursop tea, made from the leaves, contains higher levels of the neurotoxin annonacin. Chronic or excessive intake is associated with an increased risk of neurological damage and liver or kidney toxicity.

Yes, soursop can interact with medications for high blood pressure and diabetes, potentially causing dangerous drops in blood pressure or blood sugar. It can also interfere with certain imaging tests.

To eat soursop safely, consume only the ripe fruit pulp in moderation. Always cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh, being careful to remove and discard all the seeds, as they are toxic.

While less common, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to soursop, such as skin irritation, itching, or gastrointestinal upset.