What are the side effects of soursop juice? A Complete Guide

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

While celebrated for its nutritional benefits, excessive and long-term consumption of soursop has been linked to a number of concerning health issues. Understanding what are the side effects of soursop juice is crucial for anyone considering adding it to their diet, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or taking certain medications.

Quick Summary

Potential risks of soursop juice include neurotoxicity leading to Parkinson-like symptoms, interference with blood pressure and diabetes medications, and liver or kidney issues from chronic, high-dose intake. The seeds and leaves contain toxic compounds that must be avoided.

Key Points

Neurotoxic Risk: Excessive, long-term consumption of soursop can lead to nerve damage and symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease due to annonaceous acetogenins.
Toxic Seeds: Soursop seeds contain a high concentration of toxins and should never be consumed. They must be carefully removed before juicing or eating the fruit.
Medication Interactions: Soursop can interfere with and amplify the effects of blood pressure and diabetes medications, causing dangerously low blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
Organ Damage: Chronic, high-dose intake, especially of teas and supplements, has been linked to potential liver and kidney damage.
Caution for Vulnerable Groups: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with existing conditions like low blood pressure, liver, or kidney disease should avoid soursop or consult a doctor first.
Moderation is Key: Occasional, moderate consumption of fresh, seedless soursop fruit is safer than long-term, high-volume use or taking concentrated supplements.
Digestive Upset: Large quantities of soursop juice can cause nausea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal issues.

Understanding the Neurotoxic Risks of Soursop Juice

One of the most significant concerns regarding soursop juice, particularly with long-term, high-volume consumption, is its potential for neurotoxicity. The fruit, and especially its leaves and seeds, contain compounds called annonaceous acetogenins, with annonacin being the most prominent. This compound has been linked to nerve damage and a movement disorder resembling atypical Parkinsonism in some populations, primarily through observational studies. Symptoms associated with this nerve damage can include muscle rigidity, problems with balance, slowness of movement, and issues with eye movements.

Potential for Drug Interactions

Another critical side effect of soursop juice is its ability to interfere with certain medications. This can have dangerous consequences for individuals managing chronic conditions. For instance, soursop has been shown to have blood pressure-lowering effects. When combined with antihypertensive medications, it could lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels. Similarly, its ability to lower blood sugar means it can enhance the effects of diabetes medications, potentially causing hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).

Adverse Effects on Liver and Kidneys

While intermittent, moderate consumption of the fruit pulp is generally considered safe, some studies suggest that frequent, high intake of soursop juice may pose a risk to the liver and kidneys. The concentration of compounds in extracts, leaves, and supplements is often much higher than in the fruit itself, increasing the risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage) or nephrotoxicity (kidney damage). Individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions should be particularly cautious.

The Dangers of Soursop Seeds and Leaves

Crucially, it is essential to emphasize that soursop seeds are toxic and must be removed before the fruit is consumed or juiced. The seeds contain a much higher concentration of annonacin and other toxic compounds than the fruit's pulp. Ingestion of these seeds can cause serious side effects. While leaves are sometimes used to make teas for traditional remedies, their usage is not recommended for long-term or high-volume consumption due to the same neurotoxic concerns. The concentration of toxic compounds in teas and supplements is often unregulated and can be dangerously high.

Digestive and Other Side Effects

Beyond the more severe risks, some people may experience milder side effects from soursop juice, especially when consumed in large quantities.

Gastrointestinal Distress: Excessive intake can lead to nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset. Some traditional uses involve consuming the tea to combat digestive issues, but high doses can have the opposite effect. The antimicrobial properties could also disrupt beneficial gut bacteria.
Low Blood Pressure: As noted earlier, soursop has hypotensive effects. Even without medication, some individuals may experience a drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic response to soursop, especially if they have an existing allergy to other members of the Annona family or a latex allergy.

Soursop Juice vs. Soursop Supplements: A Comparison

To highlight the difference in risk, here is a comparison of soursop juice from fresh fruit versus manufactured supplements and teas:


Feature	Fresh Soursop Juice (from pulp)	Soursop Leaf Tea / Supplements
Toxin Concentration	Lower, minimal risk when seeds are removed.	Potentially much higher, especially with chronic use.
Regulation	None, but risk is lower due to natural, unprocessed state.	None from regulatory bodies like the FDA in many regions.
Consumption Method	Moderate, periodic intake of fresh juice is safer.	Riskier, especially in high doses or for extended periods.
Drug Interactions	Still a potential risk, but lower due to lower concentration.	Stronger risk due to concentrated compounds.
Preparation	Requires careful removal of all toxic seeds.	Easy to prepare, but compounds are more concentrated.
Target Audience	General public, with precautions for certain groups.	Not recommended for most people without medical supervision.

Conclusion: Safe Consumption and Final Precautions

While soursop juice is celebrated for its nutritional profile and potential benefits, it is not without risks, especially when consumed improperly or excessively. The primary concerns revolve around neurotoxicity, which can cause Parkinson-like symptoms, and dangerous interactions with medications for blood pressure and diabetes. The seeds are toxic and must always be removed. Fresh juice from the fruit's pulp, in moderation and with careful preparation, carries less risk than concentrated extracts, teas, or supplements. For those with underlying health conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking medication, it is vital to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating soursop into your diet. Moderation, awareness, and medical consultation are key to enjoying soursop safely. Learn more about herbal safety from the University of Texas at El Paso: Herbal Safety Guide from UTEP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soursop does not directly cause Parkinson's disease, but long-term, excessive consumption of its extracts, leaves, or fruit has been associated with a movement disorder that exhibits symptoms similar to atypical Parkinsonism.

No, it is not recommended to drink soursop juice every day, especially in large quantities. Excessive or chronic consumption increases the risk of negative side effects, particularly neurotoxicity. A periodic or moderate intake is considered safer.

You should never eat soursop seeds. They contain high concentrations of neurotoxic compounds and can cause serious harm if ingested. All seeds must be removed before eating the fruit or making juice.

Yes, soursop juice can affect blood pressure medication. It has natural blood pressure-lowering effects and can amplify the effects of antihypertensive drugs, leading to dangerously low blood pressure.

People with Parkinson's disease, low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those on blood pressure, diabetes, or anticoagulant medications should avoid soursop juice or consult a doctor.

Frequent and excessive consumption, particularly of concentrated soursop products, may cause harm to the liver and kidneys. Moderate, intermittent intake of fresh juice is less likely to cause damage.

No, soursop juice and other soursop products should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data and concerns about annonacin toxicity.