What does graviola do for your body?: A Nutritional Breakdown

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to traditional medicinal use, various parts of the graviola (soursop) tree have been used for centuries across tropical regions to treat a range of ailments. This article explores what does graviola do for your body, from its high concentration of beneficial nutrients to critical safety considerations based on current research.

Quick Summary

Graviola, or soursop, is a nutrient-dense fruit rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. While test-tube and animal studies have shown potential health effects against cancer cells and infections, human research is limited and some compounds are linked to neurological risks with long-term use. This guide covers its nutritional value, researched benefits, and potential side effects.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Graviola is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, flavonoids, and other compounds that help neutralize free radicals and protect against cellular damage.
Nutrient-Dense Fruit: The fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and magnesium, supporting digestive and cardiovascular health.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Animal studies suggest graviola has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain and swelling, supporting its traditional use for conditions like arthritis.
Potential Neurological Risks: Long-term, high-dose use of graviola supplements is linked to annonaceous acetogenins, which may increase the risk of neurological problems and Parkinson's-like symptoms.
Limited Human Evidence: While test-tube and animal research has explored graviola's potential anticancer and antimicrobial effects, robust human clinical trials are lacking, and claims about cancer treatment are unsupported.
Seeds are Toxic: The seeds, roots, and bark of the graviola plant are considered toxic and should not be ingested.
Medication Warnings: Graviola can interact with blood pressure and diabetes medications, potentially causing dangerous drops in levels.

Graviola, also known as soursop, guanabana, or Brazilian paw paw, is a tropical fruit praised for its creamy, flavorful flesh and unique nutritional profile. However, the conversation around graviola extends beyond its taste, delving into its potential health benefits and controversial risks. Understanding what graviola does for your body requires a balanced look at both its nutrient content and the current scientific evidence, including the all-important caveats regarding its long-term use.

The Nutritional Profile of Graviola

Graviola is more than just a tasty fruit; it is packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health. A standard serving offers a significant portion of your recommended daily intake for several vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C: Graviola is an excellent source of this powerful antioxidant, crucial for immune function and skin health.
Dietary Fiber: A single cup contains a substantial amount of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Potassium: This vital mineral, found in high amounts in graviola, plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular health.
Magnesium: Supports nerve function, muscle contractions, and energy production.
Antioxidants: Beyond vitamin C, graviola contains various plant compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and phytosterols that act as antioxidants, neutralizing cell-damaging free radicals.

The Research-Backed Effects of Graviola on the Body

Potent Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Many of graviola's reported health effects are attributed to its high concentration of antioxidants. These compounds help combat oxidative stress in the body, which is linked to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Animal studies also suggest that graviola's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce pain and swelling, making it a folk remedy for inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Potential Antimicrobial Activity

Some laboratory studies indicate that graviola extracts possess antimicrobial properties. Research has shown its effectiveness against certain strains of bacteria, including those responsible for oral diseases, and some animal and test-tube studies suggest it may have antiviral effects against certain viruses like herpes simplex 2 and dengue.

Cancer Research (with Caution)

Graviola has gained widespread attention for its potential anticancer properties, particularly its unique acetogenin compounds. Test-tube and animal studies have shown these compounds can induce cancer cell death (apoptosis) and inhibit the growth of various cancer types, including breast, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.

Crucially, it is vital to note that these studies were conducted in controlled laboratory settings or on animals, not humans. Reputable scientific cancer organizations do not endorse graviola as a cancer treatment, and there is insufficient reliable evidence from human clinical trials to support these claims.

Effects on Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure

In some animal studies, graviola extract has shown potential in helping to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. Additionally, it has been explored for its hypotensive effects, with a 2012 study on rats suggesting it can help lower blood pressure. However, these findings are not conclusive for humans and require further research.

Important Considerations and Potential Risks

The Link to Neurological Issues

One of the most significant safety concerns surrounding graviola is its potential neurological toxicity, especially with long-term, high-dose use. This is due to the presence of annonaceous acetogenins, which some research suggests can affect nerve function and may be linked to movement disorders and Parkinson's-like symptoms. Patients with existing neurological conditions are advised to avoid graviola supplements.

Medication Interactions

Graviola can interact with certain medications, particularly those for managing blood pressure and diabetes. Because it can lower both blood pressure and blood sugar, it may enhance the effects of these medications, potentially leading to dangerous drops in levels. Anyone on these drugs should consult a healthcare provider before using graviola.

Toxicity and Safe Consumption

While the fruit's creamy flesh is generally considered safe to eat, the seeds, roots, and bark contain higher concentrations of toxic compounds and should not be consumed. The risk of liver and kidney toxicity has also been noted with repeated use. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid graviola products due to insufficient safety data.

Graviola vs. Other Superfruits: A Comparison


Feature	Graviola (Soursop)	Goji Berry	Acai Berry
Primary Benefits	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties (lab/animal studies).	Antioxidant powerhouse, immune support, eye health (traditionally).	Very high antioxidant content, heart health, energy boost.
Unique Compounds	Annonaceous acetogenins (linked to neurological risk with prolonged use).	Lycium barbarum polysaccharides.	Anthocyanins.
Nutrients	Vitamin C, fiber, potassium, magnesium.	Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, fiber.	Vitamin C, Vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids.
Research Status	Promising lab/animal studies, but insufficient human evidence; significant neurological risks with prolonged use.	Some studies support traditional uses, but more human trials are needed.	Extensive antioxidant research; widely studied.
Form of Consumption	Fresh fruit, juice, tea, supplements (caution advised).	Dried berries, juice, powder, supplements.	Juice, frozen pulp, powders, supplements.

Conclusion

Graviola offers a rich nutritional profile and has demonstrated intriguing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in preliminary studies. However, the scientific evidence for many of its most lauded health claims, especially concerning cancer, remains limited to laboratory and animal research. Crucially, the presence of potentially neurotoxic compounds means that graviola supplements, especially with prolonged use, carry significant risks that should not be overlooked. While enjoying the fresh fruit in moderation may pose little risk, anyone considering graviola supplements should exercise extreme caution and always consult with a qualified healthcare professional beforehand. The science is still evolving, and until more conclusive human clinical trials are available, the potential harms must be weighed against the unproven benefits.

Note: For further information on graviola and cancer research, please refer to authoritative sources such as WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fruit is commonly eaten fresh or used in juices and smoothies. The leaves are often used to make tea, while the bark and roots are used in some traditional medicines. However, the seeds are toxic and should never be consumed.

No. While laboratory and animal studies have shown that graviola extracts can kill certain cancer cells, there is no reliable scientific evidence from human trials to prove it works as a cancer treatment. Reputable cancer organizations do not support these claims.

Yes. Long-term use of graviola, particularly high-dose supplements, has been linked to potential nerve damage and movement problems similar to Parkinson's disease due to certain compounds called acetogenins.

Yes. Graviola can lower blood sugar and blood pressure, so it may interact dangerously with medications for diabetes and high blood pressure. Anyone taking these drugs should consult a doctor before use.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with Parkinson's disease, those with low blood pressure or diabetes, and people with existing liver or kidney conditions should avoid graviola products due to potential risks and lack of sufficient safety data.

The fresh fruit itself is generally considered safe to eat in moderation, provided the seeds are completely removed and discarded, as they are toxic.

The safest way is to consume the fresh fruit, being careful to remove all seeds. Tea can be made from the leaves, but long-term or excessive use is not recommended. It is best to avoid graviola supplements unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.