Instagram has approximately 2 billion active users worldwide. Facebook has about 3 billion. And if there’s one constant threat looming over social media users, it’s misinformation.

Over time, many of us have come to rely on social media for information, especially on health-related topics and for advice on what we should and should not eat. Recently, one fruit that is gaining popularity on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook for its purported anti-cancer properties is soursop (graviola), a thorny, dark green fruit commonly found in tropical and Grows in subtropical regions.

Soursop for cancer?

Soursop, a close relative of the famous custard apple, has been making waves on social media due to its anti-cancer properties. This has led to a proliferation of products on the market, from supplements to juices and protein powders, that contain soursop as a key ingredient.

This trend has also affected the growth of the fruit market to some extent. Statistics show that the global market size of soursop in 2021 was $150 million. It is estimated that the production volume could reach more than 455,600 tons and is evaluated 350 million dollars Till 2027.

Since this fruit is mainly grown in tropical regions, its reputation as a cancer-killing agent began to spread in the West. Now, it seems this misinformation has reached India too, with many influential doctors touting the fruit as being as effective as chemotherapy.

Here’s what the experts say

India Today Spoke to various experts and they all agreed that even though the fruit is high in antioxidants, there are no studies that show it can cure cancer.

Chintamani, chairman and head of the department of surgical oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, emphasizes that “there is no clear evidence to suggest that it is effective and safe for treating cancer in humans”.

They highlighted that although soursop has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, these benefits have not been objectively evaluated in human clinical trials.

According to them, “This product has a questionable role as an anti-cancer agent and its safety in humans is not established.”

Dr Suman S Karanth, senior consultant, medical oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, explains that laboratory studies on animal tissue and cancer cells have demonstrated some anti-cancer activity in prostate, lung, colon and breast cancer cells. These studies are not in humans”.

She cautions that without clinical trials, there is no solid evidence to support the efficacy of soursop in treating cancer in humans. Dr. Karanth also raises concerns about the toxic effects of soursop’s acetogenin compounds, which can cause neurotoxicity and immune suppression.

Dr Pooja Babbar, consultant in medical oncology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, further explains that even though soursop contains acetogenin, it has a cytotoxic effect (toxic effect on cell function) on cancer cells by inhibiting specific compounds found in the cancer cell membrane. Can put.

The consensus among experts is clear: While soursop’s potential as a cancer-fighting agent is supported by preclinical studies (on animals), there is no significant human evidence to validate its use as a cancer treatment.

But does this mean that the fruit has no benefits? Not good.

Does it have any benefits?

Soursop offers many potential health benefits due to its rich nutritional content. The fruit is a source of essential vitamins (such as vitamin C, B1, and B2), minerals (such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium), antioxidants, and dietary fiber.

According to Dr Shilpa MR, consultant and dietitian at Kshemvana Yoga and Naturopathy Centre, Bengaluru, the fruit:

• Increases immunity: Soursop may “boost immunity” through its high vitamin C content, which promotes the formation of white blood cells.
• Rich in Antioxidants: “The antioxidant properties of soursop prevent cancer by combating oxidative stress in the body”.
• Promotes digestive health: The high fiber content of soursop helps maintain gut health and prevent constipation.
• controls blood pressure: Dr Shilpa MR says its potassium content helps control blood pressure by balancing sodium levels and relaxing the blood vessels.

• Reduces swelling: Soursop has anti-inflammatory properties, which can provide relief from joint pain and other inflammatory conditions.
• Promotes skin and hair health: The antioxidants and vitamin C present in soursop aid in collagen production and fight the signs of aging.
• Stabilizing blood sugar levels may help: Dr. Babbar says soursop may help stabilize blood sugar levels, which may benefit those managing diabetes.

Experts recommend consuming soursop in its natural form as a fruit, as it is considered safe for most people. However, they urge caution when using soursop supplements and other products as they have not yet been officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

possible side effects

Despite its many health benefits, soursop also has potential side effects. Experts caution that excessive consumption or unsupervised use of soursop can have adverse effects, especially for people with pre-existing health problems.

• neurotoxicity: Professor Chintamani warns that soursop is “not very safe for people being treated for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease”, as it can worsen symptoms and interfere with neurological treatments.
• Toxic Effects: Dr. Karanth highlights that soursop’s fatty acid derivatives, called acetogenins, are “toxic” and linked to neurotoxicity, which can cause hair loss and immune system suppression.
• Interventions in cardiovascular treatments: Soursop may interfere with cardiovascular healing and metabolic activities, urging caution and supervision of a medical expert or nutritionist.
• nausea and vomiting: Dr. Babbar mentions that consumption of soursop may cause “nausea, vomiting” and a drop in blood pressure.
• Allergic reactions: Dr. Shilpa explains that some individuals may experience allergic reactions like rashes or itching after eating sour.

bitter truth

Preclinical studies and anecdotal reports have fueled soursop’s reputation as a potentially cancer-fighting fruit. However, experts agree that there is no conclusive human evidence to support its use as an anti-cancer treatment. Although it offers a variety of health benefits due to its rich nutritional content, its potential side effects cannot be ignored.