Soursop (Annona muricata), also known as graviola, is a tropical fruit tree native to the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America and Africa. While the fruit itself is prized for its sweet, creamy flavor—often described as a blend of pineapple and strawberry—it’s the leaves that have captured global attention in recent decades.
But why? The answer lies at the intersection of traditional medicine, modern lab research, and cautious scientific skepticism.
🌿 Traditional Roots: Centuries of Folk Use
For generations, Indigenous and rural communities have used soursop leaves in herbal remedies:
- Brewed as tea to reduce fever, calm anxiety, or aid sleep
- Applied as a poultice for skin inflammation or wounds
- Used to support digestion and relieve respiratory congestion
This deep cultural history laid the foundation for modern interest.
🔬 The Science Behind the Hype: What Lab Studies Show
