One of most commonly used
medicinal plants in Caribbean. Pulp
of the fruit is eaten and
used as an ingredient in many foods
and beverages.Tea is drunk daily and
often mixed with other herbal decoctions.
Processed soursop is available as a
concentrate
Historical Uses
Leaf decoctions are used
as a sedative, diuretic, and to treat
haematuria, influenza and dysentery.
Also used as an antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory,
antihelmintic, to kills head lice, and
as an insect repellent. The leaves are
sprinkled on bed to promote sleep
Distribution
Believed to be native to
the West Indies. Planted from the Bahamas
through the West Indies to southern
Mexico and Brazil. Also introduced to
Old World tropics and southern Florida
Active Ingredients
Alkaloids=anonaine and anoniine-
highest in seeds, muricine and muricinine,
in bark, leaves, seeds. Can cause movement
disorders; Toxic to dopaminergic and
GABAnergic neurons in low concentrations.
Acetogenins
Available as a powder made
from leaves. Doses vary. Infusion or
tea: ½-1 cup 1-3 times a day
Toxicities
Annonacin = neurtoxic, suspected
cause of form of Parkinson's disease,
dopaminergic neuronal death, oil in
seeds can cause severe inflammation.
Seeds are considered toxic. Contraindicated
in pregnancy, caution in hypotension,
can cause nausea. Theoretically, interacts
with antidepressants, MAO inhibitors,
antihypertensives, cardiac depressants
3. Morton J, F. Atlas of Medicinal
Plants of Middle America : Bahamas
to Yucatan. Springfield IL: Charles
C. Thomas; 1981.
4. Jellin JM. Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database. Pharmacist's letter. Prescriber's
letter. Therapeutic Research Faculty;
Stockton CA.
5. Germosén-Robineau L, Enda-Caribe,
Universidad de Antioquía. Hacia
Una Farmacopea Caribeña : Investigacion
Cientifica y Uso Popular De Plantas
Medicinales En El Caribe. Santo Domingo;
Enda-Caribo: Republica Dominicana;
UAG & Universidad de Antioquia;
1995.
