Graviola

Botanical: Annona muricata
Family: Annonaceae (custard-apple)

Other common names: Soursop, Guanábana, Guanavana, Guanaba, Corossol Epineux, Huanaba, Toge-banreisi, Durian Benggala, Nangka Blanda, Brazilian Paw-Paw

Graviola has long been used by the indigenous tribes of the Amazon basin as a vermifuge, fever-reducer and as an astringent.  Recent research has shown Graviola to have antidepressant qualities, as well as showing promise as an agent that may combat malignant disease.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Graviola is a small evergreen tree that grows up to twenty feet with large, glossy, dark green leaves, and it produces a large, heart-shaped, edible fruit, yellow-green in color with white flesh.  Graviola is indigenous to most of the rainforest areas in South America, and all parts of the tree are used in natural medicine in the Amazon basin.  Graviola fruit and fruit juice are taken to expel worms and parasites, to cool fevers, to increase mother's milk after childbirth and as an astringent for dysentery and diarrhea.  The seeds are used against internal and external parasites, head lice and worms.  The bark, leaves and roots are considered sedative, antispasmodic, hypotensive and nervine.  The benefits of Graviola have only recently become known to Western medicine, and may be one more reason why we should strive to save our rainforest resources.  In recent research, Graviola has shown promise as a way to combat malignant diseases.  Studies have also shown that Graviola is a natural antidepressant.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) Capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Graviola should be used only under the auspices of a knowledgeable health care provider.  Pregnant and nursing women should not use Graviola, and it is not recommended for people who take antidepressants or blood pressure medications.  People with Parkinson's Disease should avoid Graviola.  Extended use (more than one month without a one week interval) is not recommended, as chronic, long-term use of this plant may lead to die-off of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract due to its antimicrobial properties, thus, supplementing the diet with probiotics and digestive enzymes is advisable if this plant is used for longer than thirty days.  Large amounts may cause nausea and gastric distress.  Avoid combining Graviola with ATP-enhancers, such as CoQ10. Recent research has indicated that great care should be exercised with the use of Graviola.  According to the journal, Neuroscience, "The mitochondrial complex i inhibitor annonacin is toxic to mesencephalic dopaminergic neuron" (death of both dopaminergic and nondopaminergic neurons). Research carried out in the Caribbean has established a connection between consumption of Soursop (Graviola) and atypical forms of Parkinson's Disease, resembling progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), due to the very high concentration of annonacin. This chemical may be directly connected to the higher than expected incidence of Parkinson-like disease in Guadeloupe.

Capsule Information:
Our Graviola supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.