Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Soursop (Annona muricata), also known as graviola, has a lengthy history of use in traditional medicine across tropical regions, including Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. One of its traditional applications is as a remedy for malaria. Indigenous peoples and traditional healers have utilized various parts of the plant—especially the leaves, bark, and seeds—to prepare infusions or decoctions believed to reduce fever and alleviate malaria symptoms. The rationale for its use is mainly based on ethnobotanical knowledge passed down through generations rather than on rigorous scientific validation.

From a scientific perspective, there are some in vitro and animal studies suggesting that soursop extracts may possess antiplasmodial (anti-malarial) activity. Some laboratory research has identified bioactive compounds, such as acetogenins, that can inhibit the growth of Plasmodium species, the parasite responsible for malaria. However, these studies are preliminary, often conducted in cell cultures or animal models, and do not provide strong clinical evidence for efficacy in humans. There are currently no large-scale clinical trials confirming the effectiveness or safety of soursop for treating malaria in people. Thus, while some scientific exploration exists, the primary foundation for soursop's use against malaria is traditional practice, and the evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited.

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