Synopsis

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

Soursop (Annona muricata) has a long history of use in traditional medicine across the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of Africa and Asia for addressing various ailments, including parasitic infections such as nematodes and intestinal worms. Traditional healers have often utilized soursop leaves, seeds, or fruit extracts as anthelmintic (anti-worm) remedies. The rationale stems from observed folk efficacy and the plant’s general reputation for antimicrobial activity. Scientific studies on soursop’s antiparasitic properties are limited but do exist: some in vitro and animal studies suggest that certain extracts, particularly from seeds and leaves, possess compounds (such as acetogenins and alkaloids) that may have activity against parasitic worms. For example, a few laboratory studies have demonstrated that soursop seed extracts can reduce the viability of nematodes and other helminths. However, these findings are preliminary and have not yet translated into robust clinical evidence in humans. Thus, while soursop’s use for treating parasites is primarily justified by tradition, with some emerging laboratory support, there is insufficient high-quality scientific evidence to firmly establish its efficacy or safety for this purpose in humans. Further studies, particularly clinical trials, would be required to substantiate its traditional use as an anthelmintic agent.

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More about Parasites (nematodes, worms)

Other ingredients used for Parasites (nematodes, worms)

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