Synopsis

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

Soursop (Annona muricata), also known as graviola or guanabana, has been traditionally used in various cultures, particularly in the Caribbean, Central, and South America, to support sleep and manage insomnia. Folk medicine often utilizes soursop leaves to make teas or infusions believed to have calming, sedative, or anxiolytic effects. Historical records and ethnobotanical surveys indicate that communities have relied on soursop as a natural remedy for sleep difficulties, nervousness, and stress-related symptoms.

Scientific studies supporting these traditional uses are limited. Some preclinical research (primarily in animal models) has shown that extracts from soursop leaves may induce sedative and anxiolytic effects, possibly due to the presence of certain alkaloids, flavonoids, and annonaceous acetogenins. For example, rodent studies have observed decreased locomotor activity and increased sleep duration after administration of soursop extracts, suggesting a potential central nervous system depressant action. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and there is insufficient evidence to conclusively validate these effects or to establish effective dosing and safety profiles for insomnia treatment. Thus, while soursop’s use for insomnia is primarily rooted in tradition, with some weak preclinical support, it cannot be considered scientifically validated for this purpose at present.

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