Synopsis

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

Graviola (Annona muricata), also known as soursop, has a long history of use in traditional medicine in tropical regions, particularly in South America and the Caribbean. Folk medicine practitioners have used various parts of the plant—primarily the leaves, bark, and fruit—to address a range of ailments, including parasitic infections such as those caused by nematodes and intestinal worms. Ethnobotanical surveys document its use as an anthelmintic (anti-worm) remedy, with preparations applied orally or topically depending on the parasite.

Scientific studies on Graviola’s antiparasitic effects are limited but do provide some support for its traditional use. In vitro and animal studies have shown that extracts from Graviola exhibit activity against certain parasites, including nematodes and protozoa. For example, some research has demonstrated that Graviola leaf extracts can reduce worm burden in infected animals, and isolated compounds (such as acetogenins) have shown antiparasitic properties in laboratory settings. However, these studies are preliminary, and there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans to confirm efficacy and safety for this purpose.

In summary, while traditional use of Graviola for treating parasites is well-documented and supported by limited preclinical evidence, there is insufficient scientific validation from human studies to strongly endorse its use for this condition. The overall quality of evidence is modest, meriting a rating of 2 out of 5.

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