All parts of the soursop tree have medicinal uses: the fruit is eaten fresh or made into jam, while the leaves, bark, roots, seeds … are widely used in the decoction of traditional medicine.
Uses of soursop fruit
Soursop is the fruit of the Annona muricata tree, a small, tropical evergreen tree in the Annonaceae family.
According to one study, soursop contains around 212 active plant substances, including alkaloids, megastigmans, flavonol triglycosides, phenolic compounds, cyclopeptides and essential oils. Together, they contribute to anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, liver protection and anti-diabetic mechanisms.
The soursop is large, heart-shaped (oval or irregular) and green in color with a diameter of 15 to 20 cm. The interior of the fruit has a white pulp with a soft, smooth texture, a sweet taste and an attractive aroma. Most people don’t eat custard apple seeds because they can increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Here are the benefits of custard that have been scientifically proven.
Soursop is a large green heart-shaped fruit with a diameter of 15 to 20 cm.
Nutritional ingredients
100 g of creamed apple contains 81.16 g of water and 276 kJ of energy. It also contains 1 g of protein, 3.3 g of fiber, 14 mg of calcium, 0.6 mg of iron, 21 mg of magnesium, 278 mg of potassium, 27 mg of phosphorus, 0.1 mg of zinc, 20 , 6 mg of vitamin C and 14 mcg of folate.
Anti-cancer properties
Soursop has anti-cancer properties, including cytotoxicity, necrosis, and inhibition of proliferation against many types of cancer such as breast, colorectal, prostate, kidney, lung, pancreas or cancer. ovary, eggs and many other types of cancer. The phytochemicals present in the fruit like acetogenin are primarily responsible for reducing and preventing the growth of cancer cells.
Treatment of malaria
Antispasmodic agents of soursop leaves have a positive effect on the pathogenic parasite. According to a study, soursop leaf extract showed promising effects against two strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the protozoan parasite responsible for malaria in humans.
Treatment of parasitic infections
Soursop has anti-parasitic activity that can help treat protozoan infections like leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis. The bioactive compounds in the fruit help treat gastrointestinal parasites. Soursop can also effectively fight diseases caused by resistant protozoa.
Treatment of joint pain
Soursop is used as a natural remedy for joint pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant may help inhibit irritation from joint pain and reduce edema caused by the disease.
Controlling high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and kidney failure. Soursop has antihypertensive activity which can help lower cholesterol levels in the body. It can help control high blood pressure and prevent complications.
Crisis control
Soursop is famous for its anticonvulsant activity mainly in African countries. It is used in traditional medicine to control fevers and seizures. In addition, the neuroprotective effects of this fruit may contribute to its high performance against epileptic seizures or other nervous dysfunctions.
Controlling Diabetes
Soursop has anti-diabetic and hyponatremic effects. One study found that custard can help lower blood sugar when taken daily for two weeks. Additionally, the antioxidant effects of soursop may protect beta cells in the pancreas from oxidative damage, which is the main cause of type 1 diabetes.
Prevent liver damage
One study talked about the liver protective and bilirubin lowering activity of cream apple. High levels of bilirubin indicate a damaged or diseased liver. Taking soursop can help bring elevated bilirubin back to normal levels, protect the liver, and combat the toxicity of carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen.
Pain relief
Soursop is traditionally used as a pain reliever because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-sensory properties. It helps reduce inflammatory cytokines in the body that cause pain. Study talks about the pain relieving effect of abdominal cramps caused by acetic acid.
Has antioxidant properties
Soursop contains a large amount of phenolic compounds responsible for its antioxidant properties. It can effectively act as a powerful free radical scavenger, de-iron, and prevent related diseases like cancer, arthritis, and inflammatory diseases.
Treatment of ulcers
Soursop has anti-ulcer activity due to the presence of active substances such as flavonoids, tannins and triterpenes. It can help reduce ulcerative or ulcerative lesions and improve gastric function.
Healing
Soursop has healing properties. It can help reduce the wound area of the wound area from the fourth day in the case of an incisional wound. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the fruit contribute to faster healing of the wound.
How to eat a cream apple
Cut the fruit in half vertically. Remove the seeds with a knife or by hand. Remove the white meat and place it in a bowl. You can also eat it directly after serving. The pulp can be ground into smoothies or used in place of sugar when baking. Soursop leaves can also be used to make tea or a decoction to treat various ailments.
