25/08/2025
I’ve always loved soursop. The sweet pulp, the creamy texture, and the tropical vibes, BUT what most people don’t realize is that every part of this plant has its own medicine and its own risk.
The Fruit
The pulp is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which is why it’s been used for immunity, digestion, and reducing inflammation. I personally enjoy it in smoothies, ice cream, or just fresh, but even here, moderation is key. Too much of any concentrated extract isn’t always safe.
The Leaves
Leaves are traditionally brewed into calming teas, often used for relaxation, pain, better sleep, and or cancer related health issues . Some people even make poultices for skin swelling. The thing is, the leaves carry annonacin, a neurotoxin. That’s why long-term or excessive use isn’t recommended.
Bark & Roots
In folk medicine, people have used the bark and roots as decoctions for fevers, parasites, and infections or applied them externally for rheumatism and joint pain. They work, yes, but they also carry high concentrations of toxic compounds. Internal use over time can be risky.
Seeds
Seeds are tricky. They’ve been used as natural insecticides, lice treatments, or even in tiny doses internally for parasites by some traditional healers. But here’s the reality: seeds are toxic if eaten in larger amounts, no different than most of our everyday fruit. So this is NOT something to experiment with casually and never to be consumed without professional guidance.
Why It Matters
Soursop contains acetogenins, and the most famous one is annonacin. This compound is a neurotoxin that can damage neurons and has been linked to Parkinson-like symptoms in people with heavy or prolonged exposure. It’s mostly found in seeds, leaves, bark, and roots not so much the fruit pulp, which is why eating the fruit in moderation is deemed generally safe.
My advice
I always tell people to do their research. Nature has a balance. What heals in one form can harm in another. Question the answers, look at the full picture, and don’t just follow trends or one-off recommendations.
Soursop is powerful, but it deserves respect, knowledge, and caution like all potent plants do.
