Soursop, scientifically known as Annona muricata, is a tropical fruit native to South America, also known as guanabana, graviola, or custard apple. The fruit resembles an oversized avocado covered with prickly spikes. While the fruit is enjoyed for its sweet and creamy pulp, different parts of the soursop plant, including the leaves, stems, and bark, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. One popular way to consume soursop is in the form of bitters, a concentrated liquid extract infused with various herbs, spices, roots, and leaves.
What are Soursop Bitters?
Soursop bitters are a concentrated, liquid herbal extract made primarily from the leaves, roots, and bark of the soursop plant. While the fruit of the soursop tree is sweet and widely consumed, the leaves, roots, and bark are used to create the bitter extract, which contains a more concentrated dose of the plant’s active compounds. The extracts are often mixed with other herbs to create a blended wellness tonic and have a distinctly bitter taste. These bitters leverage the traditional uses of soursop in a convenient liquid form.
Bitters are designed to improve digestion by stimulating saliva production, which aids in the breakdown of fats and starches. Some believe that a daily shot of bitters can assist with weight loss, especially when the ingredients stimulate hormone production and suppress appetite.
Nutritional profile of Soursop
Like many fruits, soursop is a healthy source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. According to registered dietitian Alexis Supan, RD, LD, soursop has a great creamy texture and tropical taste that’s delicious eaten raw.
One cup (about 225 grams) of raw soursop contains:
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- 148 calories
- 2.25 grams of protein
- 7.42 grams of fiber
- 37.8 grams of carbs
- 30 grams of sugar
Besides fiber, the fruit is a good source of nutrients, like:
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Magnesium
One soursop fruit (about 1.3 pounds) provides:
- Calories: 412
- Protein: 6.25 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 105 grams
- Fiber: 21 grams
- Sugar: 85 grams
Soursop (the fruit and the leaves) contains many other antioxidants, including phytosterols, tannins, and flavonoids.
Potential Health Benefits of Soursop Bitters
Soursop bitters are believed to offer several potential health benefits, primarily attributed to the high concentration of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds found in the soursop plant.
Antioxidant Properties
Soursop contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These may help fight oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage. A 2018 review suggests that phytochemicals in soursop have shown antioxidant activity, potentially protecting your body’s cells from damage linked to chronic diseases. Vitamin C is well-known for promoting a healthy immune system and the destruction of free radicals, and contains a wide range of antioxidants that will boost your health.
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Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Compounds found in soursop herb may have anti-inflammatory properties. It could help manage conditions like arthritis by reducing swelling, pain, and discomfort. The plant’s high Vitamin C content may also support immune function. The antioxidants in soursop may, therefore, help reduce inflammation in the body.
Digestive Health Support
Soursop bitter liquid are traditionally used for better digestion. Soursop used as traditional colon cleanse, when consumed in its bitter form, may help your body produce more digestive enzymes and bile. Additionally, this may help alleviate common issues like bloating and indigestion after eating. Soursop contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Getting enough fiber each day is key to your digestive health. Fiber not only helps with our digestive system, but it also helps regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol.
Immune System Boost
The rich nutrient content could help boost your immune system. Soursop bitter may support white blood cell production. As a result, this could strengthen your body’s defenses. It may help fight off infections. Soursop is high in vitamin C, an antioxidant known to boost immune health and improve its ability to defend against pathogens. Vitamin C also promotes the destruction of free radicals, which can help protect your skin and cells from environmental oxidative damage.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Some studies suggest that soursop extract may help lower blood sugar by inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. A study on ResearchGate showed that soursop leaf tea reduced blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. Soursop extract has been shown to reduce blood sugar in several studies on animals.
Liver and Heart Health
Bitters in soursop may benefit liver health by stimulating bile production, which is essential for detoxification. The anti-inflammatory properties might also help heart health. High blood pressure may lead to serious issues such as heart disease and heart attack. Potassium helps your body get rid of sodium and eases the tension in the walls of your blood vessels, both of which can help lower your blood pressure.
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Antibacterial Effects
Soursop may provide antibacterial effects. One study found that an extract may be able to kill many different types of bacteria, including strains that cause gum disease and cavities. Another study found that soursop extracts may help fight cholera and staphylococcus bacteria.
Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
There’s some evidence that the extracts from the plant’s leaves could kill cancer cells. Soursop is being studied for the compounds in sour sop, specifically acetogenins. May have cytotoxic effects against breast, colon, pancreatic, and other cancer cells. One systematic review showed that the extract of Annona muricata (scientific name of soursop) is full of bioactive compounds, including acetogenins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Researchers say these compounds have the "ability to decrease the growth of cancer."
Ulcer Treatment
Soursop extract may show promise for treating gastric ulcers. A review of 49 research articles from 1981 to 2021 showed that soursop's high concentration of flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids made it a popular traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers.
Weight Loss Aid
In a study using adult mice, researchers test whether soursop extract could be used to treat some of the symptoms of obesity. The results showed that mice who were given a high-fat diet, and then supplemented with doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg soursop extract had significant reduction in body weight compared to the mice that weren't given the extract, even though they didn't have a reduced caloric intake.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Despite its potential benefits, soursop bitters are not without risks. It is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects and take necessary precautions.
Neurotoxicity and Parkinson’s-Like Symptoms
Research has shown that annonacin, abundant in soursop leaves, may be neurotoxic and cause nerve damage. Long-term use may lead to symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, including tremors and lack of muscle control.
Low Blood Pressure Concerns
Soursop may have a hypotensive effect, lowering blood pressure. It could be unsafe for people with low blood pressure, particularly those taking blood pressure medications, as it may cause a dangerous drop in pressure.
Potential Drug Interactions
Soursop can interact with various medications, including those for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression. Consulting with a health professional is necessary, especially if you take other medicines. The compounds found in extracts and teas can also interfere with medications used for high blood pressure and diabetes treatments.
Other Potential Side Effects
Excessive intake can lead to nausea, vomiting, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and intestinal symptoms.
Who Should Avoid Soursop Bitters?
Certain individuals should avoid soursop bitters due to the potential risks:
- People with existing neurological conditions or a family history of Parkinson’s disease.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (may stimulate uterine contractions).
- Individuals with low blood pressure or those on blood pressure medication.
How to Use Soursop Bitters Safely
If you choose to use soursop bitters, it is essential to do so safely:
- General Dosage: Advice suggests taking 1-2 teaspoons daily after meals. However, each brand has different strengths and weaknesses. The recommended dose for adults is two teaspoons after each meal.
- Mixing with Other Liquids: The bitter taste can be masked by mixing with orange juice, ginger ale, smoothies, or lemon juice with a sweetener. You can mix 1 ounce of bitters with these beverages to improve palatability.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you have any prior health issues or are taking medications, talk to a licensed doctor before use.
Soursop Tea
Soursop tea is made from the leaves of the Annona muricata tree, a tropical plant known for its distinctive fruit. Studies suggest that soursop tea may support the immune system, help reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
To make the tea, simply place the soursop leaves in boiling water and soak for about 10 minutes.
Soursop leaves contain phytochemical compounds, like tannins, flavonoids and triterpenoids, which help to regulate blood sugar levels. Soursop leaf extract contains alkaloid compounds such as coreximine, anomurine and reticulin. They also have essential oils that contain hypotensive properties which block calcium ion channels and allow blood vessels to dilate. Soursop leaf extract has a gastric protective effect, which can help to relieve the symptoms of some gastric problems, such as stomach ulcers and gastritis. Due to the content of alkaloid compounds, soursop tea helps reduce anxiety, stress and insomnia, as these substances act on the central nervous system. Soursop leaf extract contains antioxidant compounds that protect tissues against oxidative damage. It can promote wound healing process, as well as increasing the availability of collagen and proteins that promote the growth of new cells to repair tissue.
Soursop Fruit: A Versatile Ingredient
Soursop is delicious raw. Just cut it in half and scoop the flesh out with a spoon. Just be sure to remove the seeds because they're toxic. You can also use the fresh fruit in:
- Homemade popsicles
- Ice cream
- Smoothies
- Toppings for oatmeal or yogurt
- Quick breads or cakes
You can now buy 100% soursop juice from a big grocer or online. Or you can make your own at home. There are plenty of simple recipes online, but all you really have to do is peel it, remove the seeds, add the pulp to a blender with some water, and blend until smooth. You can strain the juice and add milk or lime juice, or drink it thick like a smoothie. You also can flavor it with honey, vanilla, or ginger.