What is the toxicity of soursop
The presence of the alkaloids anonaine and annonacin has been reported in soursop fruit (also known as Guanabana and Graviola). Annonacin that has been found to possess in vitro anticancer activity. It can arrest cell growth. It can also cause apoptosis, which is death of cells that occurs as a normal and controlled part of an organism’s growth or development. There is evidence it can impact the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.
Muricine and muricinine
The alkaloids muricine and muricinine are found in the bark of the graviola tree from which the fruit grows. Muricinine is believed to be identical to reticuline. Reticuline is one of the alkaloids found in the drug opium. Experiments in rodents suggest it has a potent central nervous system depressing effects. It is the precursor of morphine and many other alkaloids.
An unnamed alkaloid occurs in the leaves and seeds. The bark is high in hydrocyanic acid. Small amounts are found in the leaves and roots. There is a trace in the fruit. The seeds contain 45% of a yellow non-drying oil which is an irritant poison, causing severe eye inflammation.
It can disrupt the human nervous system if over-consumed.
