Soursop Leaf Tea: Healing Remedy or Health Risk? What the Science Say

Soursop leaf tea is a familiar traditional remedy in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, but its use extends well beyond our region. From claims about better sleep and blood sugar to conversations about cancer, soursop leaves have attracted plenty of attention. But how much of what we hear is supported by scientific evidence? In this episode, we explore the traditional uses of soursop leaf tea and examine what scientific research tells us about its potential benefits, limitations, and safety concerns. ***You can find the full list of researched references and further readings below. Main Discussion Points The different names for soursop and how its leaves have been used in traditional remedies across various cultures. The science behind some of the popular claims. The safety concerns. Who should exercise caution. Making informed decisions about its use. Related Episode: Talk Fruit to Me - Sweetsop Stress Is Normal - But What It's Doing to Your Body, Isn’t Stay in the Know: *** Subscribe to the blog's newsletter to stay informed and enjoy additional health and wellness topics. Things you can do right now to improve your health Resources/Freebies: 1. Helpful Blog Posts/Videos: Soursop Leaf Tea Benefits: Science-Backed Healing Properties, Side Effects and Dosage 5 Amazing Soursop Benefits: Beyond Nerve Health Longevity Habits from the World's Blue Zones Why Blood Sugar Matters for Non-Diabetics: The Science of Glucose Regulation Blood Pressure Explained: What Your Numbers Mean + 7 Foods to Help Manage It Naturally 2. Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog References and Further Readings Alatas H et al. The effects of soursop supplementation on blood pressure, serum uric acid, and kidney function in a prehypertensive population in accordance with the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline. J Hum Hypertens . 2020;34(3):223-23 Champy, P., et al. (2005). "Quantification of acetogenins in Annona muricata linked to atypical Parkinsonism in Guadeloupe." Movement Disorders , 20(12), 1629–1633. Coria-Téllez, A. V., et al. (2018). Annona muricata : A comprehensive review on its traditional medicinal uses, phytochemicals, pharmacological activities, mechanisms of action and toxicity. Arabian Journal of Chemistry , 11(5), 662–691. German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Food Safety, Berlin, Germany; Raclariu-Manolica AC, Bakhiya N, Hirsch-Ernst KI. Risk assessment regarding the use of Annona muricata in food supplements. EFSA J. 2020 Nov 26;18(Suppl 1): e181112. Höllerhage, M., et al. (2015). "Neurotoxicity of Dietary Supplements from Annonaceae Species." International Journal of Toxicology , 34(6), 543–550. Ilango S, Sahoo DK, Paital B, et al. A Review on Annona muricata and Its Anticancer Activity. Cancers (Basel) . 2022;14(18):4539. Levin J, Kurz A,