Soursop Fruit Extract May Fight Mutations and Tumors

David Palenski
6th February, 2024

Soursop Fruit Extract May Fight Mutations and Tumors

Soursop (Annona muricata) tree.

Photo adapted from: Casey Clark Sumalinog / CC BY (Source)
Soursop, a fruit gaining attention for potential health benefits, has a long history of traditional use, particularly in managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension[2]. While folklore suggests its effectiveness, rigorous scientific investigation is needed to understand its properties and potential applications. Researchers at the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) recently conducted a study[1] focusing on the water-soluble fraction of soursop pulp (WSSP) to assess its antioxidant, mutagenic, and anti-cancer properties. The study began with an analysis of the chemical composition of WSSP, specifically its phenolic content. Phenols are plant compounds known for their antioxidant capabilities, and the UERJ team found WSSP contained 11.22 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dried extract. This indicates a substantial presence of these potentially beneficial compounds. Further testing revealed the WSSP exhibited antioxidant activity, though at a relatively high concentration (EC50 of 1032 µg/ml) – meaning a larger amount was needed to achieve a significant effect compared to some other antioxidants. A key concern when considering any natural compound for medicinal use is its potential to cause harm, specifically whether it can damage DNA (mutagenicity). The researchers used a standard test, the Salmonella/microsome assay, and found that WSSP did not induce significant mutagenicity. Importantly, the study also investigated whether WSSP could protect against DNA damage – an antimutagenic effect. Results showed a chemopreventive capacity, suggesting WSSP might help prevent harmful mutations. This builds on earlier work demonstrating that different parts of the soursop fruit, particularly the pericarp (the outer layer), possess antioxidant properties and inhibit enzymes linked to diabetes and hypertension[2]. The UERJ team then examined the effect of WSSP on cancer cells, specifically MCF-7 (breast cancer) and Caco-2 (colon cancer) cells. They found that WSSP was cytotoxic, meaning it was toxic to these cells. This cytotoxicity was linked to damage to the cell membrane, indicating a mechanism by which WSSP could potentially kill cancer cells. This is particularly interesting when considered alongside research showing that statins, a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol, can also protect against DNA damage and exhibit anti-cancer properties[3]. The optimization of extraction methods for bioactive compounds from soursop has also been a focus of research[4]. While the UERJ study used a water-soluble fraction, other studies have explored ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to maximize the yield of phenolic compounds from different parts of the fruit, including by-products like the peel and seeds. These studies have shown that the peel, in particular, is a rich source of polyphenols, and UAE can be more efficient than traditional extraction methods. The findings from[4] suggest that different extraction techniques could be used to isolate specific compounds from soursop, potentially enhancing their therapeutic effects. The UERJ study’s findings suggest that WSSP may have potential as a DNA chemopreventive and antitumor agent. The lack of significant mutagenicity, coupled with the observed cytotoxicity against cancer cells, warrants further investigation. While the antioxidant activity was present, it wasn’t exceptionally strong, highlighting the need to understand which specific compounds within WSSP are responsible for the observed effects and how to maximize their concentration.

FruitsMedicineHealth

References

Main Study

1) Antimutagenic and antitumor activities of a water-soluble fraction of soursop (syn Graviola, Annona muricata L.) fruit pulp.

Published 2nd April, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2024.2309335

Related Studies

2) Distribution of Phenolic Contents, Antidiabetic Potentials, Antihypertensive Properties, and Antioxidative Effects of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) Fruit Parts In Vitro.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/347673

3) Atorvastatin Downregulates In Vitro Methyl Methanesulfonate and Cyclophosphamide Alkylation-Mediated Cellular and DNA Injuries.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7820890

4) Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Annona muricata By-Products and Pulp.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24050904


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