Soursop, also known as Graviola or Annona muricata, is a tropical fruit tree native to the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. For centuries, its fruit, leaves, and seeds have been used in traditional medicine to address everything from infections to inflammation. In recent years, concentrated soursop drops — liquid extracts made from the leaves or fruit — have become popular as a natural wellness supplement.
These drops contain bioactive compounds such as acetogenins, vitamin C, and polyphenols, which are being studied for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and even anticancer properties. Early laboratory and animal studies show promising results, but scientific evidence in humans is still limited. Because of this, soursop drops should be approached with both interest and caution, especially for people with underlying health conditions or those taking medication (1).
Here are 7 potential health benefits of soursop drops, along with important cautions to consider before adding them to your routine.
What are Soursop Drops?
Soursop drops are liquid extracts made from the leaves, fruit, or sometimes seeds of the soursop tree (Annona muricata). They are prepared by steeping the plant material in water or alcohol to concentrate its bioactive compounds, creating a supplement that can be taken orally or added to drinks.
These drops are rich in acetogenins, vitamin C, and polyphenols, which contribute to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Unlike eating the fruit, the drops deliver a more concentrated form of these compounds, making them popular among people seeking natural ways to support immunity, digestion, and overall wellness. However, their potency also means they should be used carefully and under proper guidance (2).
Soursop Nutritional Facts
Soursop drops are concentrated extracts, but the fruit and leaves they come from are rich in essential nutrients. Below is a breakdown of the nutrients typically found in 100 grams of raw soursop fruit. Keep in mind, the exact nutrient content in soursop drops may vary depending on how they are prepared.
| Nutrient | Amount (per 100 g fruit) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 66 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Vitamin C | 20.6 mg (34% DV) |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.07 mg (6% DV) |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.05 mg (4% DV) |
| Potassium | 278 mg (8% DV) |
| Magnesium | 21 mg (5% DV) |
| Calcium | 14 mg (1% DV) |
| Iron | 0.6 mg (3% DV) |
Soursop’s nutritional profile highlights its high vitamin C and fiber content, along with minerals like potassium and magnesium that support heart and muscle function. In drop form, these nutrients are accompanied by potent plant compounds like acetogenins, which are unique to soursop and being studied for potential anticancer and antimicrobial properties (3).
Here are 7 potential health benefits of soursop drops, along with important cautions to consider before adding them to your routine.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Soursop drops are packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C, polyphenols, and acetogenins. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which, if left unchecked, can contribute to cell damage, premature aging, and chronic diseases like cancer or heart disease.
One study found that extracts from soursop leaves showed strong free radical scavenging activity, suggesting their potential role in reducing oxidative stress and supporting cellular health (4). Regular use of soursop drops in moderation could therefore enhance your body’s defense system and protect overall wellness.
2. Supports Immune Function
Because of its high vitamin C content, soursop plays a role in strengthening the immune system. Vitamin C helps boost the production of white blood cells, which defend the body against infections. In addition, certain bioactive compounds in soursop leaves and fruit extracts have demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, further supporting immunity.
For example, research has shown that soursop extracts inhibited the growth of several bacteria and parasites in lab studies (5). This suggests that soursop drops may help your body fight off infections while also reducing inflammation that can weaken immune response.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Soursop drops may help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. The acetogenins, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds found in soursop have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in experimental studies.
For instance, an animal study reported that soursop leaf extract significantly reduced swelling and inflammatory markers, suggesting its potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent (6). While more human trials are needed, this points to the possible benefit of soursop drops in calming inflammation naturally.
4. May Aid Digestion
The fiber present in the soursop fruit, combined with the phytochemicals in the extract, can support digestive health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, while plant compounds may ease irritation in the gut. Some traditional practices use soursop leaves and extracts for relief from constipation, bloating, and gastric discomfort.
One review highlighted soursop’s potential gastroprotective properties, showing that extracts helped protect the stomach lining from ulcer formation in animal models (7). This suggests that soursop drops, when taken moderately, could help maintain a healthy digestive system and protect against stomach-related issues.
5. Supports Heart Health
Soursop drops may promote cardiovascular health by helping to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The fruit and leaves contain potassium and bioactive compounds that support blood vessel relaxation, potentially reducing strain on the heart.
In one animal study, soursop leaf extract was shown to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, likely due to its vasodilatory and antioxidant properties (8). Regular but moderate use of soursop drops could therefore contribute to a healthier heart by improving circulation and lowering cardiovascular risk factors.
6. Potential Blood Sugar Regulation
Soursop has been studied for its potential to support healthy blood sugar levels. Compounds like acetogenins and alkaloids may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose absorption in the gut. This has drawn interest in soursop as a natural aid for people at risk of or managing type 2 diabetes.
For example, research in diabetic animal models found that soursop extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels and improved pancreatic function (9). While human trials are limited, these findings suggest that soursop drops might play a supportive role in maintaining stable blood sugar when combined with a healthy diet.
7. May Have Anti-Cancer Potential
One of the most researched aspects of soursop is its potential anti-cancer activity. Extracts from the fruit, leaves, and seeds contain annonaceous acetogenins, compounds that have shown the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth in laboratory studies.
For instance, test-tube research has demonstrated that soursop extracts can induce apoptosis (cell death) in breast, liver, and prostate cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells relatively unharmed (10). Although promising, these results are primarily from lab and animal studies. Human research is still limited, so soursop drops should not be considered a cure but rather a potential complementary aid.
Caution and Side Effects
While soursop drops may offer health benefits, there are important precautions to keep in mind:
- Neurological concerns: High doses of annonaceous acetogenins have been linked to neurotoxicity in animal studies, raising concerns about long-term use.
- Liver and kidney effects: Excessive consumption may affect liver and kidney health due to bioactive compound buildup.
- Drug interactions: Soursop may interact with blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, and chemotherapy treatments. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Safety has not been established, so it is best avoided during these periods.
Moderation is key. Using soursop drops as a supplement under medical guidance is safer than long-term, unsupervised intake.
How to Use Soursop Drops
Soursop drops are typically concentrated extracts made from the fruit or leaves of the soursop plant. They are meant to be taken in small amounts since the active compounds are quite potent.
General Guidelines
- Dosage: Most supplement brands recommend 10–15 drops, diluted in water or juice, once or twice daily. Always follow the instructions on the product label.
- Timing: Drops are usually taken before meals to maximize absorption.
- Combination: You can mix the drops into warm (not hot) tea, smoothies, or even herbal infusions. Avoid very hot liquids as heat may reduce their potency.
Best Practices
- Start with the lowest effective dose to see how your body responds.
- Take breaks in usage (for example, 2–3 weeks on, 1 week off) to prevent buildup of active compounds.
- Store drops in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.
Important Note
Because soursop may interact with medications for blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer treatment, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before regular use.
