Since
many cases of cancer are unique, it’s important to not generalize treatment
methods. While mainstream medicine would like to have us believe
that alternative cures never work and often lead to death, the truth is current mainstream methods of
treatment for cancer often kill a patient faster than if they were not used.
One
alternative treatment of cancer that has been used in the past, especially in
countries where it grows well, is Soursop. A flowering evergreen tree native to
tropical regions, this fruit is said to kill cancer more effectively than
chemotherapy drugs and does not produce the same undesirable side effects,
but may not be fully clear of any adverse effects.
The
active ingredient in Soursop that is proving to be effective is called Annona
muricata or Graviola. Currently it exists on the market under the
brand name of Triamazon but licensing of the product is not generally accepted
in all countries due to the potential profit loss
for pharmaceutical companies. Graviola
is not just a cancer treatment, it has also displayed anti-parasitic,
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and cytotoxic properties,
according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In some cases, Graviola
has also been used as a pain killer and
the results were positive.
As
it relates directly to cancer, test-tube and animal research demonstrates that
Graviola may be an anti-cancer agent. However, no human clinical trials have been
performed as of yet. According to the
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, MSKCC, Graviola extract proved to be
effective against liver cancer and breast cancer cells. Naturopath Leslie
Taylor, author of “The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs,” notes that studies
show Graviola has an inhibitory effect on enzyme processes in some cancer cell
membranes. Graviola only affected cancer cell membranes and not those of
healthy cells. This research may lend support to the herb’s traditional use
against cancer.
Research done over 20 laboratory
tests by one of America’s largest drug manufacturers suggests that the
extracts were able to demonstrate the following:
- Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer.
- The tree compounds proved to be up to 10,000 times stronger in slowing the growth of cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug
- What’s more, unlike
chemotherapy, the compound extracted from the Graviola tree selectively
hunts down and kills only cancer cells. It does not harm healthy cells
Potential Side Effects
With any product, whether it be natural or chemically derived, we must always look at the side effects. A study published January 2002 in the journal “Movement Disorders” suggests that the high incidence of West Indians with Parkinson’s-type motor problems could be related to a high consumption of Graviola fruit. Researchers performed experiments using neurons in culture, not human subjects, to perform their investigation. While the results are not conclusive, it certainly is something we must take into consideration. More extensive testing has not been done involving humans at this time and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center further cautions that more human research is necessary for the medical community to inform the public on Graviola’s risks as well as its benefits.
With any product, whether it be natural or chemically derived, we must always look at the side effects. A study published January 2002 in the journal “Movement Disorders” suggests that the high incidence of West Indians with Parkinson’s-type motor problems could be related to a high consumption of Graviola fruit. Researchers performed experiments using neurons in culture, not human subjects, to perform their investigation. While the results are not conclusive, it certainly is something we must take into consideration. More extensive testing has not been done involving humans at this time and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center further cautions that more human research is necessary for the medical community to inform the public on Graviola’s risks as well as its benefits.
At
the end of the day the verdict is still out as to whether or not Soursop is in
fact effective for human use. While initial studies show it’s effectiveness,
including some personal experiences of others who are not featured in this
article, there simply has not been enough medical testing done to definitively
suggest anything at this point. Strictly in my opinion, I still would rather
try out alternative cures like this vs chemotherapy. My number one choice at
this point would be a hemp treatment.