GUYABANO: ANTI-CANCER AND HOME REMEDY
By Connie
Mangaron-Domag, R.N., M.A.N.
Introduction
Various claims and publications
relating to the health benefits of guyanabo have been attributed to its anti-cancer
property and therapeutic value. After a couple of research
on guyabano’s anti-cancer property was released to the public, guyabano has
become a favorite ingredient for commercial and direct selling products ranging
from regular fruit drinks to food supplements.
Brief description of guyabano
Guyabano is a Philippine term for Annona
muricata. It is same fruit which is called soursop in
English, graviola in Brazil and guanabana in
Spain. In the Philippines, guyanabo is a common backyard plant capable of
bearing fruit all-year round. The Department of Agriculture describes guyanabo
as a small tree with smooth shining leaves and a cone-shaped flower which
develop into a green, soft spine, pear-shaped fruit with sweet and sour flavor.
Health benefits of guyanabo
The benefit of guyabano is nothing
new to health. In fact the web has already published more than 500 thousand
different articles on guyabano from different authors around the world. Of all
these articles, the most interesting claim is guyabano’s strong anti-cancer
property. Other health benefits include home remedies for fever, inflammations,
skin infections, asthma and arthritis. Some articles boldly mention that
guyabano is effective for diabetes, hypertension and liver problems.
Scientific evidence
Numerous articles highlights Purdue
University study on Annonaceous acetogenins, a unique chemical found in the
fruit, leaves, bark and roots of guyabano as effective anti-cancer agent but do
not attack healthy cells. Some manufacturers of guyabano products based their
claim on a research conducted by Catholic University of South Korea that
Annonaceous acetogenins effectively kills cancer cells 10,000 times more than
adriamycin, the most widely used cancer treatment.
Clinical trials
There are no studies published that
Annonaceous acetogenins were actually tested on humans. However, findings about
the potency and safety of the substance clearly demonstrate a strong
possibility that a breakthrough product for safe cancer treatment may be
available in the future using Annonaceous acetogenins from guyabano.
Testimonies
Claims of guyabano’s health
benefits are available through various testimonies. Testimonies are actual
personal experience, or experiences of family members, neighbors and friends
who found relief or cure of illnesses such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and
other forms of carcinoma with the use of guyabano. There were also claims that guyabano was effective in treating asthma, allergies, urinary problems and high blood pressure. As treatment guyabano was used concomitantly with prescribed medications or use it singly in a form
of maintenance or as food supplement.
Personal experience with guyabano
After I found out from my research
that arthritis (due to prolonged or improper use of NSAID’s)
is among the top leading causes of end-stage renal failure (a
condition which require dialysis or kidney transplantation to sustain life), I
became very cautious about taking NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs) for pain relief related arthritis. NSAID’s are generally well-tolerated
however one of its serious side effects is kidney failure.
One day I had arthritis attack
manifested with sever pain on my right arm, I could hardly use it. I did not consider
NSAID anymore; instead I searched for alternative medicines in the web. I came
across guyabano. Then I remember a friend whose father did not pursue dialysis
treatment when he was able to urinate after drinking infusion guyabano leaves.
How did I relate my friend’s father
condition with mine? I could not help thinking that guyabano might have diuretic
effect (urine stimulation) which might be responsible for stimulation
of excreting accumulated fluid from his father’s edematous body. I considered
applying the principle to my condition that guyabano might help stimulate
excretion of fluid or crystals accumulated in my joint causing excruciating
pain over the affected area.
I infused guyabano leaves then I
started drinking two cups at bedtime. I woke up several times to empty my
bladder. The following morning, I could hardly believe I could already move my arm.
I continued drinking the tea and on the second morning my right arm was already
fully functional. I attributed my quick recovery to guyabano since I did not
take any other medication.
I intend to share my personal
experience on guyabano to encourage people to try and see for themselves if it
works without fear of side effects. This can be justifiable than experimenting
on unprescribed drugs which can be detrimental to health. But if symptoms
persist, make an appointment with a health professional and seek for help. Some
of those who developed end-stage renal failure were due to improper use of
medications. Many drugs are toxic to kidneys and are to be used only upon
doctor’s prescription.
Ways of using guyabano
The Fruit. Guyabano is nature’s gift to mankind and probably one of the
most beneficial trees on earth. Its ripe fruit is a perfect blend of sweet and
sour flavor. To savor its refreshing goodness, it is best harvested when
already riped from the tree. Premature harvest may not yield its exotic
delectable taste. Regular fruit consumption boosts immune system due to high
levels of vitamin C and B vitamins and other important minerals such
as phosphorus and calcium. Chilled or straight from the tree
guyabano fruit is best for desert. Caution: Do not eat the seeds, they are
probably toxic! Pulverized seeds are an effective pesticide!
The leaves. Guyabano leaves are useful for home remedies. Fresh leaves are
infused to make a drink. To prepare, select at least 10 large leaves placed in
boiling water set to low fire for 15 to 20 minutes in a pot uncovered. Set
aside or refrigerate. To enhance the taste, cold water may be added then mix
with calamansi juice and little sugar. Consume within one day in two or three
divided doses.
Roots and bark. The roots and bark of guyabano are also rich in Annonaceous
acetogenins however I don’t recommend using these parts but rather leave them
to maintain the integrity of the tree. Taking out its bark may provide pests’
entry to its body and may cause diseases and premature death of plant. Roots
are the primary support of the plant; they absorb water and nutrition to
sustain existence of the tree.
Remedy for arthritis
Drink the infusion of 10 large
leaves every day in two to three divided doses. If you have prescription drugs
consult your doctor if Annonaceous acetogenins may interfere with your current
medication. Follow doctor’s advice. The infusion may be taken for more days
after symptom relief or as daily maintenance for prophylaxis (prevention)
against arthritis.
Other health problems treated by
guyabano
There are other uses of guyabano
which I also found very effective based on personal experience. My next posts
will discuss some other practical uses of guyabano as best home remedies.
References
References
1. Department of Agriculture (Philippines)
