Guyabano trees have gained a lot of attention due to the health benefits associated with their leaves. For example, Guyabano leaves tea can potentially kill cancer cells and thus invoke the interest of many medical studies across the globe. Though Guyabano trees are native to Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan African countries, they have been cultivated for ages for their fruit-soursop in the Southeast Asian region, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Known by various names such as guanabana, Graviola, pawpaw, Mullainathan, hanumanfal, la manual, and soursop, guyabano trees thrive well in tropical regions. The Guyabano tree has oval, dark green, smooth, and shiny leaves 7-20 cm long with pointy ends. The leaves have been found to contain many beneficial compounds, such as niacin, vitamin B, vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, iron, and others. In addition, the leaves also contain polyphenols, fiber, and pantothenic acid.
Different parts of the Guyabano and their benefits
- Bark and leaves – Anthelmintic and antiphlogistic properties
- Fruits and fruit juice – Treat worms and parasites, fever, increase production of mother’s milk after childbirth
- Flowers and fruit pods – Helps with Catarrh
- Unripe fruit – Used as an astringent and is helpful with intestinal atony and scurvy.
- Butanolic leaf extracts – Destroy cancer cells
Source: [1]
List of top Benefits of drinking Guyabano leaves tea
The most convenient and familiar way to get the numerous health benefits of the leaves is to steep them in boiling water and have them as tea. It can be a hot or cold tea, up to 8 hours after soaking. Some of the most vital health benefits that one can derive from drinking Guyabano leaves tree are-
1. Cure UTIs with Guyabano tea
If you have been infected with UTIs, you can treat them by drinking tea made from soursop tree leaves. Being rich in Vitamin C and possessing antibacterial properties, the acidity of the urine increases when one consumes guyabano tea. This helps in treating urinary tract infections without the need for allopathic medicines.
Soursop extracts act against bacteria responsible for urinary tract infection (UTI). It could also be used for multidrug-resistant bacteria, for which further study needs to be done. [2]
2. Guyabano leaves for cancer
The growth of cancer cells can be inhibited by drinking the soursop tree leaves. So drinking Guyabano leaves tree is a much more economical way to beat cancer and is more effective than chemotherapy. The fact that it does not cause any side effects is an additional bonus.
Guyabano leaves contain anti-cancer compounds such as annonaceous acetogenins, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds like annonacin, annohexoling, annonacin, anonol, anomurine, and others that have beneficial effects for cancer cure. To derive the benefits, have Guyabano leave tea twice daily for at least 3-4 weeks. [3]
3. Guyabano leaves for diabetes
Soursop leaves have been traditionally used to control blood sugar levels by people native to the Southeast Asian regions. Tea is prescribed as a medicine for sugar patients, and people have reported positive outcomes when paired with a healthy diet. Additionally, research on diabetes Mellitus-induced rats also yielded positive results.
Soursop leaves are believed to have compounds that stabilize and maintain blood sugar levels in the normal range. Patients use Annona muricata L leaves to manage diabetes alongside conventional medicines. One of the primary reasons for their popularity is that they are affordable and easily accessible. However, the fact to be noted is there has not been any study on the effect of Guyabano leaves tea on diabetes in humans. [4]
4. Lose weight with Guyabano tea
Guyabano leaves tea contains a high content of vitamin C that keeps your metabolism up, and you lose more weight. In addition, a generous amount of fiber in the tea ensures your appetite is well-managed.
In a study, it was found that the tea helped reduce body weight. It also helped reduce cardiovascular risks by lowering harmful cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Further, it also helped in reducing the buildup of body fat. The tea, in addition, also improves glucose tolerance and thus has a positive effect on blood sugar. [5]
Given the nutritional benefits of tree-leaf tea, you don’t have to worry about dietary deficiencies when going on a diet. Just keep having guyabano tea twice daily, and you will notice a considerable difference in weight coupled with some exercise and healthy eating.
5. Treat liver damage
The liver is the key to our health – and it is pretty vulnerable to being exposed to toxins and chemicals every day. Unfortunately, this continuous exposure also makes it likely for the liver to develop cancer. Though liver cancer is not very common yet, the fact remains that many forms of cancer usually metastasize in the liver. This is so because the liver filters volumes of blood daily, and it may carry cancer cells.
Soursop leaves are rich in soluble fiber and antioxidants like Vitamin C, essential in maintaining a healthy liver. Guyabano leaves also contain cancer-fighting compounds, which can fight cell degeneration. Soluble fiber is another benefit that keeps the liver from accumulating fat and toxins and remaining healthy.
Soursop leaf extract has strong anti-microbial and fungicidal properties. It is beneficial in oral pathogens like S. mutans and C. albicans. The leaf extract has been used in traditional Peru, Brazil, and Togo medicines to treat liver disorders, hypertension, ulcers, and diabetes. [6]
6. Boosts your immune system
Guyabano leaves are rich in vitamin C, which is vital for a robust immune system. Additionally, guyabano leaves also contain antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of cells due to free radicals. Antioxidants also promote the development of white blood cells, vital for your body when fighting an infection.
As per a study, it was found that Graviola leaf extracts contain active compounds that enhance the immune response in macrophage cells. Graviola leaves boost immunity by activating the MAP kinase pathways. They also help boost important immune system signals. [7
Specifically, these extracts promote the expression of critical cytokines and activate mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways, vital for immune system activation. Thus, Graviola leaves can strengthen immunity and may be a valuable ingredient to bolster the immune system.
7. Get better sleep and rest
The stress and anxiety of living by the clock in this modern era have consequences on the human body. If you cannot shut your brain and find it difficult to sleep even though you are tired, you will discover guyabano leaves tea as a savior. Drinking tea after a stressful, tiring day will calm your body and mind, relax you, and help you sleep better.
Soursop leaves the tree with anti-anxiety effects and natural sedatives that alleviate stress and anxiety. In addition, it has been found that the leaves contain anti-depression compounds that can stimulate the serotonin receptors, making you feel happy.
8. Helpful for gastrointestinal disorders
Guyabano leaves in the tree have diuretic properties and thus help flush toxins, excess salt, and other harmful chemicals from the body. This expulsion helps maintain the gastrointestinal tract’s health, promoting better digestion and relief from other related disorders.
9. Guyabano for constipation
With the modern lifestyle taking over, we consume junk food and do very little physical activity. As a result, many of us suffer from irregular bowel movements or often struggle with constipation. Prolonged constipation can harbor many other ailments that can make life difficult.
To combat constipation and promote regular bowel movements, guyabano soup should be consumed. Soup made from tender leaves helps to relieve constipation. It contains fiber, which helps bind the stool, and vitamin C, which stimulates your gastrointestinal system effectively. Traditionally, leaves tea is used as an alternative medicine for constipation. [8]
10. Guyabano tea for Herpes
Since herpes is prevalent among people with low immunity, guyabano leaves tea can help in multiple ways. Studies have confirmed that oral herpes can be treated with tea from its leaves. Additionally, genital herpes also needs a topical application of leaf extract.
Guyabano tea boosts the immune system so that you can stay away from herpes. If you contract it, tea leaves have been found to inhibit the growth of infection owing to their antibacterial properties. The antibacterial compounds of soursop tea attack the virus and do not spread.
11. Alleviates back pain and leg cramps
Other benefits of guyabano tea include alleviating back pain and leg cramps. If you constantly struggle with back pain due to prolonged sitting hours or get leg cramps often, drink a cup or two of guyabano tea daily. Guyabano tea has anti-inflammatory benefits that soothe inflammation and benefit back pain and leg cramps.
Invest in an ergonomic chair and watch your posture, giving your legs a mild workout by walking every few hours.
Guyabano leaves tea might be safe for pregnant women?
Traditionally, guyabano leaves tea is consumed by couples planning to have a baby. It is believed that tea improves motility and sperm quality in men and facilitates the menstruation process in women. This makes it easier to conceive a baby when both men and women have good health.
During pregnancy, soursop tea can help pregnant women sleep easily, relieve back pain and leg cramps, and work wonders for their respiratory health. Generally, a moderate amount of soursop tea is safe for pregnant women, but it is advised to check with your doctor since specific studies on the subject have not been done.
Guyabano leaves FAQs
Is it safe to drink guyabano leaves every day?
This question has no definitive answer as it depends on the person’s health condition and diet. However, consuming guyabano leaves every day may be right if you are healthy and do not have any other medical conditions.
Guyabano leaves are high in antioxidants, which may help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. These harmful molecules are responsible for cell damage and can lead to cancer.
If you are healthy and consume guyabano leaves in moderation, they provide benefits such as improved cognitive function, better skin quality, and reduced inflammation. Speaking to a doctor before starting any new dietary regimen is always better.
How often should you drink Guyabano leaves tea?
Overuse might cause neurological issues. Avoid its ‘excessive’ consumption. Short-term use and intake in moderate amounts might be good. Guyabano leaves tea is an excellent drink for people who want to increase their energy levels and improve overall health.
The best time to have Guyabano leaves tea is in the morning, before breakfast. It is also an excellent drink when you feel tired or stressed in the afternoon or evening.
What are the possible side effects of Guyabano leaves?
The side effects of Guyabano leaves include:
- Movement problem or even nerve damage with long-term use
- It can also cause severe neuro disorders like stiff muscles and tremors
- People with kidney and liver problems should always avoid it
- Talk to your doctor if you want to use it regularly
People with the below conditions should also avoid this tea –
- High blood pressure patients
- People taking high blood pressure medications
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
Conclusion
Guyabano leaves tea, with its remarkable health benefits, stands out as a natural powerhouse for enhancing wellness. Its efficacy in addressing issues like cancer, diabetes, and weight management reflects the significant potential of natural remedies in supporting health. This tea’s blend of nutrients and antioxidants showcases the importance of incorporating plant-based options into daily health practices, offering a holistic approach to wellbeing.
References
- School of BioSciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, India – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4375238/
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5888937/
- Drug and Herbal Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6019487/
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Nutritional Sciences, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Arusha, Tanzania – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6637672/
- Posgraduate Program in Health and Development in the Midwest Region, Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, 79070-900 Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682994/
- Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198446/
- Department of Life Science, Bokjung-dong, Sujung-gu, Sungnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 461-701, Republic of Korea – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5209628/
- Department of Botany, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, PO Box 37012, MRC-166, Washington, DC – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6033956/
