While laboratory and preclinical studies show that soursop extracts can induce apoptosis in certain cancer cell lines, fact-checkers and health authorities report that there is no credible clinical or human data proving that soursop cures cancer.
Introduction Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women globally, and the incidence rate has increased annually. Traditional medicine is frequently used as a cancer treatment, and soursop or Annona muricata L (A. muricata) is a traditional medicinal plant that has been widely used as an anticancer treatment and requires more thorough study. Methods In this research, we prepared ethanol extract and three solvents, ie, ethyl acetate, n-hexane and water fractions of A. muricata leaves and assessed their antiproliferation and cytotoxic activity on MCF7 breast cancer cells compared with that on CV1 normal kidney cells; observation of cell morphology by stained with mixture of propidium iodide and 4ʹ,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole indicated that this treatment induced an ongoing process of apoptotic cell death in MCF7 cells. To clarify the cell death mechanism via apoptosis, we assessed the mRNA expression in the caspase cascade of caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP-1, and anti-apoptotic, Bcl-2 which mediated cytotoxic activity of extracts and ethyl acetate fractions of A. muricata leaves against MCF7 cells. Results The ethanol extract, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and water fractions of A. muricata leaves had IC50 values of 5.3, 2.86, 3.08, and 48.31 µg/mL, respectively, in MCF7 cells but had no activity in CV1 cells. The high cytotoxic activity of A. muricata leaves was reflected by changes in the morphology of cancer cells that appeared after 6 h exposure to A. muricata leaf extract and ethyl acetate fraction; the membrane and nucleus of cells undergoing apoptosis were characterized by the rupture and loss of membranes and nuclei. The mechanism that mediates this cytotoxic activity in MCF7 cells was mediated through a decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and an increase in caspase-9 and caspase-3 mRNA expression. Conclusion Therefore, the leaves of the medicinal plant A. muricata contained compounds that on extraction exerted a highly effective activity as an anticancer treatment for breast cancer via induced apoptotic cell death.
Background Cancer treatment misinformation, or false claims about alternative cures, often spreads faster and farther than true information on social media. Cancer treatment misinformation can harm the psychosocial and physical health of individuals with cancer and their cancer care networks by causing distress and encouraging people to abandon support, potentially leading to deviations from evidence-based care. There is a pressing need to understand how cancer treatment misinformation is shared and uncover ways to reduce misinformation. Objective We aimed to better understand exposure and reactions to cancer treatment misinformation, including the willingness of study participants to prosocially intervene and their intentions to share Instagram posts with cancer treatment misinformation. Methods We conducted a survey on cancer treatment misinformation among US adults in December 2021. Participants reported their exposure and reactions to cancer treatment misinformation generally (saw or heard, source, type of advice, and curiosity) and specifically on social media (platform, believability). Participants were then randomly assigned to view 1 of 3 cancer treatment misinformation posts or an information post and asked to report their willingness to prosocially intervene and their intentions to share. Results Among US adult participants (N=603; mean age 46, SD 18.83 years), including those with cancer and cancer caregivers, almost 1 in 4 (142/603, 23.5%) received advice about alternative ways to treat or cure cancer. Advice was primarily shared through family (39.4%) and friends (37.3%) for digestive (30.3%) and natural (14.1%) alternative cancer treatments, which generated curiosity among most recipients (106/142, 74.6%). More than half of participants (337/603, 55.9%) saw any cancer treatment misinformation on social media, with significantly higher exposure for those with cancer (53/109, 70.6%) than for those without cancer (89/494, 52.6%; P<.001). Participants saw cancer misinformation on Facebook (39.8%), YouTube (27%), Instagram (22.1%), and TikTok (14.1%), among other platforms. Participants (429/603, 71.1%) thought cancer treatment misinformation was true, at least sometimes, on social media. More than half (357/603, 59.2%) were likely to share any cancer misinformation posts shown. Many participants (412/603, 68.3%) were willing to prosocially intervene for any cancer misinformation posts, including flagging the cancer treatment misinformation posts as false (49.7%-51.4%) or reporting them to the platform (48.1%-51.4%). Among the participants, individuals with cancer and those who identified as Black or Hispanic reported greater willingness to intervene to reduce cancer misinformation but also higher intentions to share misinformation. Conclusions Cancer treatment misinformation reaches US adults through social media, including on widely used platforms for support. Many believe that social media posts about alternative cancer treatment are true at least some of the time. The willingness of US adults, including those with cancer and members of susceptible populations, to prosocially intervene could initiate the necessary community action to reduce cancer treatment misinformation if coupled with strategies to help individuals discern false claims.
Annona muricata (commonly known as soursop or graviola) is a tropical plant widely recognized for its traditional medicinal applications and growing scientific interest, particularly for its anticancer potential. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of A. muricata. The plant is rich in annonaceous acetogenins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, with acetogenins such as annonacin and bullatacin demonstrating potent cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines including breast, prostate, colon, pancreatic, and liver cancers. Mechanistically, these compounds induce apoptosis through mitochondrial dysfunction, arrest cell cycle progression, and inhibit key signaling pathways such as NF-κB and VEGF, effectively suppressing tumor growth and angiogenesis. Preclinical in vivo studies have confirmed tumor regression, enhanced antioxidant defense, and minimal systemic toxicity. However, concerns regarding annonacin-induced neurotoxicity and the lack of clinical trials limit its current therapeutic use. Innovative delivery systems, such as nanoformulations and lipid-based carriers, have shown promise in improving bioavailability and reducing toxicity. Despite the encouraging evidence, clinical validation remains absent, and standardized protocols for dosage, extract preparation, and safety are urgently needed. This review emphasizes the need for translational research to bridge the gap between traditional use and modern oncology. With rigorous scientific validation and regulatory oversight, Annona muricata holds the potential to emerge as a natural and effective anticancer agent.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease of the colon and rectum. In Indonesia, CRC has the fourth highest cancer incidence, with about 30,000 new cases and causing around 16,000 deaths per year. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of using simvastatin and Annona muricata (A. muricata) leaf extract to promote cytotoxic effects in CRC cells. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects and the possible molecular mechanisms of actions used by simvastatin and A. muricata leaf extract to exert anti-cancer effects in CRC cells. We synthesized published studies on the effect of simvastatin and A. muricata leaf extract in in vitro and in vivo CRC studies, and highlighted the potential application of simvastatin and A. muricata leaf extract in combination with other anti-cancer treatments. This systematic review was written in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Simvastatin and A. muricata leaf extract were shown to suppress CRC cell growth and proliferation and generate a synergistic effect when combined with other anti-cancer treatments. Several possible mechanisms of actions of simvastatin include bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway and mevalonate pathway activation, ERKs inactivation, and regulation of the yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), while for A. muricata leaf extract, possible mechanisms of actions include intrinsic apoptosis pathway activation, cytochrome c-mediated apoptosis, mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, and programmed cell death initiation. Further experimental evidence is needed to determine the specific mechanisms on how simvastatin and A. muricata leaf extract induce anti-cancer effects against CRC cells.
<h4>Introduction</h4>Cancer is a versatile disease with a high rate of relapse and mortality. Despite the presence of various treatment modalities, there is a serious need for the development of its management. Phytochemicals, which are abundant in nature, can be turned into novel medications for these types of diseases by optimizing their functions and structures. Therefore, a thorough understanding of traditional medicine and medicinal plants may lead to the discovery of new and affordable medicines. Many studies have shown that a variety of medicinal plants and nutraceuticals derived from different natural resources, along with their byproducts, such as flavones, flavonoids, antioxidants, and major polyphenolic constituents, offer significant protection against a wide range of cancers. These dietary compounds may function as chemopreventive agents, as they have been shown to possess an inhibitory effect on cancer cells.<h4>Methodology</h4>A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify medicinal plants traditionally used for their anticancer properties. Studies presenting molecular evidence for the mechanisms of action of these plants were critically analyzed and selected for inclusion.<h4>Results</h4>Our analysis of the available research data on ethnic medicinal plants revealed that they affect selective pathways, such as the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and phagocytosis, leading to tumor-static and cell death of cancer cells.<h4>Conclusion</h4>A wide range of traditional plants have been utilized for the treatment of different diseases, including cancer. Despite the presence of various anticancer medicinal plants, only a few have advanced beyond the laboratory and are used clinically. This is primarily due to the lack of knowledge regarding their mode of action at the molecular level. By understanding the molecular mechanisms, these traditionally used medicines can be translated into drugs and used to manage diseases such as cancer.
many forms of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma. Co- lon cancer, too, may be prevented … pros- tate cancer indicator. Therefore, it will not mask the detection of prostate cancer. THE … i\Q FACTS: • Soursop is a spiny fruit, commonly made into refreshments. • Soursop is a national
Commission soursop extract is among those products for which there is "no credible scientific evidence" of an ability to "prevent, cure, or treat cancer of any
This is a non-exhaustive list of alternative treatments that have been promoted to treat or prevent cancer in humans but which lack scientific and medical evidence of effectiveness. In many cases, there is scientific evidence that the alleged treatments are not effective, and in some cases, may even be harmful. Unlike accepted cancer treatments, treatments lacking in evidence of efficacy are gener
Cannabidiol – a phytocannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant. Many claims are made for the therapeutic benefit of cannabidiol that are not backed by sound evidence. Some claims—for example that cannabidiol be used to treat cancer—fall into the realm of pseudoscience.
Cannabis – Used as a recreational and medicinal drug. Chemicals derived from cannabis have been extensively researched for potential anti-cancer effect and while there has been much laboratory work, claims that cannabis has been proven to cure cancer are—according to Cancer Research UK—"highly misleading". The U.S. National Cancer Institute notes "Cannabis is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of any cancer-related symptom or side effect of cancer therapy."
Cansema (also called black salve) – a type of paste or poultice often promoted as a cancer cure, especially for skin…
Soursop (or graviola) – According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission soursop extract is among those products for which there is "no credible scientific evidence" of an ability to "prevent, cure, or treat cancer of any kind".
Strychnos nux-vomica – a tree native to Asia, the bark of which contains toxic strychnine. Strychnos is promoted within herbal medicine as being a treatment for a wide range of maladies including cancer and heart disease; there is, however, no evidence it is useful for treating any condition.
Ukrain – the trademarked name of a drug (sometimes called "celandine") made from Chelidonium majus, a plant in the poppy family. The drug is promoted for its health giving powers and its ability to treat cancer; however, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that celandine is effective in treating cancer in humans".
Uncaria tomentosa (or cat's claw) – a woody vine found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America, which is promoted as a remedy for cancer and other disease. The American Cancer Society state: "Available scientific evidence also does not support cat's claw's effectiveness in preventing or treating cancer or any other disease. Cat's claw is linked to some serious side effects, although the extent of those effects is not known".
creamy texture reminiscent of banana. Soursop is widely promoted (sometimes as graviola) as an alternative cancer treatment, but there is not enough reliable
Soursop (also called graviola, guyabano, and in Hispanic America guanábana) is the fruit of Annona muricata, a broadleaf, flowering, evergreen tree. It is native to the tropical Americas and is widely propagated. It is in the same genus, Annona, as cherimoya and is in the Annonaceae family.
The soursop is adapted to areas of high humidity and relatively warm winters; temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F
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