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The soursop debate – is it a cure for cancer?

Carol-Ann Rudy, a columniurl-10-300x227st for iNews Cayman sent me the article in italics under the related story below “Is soursop a cancer killer 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy?” These are my investigations. You can draw your own conclusions.

 

Cancer cure: soursop shows strong evidence in studies

by Joe Martino, from collective-evolution

Cancer has touched many of us in some way. Whether we know of or have overcome cancer ourselves, or know someone who has passed from it, we can all draw some form of intimate connection to the disease. The subject of cures and treatment has been of great debate within the industry as the generally accepted methods of chemotherapy and radiation come with moderately effective results and incredibly tough side effects. The search for alternative cures and treatments  has been ongoing for many years. While many claim they have come up with effective ways to treat the disease, very little seriousness is put towards these claims by mainstream medicine.

While we can argue the obvious financial implications to dominant pharmaceutical companies should a more natural and alternative cure be brought forth, it is still important to realize that many claims are made about alternative cures that may not truly work or work in every case. 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. While this article isn’t geared towards explaining why, this information can be found quite easily using some credible sources around the internet or medical publications. You can also refer to this article about research fraud.

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.

In an assessment of Graviola, published in the December 2008 issue of the “Journal of Dietary Supplements” by U.S. researchers Lana Dvorkin-Camiel and Julia S. Whelan, multiple in-vitro studies determined that Graviola is effective against various microbial and parasitic agents. Graviola displayed specific effectiveness on parasites Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania panamensis, Nippostrongylus braziliensis, Artemia salina and Trichomonas vaginalis, as well as against the Herpes simplex virus.

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.

soursop-cancer-2While some side effects may exist, eating the fruit and taking supplements is not considered to be unsafe if you are within the limits of the recommended dosages. We are not doctors so please remember to consult a physician if you decide to take Graviola supplements. Although research is lacking and no conclusions have yet to be drawn, you may want to avoid the supplement if you have Parkinson’s disease or another disorder that affects your movements. The same goes if you are pregnant or nursing. While doctors and scientists have not issued a standard dose for Graviola, one manufacturer recommends one 500 mg capsule “a few times a week” with dinner.

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.

Sources:

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf9018239?prevSearch=Soursop%2BCancer&searchHistoryKey

http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/graviola

“Journal of Dietary Supplements”; Tropical American Plants in the Treatment of Infectious Diseases; Lana Dvorkin-Camiel and Julia S. Whelan; December 2008

“African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines”; Anti-hyperglycemic Activities of Annona Muricata (Linn); D.O. Adeyemi, et al.; October 2008

For more on this story go to:

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/02/13/soursop-graviola-cancer-cure-strong-evidnce/

Related story:

Is soursop a cancer killer 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy?

From hoax-slayer

Outline

Widely circulated message claims that soursop, the fruit from the graviola tree, is a miraculous natural cancer killer that is 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy.

Brief Analysis

In laboratory tests, graviola extract has been shown to kill certain types of liver and breast cancer cells that are resistant to particular chemotherapy drugs. One laboratory study also found that a compound isolated from soursop seeds had 10,000 times the potency of one particular chemotherapy drug on colon adenocarcinoma cells. However, as yet, there have been no large scale tests on humans and there is no credible evidence to support claims that graviola is an effective cure or treatment for cancer. Moreover, graviola may have harmful side effects such as movement disorders and myeloneuropathy. Thus, while plant compounds in graviola may have properties that can kill cancer cells in vitro, claiming that soursop is a “miracle unleashed” and a viable alternative to medical cancer treatments such as chemotherapy is highly misleading and potentially very dangerous

Example

SHARE THIS INFORMATION FIRST AND READ AFTERWARDS…..SAVE LIFE Share this as much as you can.

10000 times stronger killer of CANCER than Chemo.. do share it.. can save many lives, fill up hopes and build confidence in the patients…

The Soursop or the fruit from the graviola tree is a miraculous natural cancer cell killer 10,000 times stronger than Chemo.

Why are we not aware of this? Its because some big corporation want to make back their money spent on years of research by trying to make a synthetic version of it for sale.

So, since you know it now you can help a friend in need by letting him know or just drink some sour sop juice yourself as prevention from time to time. The taste is not bad after all. It’s completely natural and definitely has no side effects. If you have the space, plant one in your garden.

The other parts of the tree are also useful.

The next time you have a fruit juice, ask for a soursop.

How many people died in vain while this billion-dollar drug maker concealed the secret of the miraculous Graviola tree?

This tree is low and is called graviola ! in Brazil, guanabana in Spanish and has the uninspiring name “soursop” in English. The fruit is very large and the subacid sweet white pulp is eaten out of hand or, more commonly, used to make fruit drinks, sherbets and such.

The principal interest in this plant is because of its strong anti-cancer effects. Although it is effective for a number of medical conditions, it is its anti tumor effect that is of most interest. This plant is a proven cancer remedy for cancers of all types.

Besides being a cancer remedy, graviola is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for both bacterial and fungal infections, is effective against internal parasites and worms, lowers high blood pressure and is used for depression, stress and nervous disorders.

If there ever was a single example that makes it dramatically clear why the existence of Health Sciences Institute is so vital to Americans like you, it’s the incredible story behind the Graviola tree..

The truth is stunningly simple: Deep within the Amazon Rainforest grows a tree that could literally revolutionize what you, your doctor, and the rest of the world thinks about cancer treatment and chances of survival. The future has never looked more promising.

Research shows that with extracts from this miraculous tree it now may be possible to:

* Attack cancer safely and effectively with an all-natural therapy that does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss

* Protect your immune system and avoid deadly infections

* Feel stronger and healthier throughout the course of the treatment

* Boost your energy and improve your outlook on life

The source of this information is just as stunning: It comes from one of America ‘s largest drug manufacturers, the fruit of over 20 laboratory tests conducted since the 1970’s! What those tests revealed was nothing short of mind numbing… Extracts from the tree were shown to:

* 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 cell.

The amazing anti-cancer properties of the Graviola tree have been extensively researched–so why haven’t you heard anything about it? If Graviola extract is

One of America ‘s biggest billion-dollar drug makers began a search for a cancer cure and their research centered on Graviola, a legendary healing tree from the Amazon Rainforest.

Various parts of the Graviola tree–including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and fruit-seeds–have been used for centuries by medicine men and native Indians in S outh America to treat heart disease, asthma, liver problems and arthritis. Going on very little documented scientific evidence, the company poured money and resources into testing the tree’s anti-cancerous properties–and were shocked by the results. Graviola proved itself to be a cancer-killing dynamo.

But that’s where the Graviola story nearly ended.

The company had one huge problem with the Graviola tree–it’s completely natural, and so, under federal law, not patentable. There’s no way to make serious profits from it.

It turns out the drug company invested nearly seven years trying to synthesize two of the Graviola tree’s most powerful anti-cancer ingredients. If they could isolate and produce man-made clones of what makes the Graviola so potent, they’d be able to patent it and make their money back. Alas, they hit a brick wall. The original simply could not be replicated. There was no way the company could protect its profits–or even make back the millions it poured into research.

As the dream of huge profits evaporated, their testing on Graviola came to a screeching halt. Even worse, the company shelved the entire project and chose not to publish the findings of its research!

Luckily, however, there was one scientist from the Graviola research team whose conscience wouldn’t let him see such atrocity committed. Risking his career, he contacted a company that’s dedicated to harvesting medical plants from the Amazon Rainforest and blew the whistle.

Miracle unleashed

When researchers at the Health Sciences Institute were alerted to the news of Graviola, they began tracking the research done on the cancer-killing tree. Evidence of the astounding effectiveness of Graviola–and its shocking cover-up–came in fast and furious….

….The National Cancer Institute performed the first scientific research in 1976. The results showed that Graviola’s “leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells.” Inexplicably, the results were published in an internal report and never released to the public…

….Since 1976, Graviola has proven to be an immensely potent cancer killer in 20 independent laboratory tests, yet no double-blind clinical trials–the typical benchmark mainstream doctors and journals use to judge a treatment’s value–were ever initiated….

….A study published in the Journal of Natural Products, following a recent study conducted at Catholic University of South Korea stated that one chemical in Graviola was found to selectively kill colon cancer cells at “10,000 times the potency of (the commonly used chemotherapy drug) Adriamycin…”

….The most significant part of the Catholic University of South Korea report is that Graviola was shown to selectively target the cancer cells, leaving healthy cells untouched. Unlike chemotherapy, which indiscriminately targets all actively reproducing cells (such as stomach and hair cells), causing the often devastating side effects of nausea and hair loss in cancer patients.

…A study at Purdue University recently found that leaves from the Graviola tree killed cancer cells among six human cell lines and were especially effective against prostate, pancreatic and lung cancers Seven years of silence broken–it’s finally here!”

Detailed Analysis

This would-be health advisory informs recipients about the supposedly miraculous cancer killing powers of soursop, the fruit of the graviola tree. According to the message, soursop is a natural cancer killer that has been proven to be a whopping 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy in treating cancers. The message also claims that, although drug companies are aware of the graviola’s amazing cancer fighting properties, they have chosen not to release the information to the public or pursue further research because they will not be able to make any money out of it. The message claims that, since the graviola tree is “all natural”, it is not patentable and drug companies therefore cannot make profits from it.

However, the claims in the message are highly misleading and inaccurate. The author of the message has taken a core of truthful information from scientific studies pertaining to graviola and extrapolated wildly, tacking on a host of false assumptions, misused statistics and ridiculous accusations in a rather lame attempt to make her claims sound more credible.

So, lets start at the beginning. Graviola extracts have demonstrated anticancer properties in laboratory tests, but these extracts have not been properly studied in humans. In its article about graviola, Cancer Research UK notes:

In laboratory studies, graviola extracts can kill some types of liver and breast cancer cells that are resistant to particular chemotherapy drugs. But there haven’t been any large scale studies in humans. So we don’t know yet whether it can work as a cancer treatment or not.

Thus the claims in the message that the fruit has been extensively researched and has been found to be a miraculous natural remedy for many kinds of cancer is simply not true. There is, as yet, no credible evidence to support the idea that eating sour sop will cure or effectively treat cancer in humans. The abstract of a 2008 study into Complementary therapies, herbs, and other OTC agents notes:

Graviola demonstrated anticancer effects in vitro, but has not been studied in humans. Despite the lack of human data, many websites promote graviola to cancer patients based on traditional use and on the in vitro studies. Caution is required as there is no evidence of safety or efficacy.

And Cancer Research UK further explains:

Many sites on the internet advertise and promote graviola capsules as a cancer cure, but none of them are supported by any reputable scientific cancer organisations.

An article about graviola on the CancerNetwork website concurs:

Despite the absence of supportive data, graviola, like many herbal products, is heavily promoted to cancer patients on the Internet, often with false claims of cure. Patients should be cautioned against herbal supplement use when on treatment.

So, what of the claim in the message that graviola is “10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy”? This claim again deliberately misrepresents an existing medical study. A 1996 study found that a compound isolated and extracted from the seeds of annona muricata (soursop) had 10,000 times the potency of the chemotherapy drug adriamycin on colon adenocarcinoma cells. However, these results are for only one kind of chemotherapy drug. And, unless a cancer patient were to eat the fruit’s seeds rather than the fruit itself, they would not receive the cancer killing compound. Moreover, these tests were performed in the laboratory. Humans were not tested.

And, of course, the message quite conveniently forgets to mention the possible negative side effects of graviola. Cancer Research UK again:

We know very little about how graviola affects the body. But we do know that it may cause nerve changes, causing symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. So it may have harmful side effects for some people. Always talk to your doctor before taking any kind of complementary or alternative therapy.

The Cancer Network article notes:

Graviola may cause movement disorders and myeloneuropathy with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease

© Depositphotos.com/vaeenma

The message suggests that drug companies have not proceeded with research and development of potential soursop based medications because the product was natural and they therefore could not make money out of it. However, that claim is simply absurd. A great many of the drugs available today come from natural products. And the drug companies that create and distribute them make very large amounts of money as a result. Any cancer treatment derived from sour sop would likely consist of compounds and extracts that could be administered to patients in the same ways as other medications. And, the development and distribution of such soursop based medicines would fall to the drug companies. If the resulting treatment was successful, the drug would make such companies great deals of money. So, the claim that a drug company has shelved research and development of the product because it could not make money out of it is just plain silly.

And the great irony here is that many “natural health” companies already offer “graviola supplements” – often with exaggerated and unsupported claims about the product’s benefits – at inflated prices and are therefore already making large amounts of money. If further research indicates that graviola can be used to create an effective anti-cancer drug, then you can be sure that the drug companies will certainly jump on board. Meanwhile, natural health product providers are already making plenty of money out of sour sop supplements – without the need to scientifically prove the product’s effectiveness.

The circulating message was apparently lifted from a 2009 Health Sciences Institute website article geared to getting readers to sign up for a “free” report. HSI is an “alternative” health information site “dedicated to uncovering and researching the most urgent advances in modern underground medicine”. Despite the impressive sounding name, credible and reputable “health science” information does not appear to be at all high on HSI’s agenda.

The bottom line? Graviola, like many other plants, has shown promise in laboratory tests as a possible cancer fighting agent. However, given that there have been no significant human tests of the products and there is currently no evidence to suggest that eating sour sop will cure or effectively treat cancer, spreading this over-hyped and inaccurate nonsense will help nobody. Especially since the possible side effects of graviola are not fully understood and may be quite dangerous. And another great danger of such misinformation is that it may cause some cancer patients to forgo traditional treatments in favour of self prescribed soursop. Such a decision could be fatal.

For more on this story go to:

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/soursop-cancer-cure.shtml

 

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