Fibromyalgia is a disease categorized by widespread pain. Its cause is still largely unknown, so treatment often focuses on relieving symptoms rather than curing the disease. Improving treatment methods can help improve a patient’s quality of life.
Lead author of the study Ana María Quilez explained, “The consumption of [an] extract of [soursop] leaves in pharmaceutical form and in the correct dosage can reduce the chronic pain, anxiety, and depression that accompany this disease.”
The researchers looked at the extracts of bark, flesh, leaves, and the seeds of 27 species of Annona (the group which soursop and custard apple belong to) and compared them for their therapeutic potential.
Four species were identified to have the most promising pharmacological properties: A. muricata (soursop), A. squamosa (custard apple), A. senegalensis, and A. cherimola.
Exploring further into the benefits of tropical fruits can help pave the way to new breakthrough treatments, especially in the treatment of fibromyalgia, which remains so largely misunderstood.
There were some limitations to the study. Many previous studies use crude extracts, which make it difficult to make a firm conclusion on individual chemical components and their properties.
There are also side effects associated with a massive consumption of these tropical fruits. Better analysis of crude extracts can help identify components which trigger side effects and remove them, making the extracts safer for use.
Also read:
- Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Men and Women, Symptoms Checklist, and Tender Points identified
- Fibromyalgia Diet: Foods to Eat, Avoid, and a Sample Meal Plan