Graviola (Annona muricate) as treatment for Leukemia

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements of the Subject

Consumer Chemistry

Submitted by:

Cielo Bermudo

Submitted to:

Kristal C. Lozano
Subject Teacher
 BACKGROUND AND PROBLEM

Graviola, scientifically known as (Annona muricate), is a tropical fruit native to

Central and South America. It is also commonly referred to as soursop or guanabana.
it belongs to the Annonaceae family, the fruit is known for its distinctive spiky green
skin and sweet, tangy flesh with a flavor reminiscent of a combination of pineapple
and strawberry. Guanabana usually heart-shaped or oval and can grow quite large,
weighing up to several pounds.
The guanabana tree is an evergreen tree that can reach a height of around 5 to
8 meters (16 to 26 feet). It has large, glossy, dark green leaves and produces fruit with
a distinctively prickly green skin.
Apart from its culinary uses, graviola has long been recognized for its potential
medicinal properties. Various parts of the graviola tree, including the fruit, leaves,
seeds, and stems, have been traditionally used in indigenous medicine for centuries.
In tropical regions, it is often employed to treat digestive issues, parasitic infections,
fevers, and high blood pressure.
Interestingly, graviola gained attention in recent years due to its potential
anticancer properties. Numerous in-vitro and in-vivo studies have explored its effects
on different types of cancer cells, particularly leukemia, breast, prostate, and colon
cancers. Some studies have suggested that graviola extracts may possess antitumor,
antioxidant, and anticancer activities.
Leukemia presents numerous challenges and problems for individuals affected
by the disease. The uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells in the bone
marrow and blood can lead to a weakened immune system, anemia, and bleeding
problems. The exact causes of leukemia are not completely understood, but certain
risk factors have been identified. These include exposure to high levels of radiation,
certain chemicals (such as benzene), genetic abnormalities, certain inherited
conditions (such as Down syndrome), previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy for
another cancer, and a family history of leukemia.
Symptoms of leukemia can vary but often include fatigue, frequent infections,
fever, weight loss, easy bleeding or bruising, pain or tenderness in bones or joints,
swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen or liver, and night sweats. However, it’s
important to note that symptoms can be non-specific and may resemble other
conditions, so a proper medical evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
The diagnosis of leukemia involves a series of tests, including blood tests, bone
marrow aspiration and biopsy, and genetic tests. Treatment options depend on the
type and stage of leukemia but may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted
therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant.
The prognosis for leukemia varies depending on several factors such as the type
of leukemia, age of the patient, overall health, and response to treatment. Advances in
medical science have significantly improved survival rates for many types of leukemia,
particularly in younger patients.
 PROPOSED SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

Laboratory studies have indicated that certain compounds found in graviola

extracts may exhibit antileukemic effects. These compounds, such as annonaceous
acetogenins, have shown potential in inhibiting the growth and promoting the death of
leukemia cells in vitro. However, it is crucial to understand that studies conducted in
a laboratory setting may not always translate to the same effects in a living organism
or human body.
While these preliminary findings show promise, there is a lack of clinical trials
and rigorous scientific evidence to confirm the effectiveness of graviola in treating
leukemia in humans. It is also important to consider that leukemia is a complex and
severe medical condition, and its treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary
approach, including chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, and bone marrow
transplantation.
If considering graviola as a complementary or alternative treatment, it is
essential to consult with healthcare professionals or oncologists. They have the
expertise to provide guidance, evaluate the potential benefits and risks, and ensure
that it does not interfere with conventional leukemia treatment or other medications.
Ultimately, while graviola may contain bioactive compounds with potential
health benefits, further research is required to establish its efficacy, appropriate
dosage, and safety in the context of leukemia treatment.
REFERENCES