Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain of unspecific origin in connective tissue, including the muscles and joints. Although the exact cause of this condition is not yet understood, scientists suspect that overactive nerves or pain receptors may alter the way the brain interprets pain signals. In any case, fibromyalgia most commonly affects women between 20 and 50 years of age, often following physical trauma, emotional stress or viral infection. Conventional treatments include analgesic or anti-seizure medications. A traditional botanical medicine made from the graviola tree is also used to manage fibromyalgia symptoms, but check with your doctor before using it.
Plant Profile
Graviola, or Annona muricata, is a flowering, evergreen tree native to the rainforests of the West Indies and Central America known locally as Brazilian pawpaw or soursop. As a member of the custard apple family of trees, graviola produces edible fruit called "anona," the white flesh of which imparts the sweetness of a strawberry and the creamy texture of a banana, with a tart undertone. The leaves of graviola are made into a topical treatment to address painful muscles and joint tenderness from arthritis, rheumatism, neuralgia and fibromyalgia.
Composition
Many plants in the Annonaceae family, including graviola, contain a class of phytochemicals collectively referred to as acetogenins that demonstrate diverse pharmacological actions. Specifically, the seeds, leaves and bark of the tree contain aromatic organic compounds called quinoline and isoquinoline, the alkaloids coreximine and reticuline and two compounds dubbed annomuricin C1 and muricatocin C2.
Physical Effects
According to the Sloan-Kettering Institute, annonaceous acetogenins isolated from graviola are effective against several viruses, including Herpes simplex. These agents also exhibit anti-cancer activity in certain drug-resistant human breast cancer cells. The mechanism behind the latter effect appears to involve cutting off the cancer cells supply of energy from adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, in effect starving them to death. Another action that prevents normal metabolism in abnormal cells by graviola compounds is the inhibition of NADH-ubiquinone reductase. Also known as complex I, or CI, this is the most prevalent enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain found in mammals. According to a study published in the May 6, 2010, issue of the "International Journal of Molecular Sciences," graviola compounds also possess anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties. This means that in addition to decreasing inflammation in connective tissue, there is reduced sensitivity to painful stimuli.
Safety Issues
Although there is evidence that graviola may reduce swelling and alter pain perception, research is focused on the cancer-fighting qualities of this plant rather than its benefit to people with fibromyalgia. In addition, since a primary action of this herb is to limit cell growth by limiting ATP, long-term use in the absence of cancer would result in targeting healthy cells. Sloan-Kettering cautions that chemicals in graviola may damage nerves over time, producing side effects similar to symptoms of Parkinson's disease. If you are considering graviola as an option to treat fibromyalgia symptoms, consult a health-care practitioner experienced in the use of this herb.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Fibromyalgia
- MayoClinic.com: Fibromyalgia
- Sloan-Kettering Institute: Graviola
- "Biochemical Journal"; Natural Substances (Acetogenins) from the Family Annonaceae are Powerful Inhibitors of Mitochondrial NADH Dehydrogenase (Complex I); M. Degli Esposti, et al.; 1994
- "International Journal of Molecular Sciences"; Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Ethanol Extract of Annona muricata L. Leaves in Animal Models; O.V. de Sousa, et al.; 2010
