Soursop Supplementation Linked to Blood Pressure Improvements

A staggering 48% of all Americans have hypertension.¹ Uncontrolled, it can wreak havoc in the body and increase the risk of potentially life-threatening complications.

Several in vivo studies have shown that soursop may have anti-hypertensive properties. However, clinical trials validating these effects are lacking. This 2019 trial assessed the effects of soursop on blood pressure, serum uric acid, and kidney function.

The Study

The trial involved 143 adults, who had participated in the Mlati Study 10 years prior to the current study. At the time of enrollment, participants showed essential prehypertension and had high-normal serum uric acid levels.

Prehypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure of 120-139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg. Increased serum uric acid levels are associated with hypertension as well as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and more.

Participants were randomly split into two groups. Over a period of three months, the treatment group drank 100 g soursop fruit juice twice a day, while the control group did not consume soursop fruit juice.

Researchers measured changes in the participants' blood pressure and uric acid levels as well as lipid profiles. Home visits were scheduled every two weeks to monitor compliance and blood pressure. Laboratory testing of blood and urine was done twice throughout the study period.

The Results

After three months, the treatment group showed significantly lower mean systolic blood pressure than the control group.

Researchers also found that the control group participants were more likely to have prehypertension, hypertension, and high-normal and high serum uric acid levels.

Soursop consumption was well tolerated and did not cause any side effects.

What Does this Mean?

The results of this trial provide solid evidence that consuming soursop helps lower blood pressure and serum uric acid levels.

These properties can be useful for preventing pre-hypertensive adults from becoming hypertensive and, therefore, avoiding potentially dangerous complications.

Researchers also encourage healthcare professionals to consider including soursop fruit in treatment protocols for hypertension or high serum uric acid levels. Such natural interventions may be especially beneficial when paired with other lifestyle changes, like exercise and wholesome diet.

Other herbs that may offer hypotensive benefits include blueberries, beets, pumpkin, and kiwi.