Soursop found to improve symptoms of fibromyalgia

Researchers from the University of Seville in Spain have found that the leaves of the soursop (Annona muricata) can be used to protect against symptoms of fibromyalgia. The study was published in the journal PharmaNutrition.

• In the study, the team highlighted the need to improve the health and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia.
• The effects of consuming A. muricata leaves were examined, in particular, how it will impact mice treated with intermittent cold stress (ICS) to replicate fibromyalgia.
• An aqueous leaf extract of A. muricata was obtained for the study, which involved 60 five-week-old female mice C57BL/6J.
• The mice were placed in six groups: (1) healthy control; (2) ICS control; (3) acetaminophen (5 percent); (4) A. muricata (15 percent aqueous extract); (5) A. muricata extract (30 percent aqueous extract; and (6) A. muricata extract (30 percent aqueous extract) + acetaminophen (5 percent).
• All rats were fed with a standard diet, together with their supplemental treatment.
• After the mice were subjected to the ICS model, the researchers tested the groups for nociception and behavior.

From the findings, the team concluded that the extract from A. muricata did not only protect against pain caused by fibromyalgia, but also from other associated symptoms including depression and anxiety.

Learn more about the benefits of soursop at Food.news.

Journal Reference:

Quilez AM, Paz SM-DL, Fernandez-Arche A, Puerta RDL, Garcia-Gimenez MD. DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ANNONA MURICATA IMPROVE THE SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA. PharmaNutrition. 16 May 2018;6(3):81–84. DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2018.04.001