6 ms·

Sadly, that whole genus contains neurotoxins. I'm not sure the medical evidence is in on pawpaw's, but soursop is responsible for high rates of atypical Parkins

by gbrown 9y ago

Sadly, that whole genus contains neurotoxins. I'm not sure the medical evidence is in on pawpaw's, but soursop is responsible for high rates of atypical Parkinson's in areas where it's a staple.

thebooktocome 9y ago
Looks like you're right: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22130466/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22130466/
- acdanger 9y ago
  I'm guessing moderate pawpaw consumption is still relatively safe. This study isolated annnonacin from pawpaws and applied it to neural cells directly in large dosages. The soursop case involved prolonged and daily intake, as well.
  - jonah 9y ago
    The toxins are mostly in the leaves, bark, and skins, so eating them is quite safe. Some people can have an allergic reaction when consuming them so just be aware of that when trying them for the first few times.
    - diyseguy 9y ago
      According to the linked article, the toxin is in the fruit pulp. I wonder if it could be bred out?
      - jonah 9y ago
        There's only a small amount in the pulp. Not an issue unless you totally gorge on them. (Similar to the Cyanide in Almonds.)
- deleted 9y ago
  [deleted]
jonah 9y ago
The active components have been studied for treatment of a variety of things - anti-tumor and pesticide uses being big ones: http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu/Pawpaw%20Acetogenins.htm http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu/Pawpaw%20Acetogenins.htm Unfortunately, it's hard to get funding to work on directly plant-derived compounds since companies can't get a monopoly on the resulting treatments.