Lakshman Phal (Soursop): The Miracle Fruit You Should Know About  

Introduction

Soursop or Lakshman Phal in India is a heart-shaped green fruit, having thorns on its outer skin, Found on a bushy tree that stands at about 6 meters in height and can be distinguished by its broad, oblong leaves, this fruit actually originated in Brazil. Soursop is often said to resemble a custard apple, as it has creamy pulp fruit inside with blackish-brown seeds. Also, many say that it tastes like a combination of pineapple and strawberry. It is rich in antioxidants and has very high nutritional value. Apart from the fruit, the tree itself, its leaves, stem, flowers, etc. have amazing natural compounds and medicinal benefits to help against many diseases. Clinically, it is known to benefit individuals with headaches, insomnia, etc¹.  

In this blog, we will discuss the several health benefits this fruit has to offer. 

Benefits of Eating Lakshman Phal

Also called the miracle fruit, Lakshman phal has some amazing benefits. It may help with the following: 

1. Avoid Constipation

Lakshman phal is known to have high fiber content that helps food move smoothly through the gut and its rich water content softens the stool, thereby helping fight condtipation².

2. Ease Leg Cramps

Leg cramps can be painful and usually happen due to low potassium levels in the body. Lakshman Phal is rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and has some amount of sodium as well. When consumed regularly, it may help to overcome weak muscles and avoid cramps. The exact amount and quantity could vary and thus it’s best to check with your doctor before consuming routinely. 

3. Relieve Water Retention

Water retention is a common cause for feeling bloated. As Lakshman Phal is rich in certain active compounds that may slightly increase urination and flush out excess fluids, it helps reduce the chances of water retention. The high amounts of magnesium in the fruit also helps avoid bloating. 

I recently came across a study that revealed another power of lakshman phal. The study⁹ found that it might be effective in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. This suggests that lakshman phal may have anti-hyperglycemic properties.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

4. Improve Stamina and Energy

Lakshman phal or soursop can help retain energy levels and build strength. It is naturally rich in electrolytes and contains Vitamin B and thiamin, which help to increase the production of energy in the body. It is also an excellent source of natural carbohydrates, which give instant energy to the body³.  

5. Keep Bones Healthy

Bone health depends on calcium and small amounts of magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. Zinc and copper also help to absorb vitamin D, which helps to retain calcium in the body. Lakshman Phal is known to have high amounts of copper, aiding bone health². It also provides calcium and phosphorus required to maintain bones strength. 

I may have noticed something interesting about the unripe fruit of lakshman phal. In traditional African medicine, it’s used to manage disorders like neuralgia, rheumatism, and arthritic pain. So, researchers¹⁰ decided to investigate its effects on rats, and guess what they found? It may actually have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it might help with different types of pain and inflammation.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

6. Improve Sleep

Lakshman Phal contains tryptophan, a chemical that help you relax and promotes sleep. For those who have insomnia, this fruit is can be beneficial⁴. Also, the leaves of this fruit can be used in aromatherapy. Also, read the side effects of less sleep. 

7. Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Lakshman Phal (soursop) contains niacin (vitamin B3), a nutrient that has been studied for its role in lipid metabolism and its potential to support healthy HDL (“good cholesterol”) levels. Niacin is thought to work by influencing enzymes involved in lipoprotein breakdown, which may help the body manage cholesterol more efficiently^2,5.  

8. Relieve Mouth Ulcers

A paste made from blended Lakshman Phal leaves has traditionally been applied to mouth ulcers, a practice linked to the leaves’ natural tannin content. Tannins are known for their astringent and antimicrobial properties, which may help mildly tighten irritated oral tissue and support the healing environment of the mucosa⁶.

From what I have seen, lakshman phal extract may show strong effectiveness against both bacteria and fungi. This suggests that lakshman phal extract may have antimicrobial and antifungal properties when used against oral microorganisms. In simple terms, it might help fight harmful bacteria and fungi in the mouth⁶.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

9. Manage Anaemia

Soursop has traditionally been used to support individuals with anaemia, and emerging research has examined its potential hematopoietic properties, including compounds that may influence red blood cell-related pathways⁷. Moreover, it is rich in Vitamin C that helps absorb iron and improve hemoglobin levels³. 

10. Lower Migraines

Soursop also contains magnesium and riboflavin (vitamin B2), which research suggests may support healthy mitochondrial energy metabolism in cells, a mechanism that may help to lower migraine frequency⁸.  Moreover, its sedative properties may help relax the nervous system and help with migraines. 

Also Read: Ber Fruit: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More! 

Conclusion

Lakshman Phal may offer a range of nutrients and natural compounds that can support overall health when included as part of a balanced diet. However, further scientific research is required to confirm its health benefits, and it should not be considered a substitute for medical treatment. Enjoying Lakshman Phal in moderation, along with a varied and nutritious diet, is a sensible approach. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Mutakin M, Fauziati R, Fadhilah FN, Zuhrotun A, Amalia R, Hadisaputri YE. Pharmacological Activities of Soursop (Annona muricata Lin.). Molecules. 2022;27(4):1201. doi:10.3390/molecules27041201 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35208993/

2. Nagaraju V, Shankara Swamy J, Ento S. Not only Sita Phal but also Ramphal, Lakshman Phal, and Hanuman Phal: Nutritional Importance and Health Benefits, Article ID: 60124. 2024;06:412-416. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385495184_Not_only_Sita_Phal_but_also_Ramphal_Lakshman_Phal_and_Hanuman_Phal_Nutritional_Importance_and_Health_Benefits_Article_ID_60124

3. Candra A, Prasetyo BE, Tarigan JB. Study of vitamin C level of soursop leaves (Annona muricata l.) and galactomannan utilization in kombucha during fermentation. In: 2021:100007. doi:10.1063/5.0045669 https://pubs.aip.org/aip/acp/article-abstract/2342/1/100007/951893/Study-of-vitamin-C-level-of-soursop-leaves-Annona?redirectedFrom=fulltext

4. Afolabi F, Alabi BA, Badejo JA, Nsor OO, Lawal SK, Iwalewa EO. Scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice: Soursop leaf extract and fractions protect the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2025;28(3):355-365. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2024.80289.17379 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39906616/

5. Ganji SH, Kamanna VS, Kashyap ML. Niacin and cholesterol: role in cardiovascular disease (review). J Nutr Biochem. 2003;14(6):298-305. doi:10.1016/s0955-2863(02)00284-x https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12873710/

6. Pai BM, Rajesh G, Shenoy R, Rao A. Anti-microbial Efficacy of Soursop Leaf Extract (Annona muricata) on Oral Pathogens: An In-vitro Study. J Clin Diagn Res JCDR. 2016;10(11):ZC01-ZC04. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/18329.8762 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28050493/

7. Matano F, Patra A. Annona muricata (Soursop) and Hematopoiesis: Ethnomedicinal Insights, Immunomodulatory Mechanisms, and Translational Challenges. Antioxidants. 2026;15(5):579. doi:10.3390/antiox15050579 https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/15/5/579

8. Ishola IO, Awodele O, Olusayero AM, Ochieng CO. Mechanisms of Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Annona muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) Fruit Extract in Rodents. J Med Food. 2014;17(12):1375-1382. doi:10.1089/jmf.2013.0088 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25133801/

9. Mutakin M, Fauziati R, Fadhilah FN, Zuhrotun A, Amalia R, Hadisaputri YE. Pharmacological activities of soursop (Annona muricata Lin.). Molecules. 2022 Feb 10;27(4):1201. doi:10.3390/molecules27041201. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8878098/

10. Ishola IO, Awodele O, Olusayero AM, Ochieng CO. Mechanisms of analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Annona muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) fruit extract in rodents. J Med Food. 2014 Dec;17(12):1375-82. doi:10.1089/jmf.2013.0088. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4259190/

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