On the 4th of February, an X user (formerly Twitter) with the handle Onono herbals made a claim that chewing 5 to 12 soursop and watermelon seeds everyday for 12 consecutive weeks is capable of curing any tumour or cancer.
At the time of filing this report, the tweet had garnered 1.1 million views, 1,100 reposts, 2,703 likes and 3,174 bookmarks. This figure signified that this post has reached a wide audience.
Is it safe to consume Soursop Seeds and Watermelon Seeds?
It has been confirmed that soursop (Annona muricata) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds are generally safe for human consumption in moderation and may offer some health benefits.
According to Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention, due to a high toxicity level, soursop seeds are not commonly consumed however, the fruit itself is rich in Vitamin C and Fibre.
Similarly, a journal titled Nutritional benefits of bioactive compounds from watermelon: A comprehensive review revealed that watermelon seeds are safe to eat. They do not contain any known harmful toxins and are rich in magnesium, a good source of iron and they contain healthy fats and protein. It is also a source of Vitamin B.
Confirming the Authenticity of the Claim whether watermelon and sour seed can cure cancer and tumour, Dr. Daramola Ademola, a medical doctor, said there is no strong clinical evidence that suggests that soursop and watermelon seeds are capable of effectively treating cancers or tumours.
According to him, “some laboratory and animal studies suggest potential anti-cancer properties, though these findings have not been confirmed in human trials.” That means in some lab and animal studies conducted, soursop extracts (particularly annonacin and acetogenins) can treat cancer cells in test tubes and in animal models, however no large scale clinical trials have shown effectiveness in treating cancer in humans. Likewise, soursop seed is a neurotoxin (it is capable of destroying the nervous system) and this raises concern about how safe it is. Also, watermelon seeds contain antioxidants which may help reduce oxidative stress, a factor in cancer development.
“There are no studies directly linking watermelon seeds to cancer treatment or tumor reduction,” he emphasised.
Health Consequences of Consuming Soursop and Watermelon Seeds
Both soursop and watermelon seeds contain certain compounds that could pose health risks if consumed in excessive amounts. Soursop seed is linked to diseases, like Parkinsonism especially when taken in high doses or long-term exposure.
Raw seeds contain antinutrients like phytates, which may reduce mineral absorption if consumed in very large quantities and cause gastrointestinal problems while the excessive in take of roasted seeds may lead to digestive issues due to high fiber and fat content.
VERDICT
The claim is false.
While soursop seed is promising in lab studies, it lacks human clinical validation and carries potential neurological risks. Also, watermelon seeds contain beneficial compounds, but there is no direct evidence of anti-cancer effects.
Soursop flesh only is beneficial and the seeds should not be consumed due to how toxic they are. Watermelon seeds are safe and beneficial when taken in moderation.
Considering how wide this claim has spread, it is important to talk about the consequences that come with ingesting the above-mentioned substances and to inform the audience that soursop and watermelon seeds are not capable of curing tumours and cancers. The misinformation risks misleading a vast audience into delaying proven medical treatments for serious conditions like cancer, potentially worsening outcomes while fostering false hope among vulnerable individuals.
By debunking this unproven remedy, the fact-check not only protects public health but also upholds scientific integrity, countering the misrepresentation of preliminary lab studies as definitive cures. It empowers people to make informed, evidence-based health decisions, preventing emotional and financial exploitation while reinforcing trust in legitimate healthcare solutions amidst the noise of viral social media trends.
This verification has been produced with support from BO Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM) and WITNESS.