I have used many other herbs for diabetes. Rosemary, fenugeek, gymnema, cinnamon and even bitter melon. I have not used Guyabano for sugar management. I have used this fruit for treatment of cancers. There are numerous studies on it for cancer treatment, but few if any for diabetes.
The fruit, seeds, and leaves yield a number of herbal medicinal uses in countries where the plant is common. Very few plants have all parts used as medicine. The sap of the young leaves may be applied directly on pimples to induce suppuration. The sap is also considered parasitical. An alcoholic extract of the leaves, when distilled with steam, yields a small amount of essential oil. The leaves and roots also cure colic and convulsions.
To reduce fever, a decoction of leaves can be taken internally. The crushed fresh leaves are also applied on skin eruptions for faster healing. A poultice of young guyabano leaves is applied on the skin to alleviate rheumatism and other skin infections like eczema. Applied during the healing of wounds, this can result in less scarring. The decoction can also be used as a wet compress on swollen feet and other inflammations.
Guyabano are also good in checking insect pests. Pulverizing the guyabano seeds and mixing with soap and water creates an effective spray against caterpillars, armyworms and leafhoppers on plants.
The bark of the guyabano tree has been used in tanning. The wood is pale, aromatic, soft, light in weight and not durable. There are some connections of guyabano and atypical Parkinson's Disease. This is due to the very high concentration of annonacin.
Remember do not eat the seeds. “Guyabano seeds are toxic, and care must be taken to assure that all are removed before the pulp is processed.”