Graviola is used to treat the effects of intestinal disorders such as dysentery. It is, however, the rest of the tree that is a part of most remedies. Indigenous peoples use the bark of the root as a febrifuge, or fever reducer, while they use the leaves in anti-parasitic and antiseptic preparations, as well as in topical applications to diminish muscular pain. A 1997 study performed at Purdue University that suggested graviola extract possesses a cytotoxic, or cell-killing, effect. Yet, as an alternative cancer treatment, it has received much attention, and graviola extract is readily available in supplement form.