annona muricata

Annona muricata is a tropical, broad-leafed evergreen tree native to Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America, widely known for its large, spiny, aromatic fruit called soursop. The plant is traditionally used for medicinal purposes across tropical regions, with different parts (leaves, fruit, seeds, bark, roots) being applied for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, infections, hypertension, ulcers, and inflammation[1][2][3][4][6][7]. Phytochemical analyses show that Annona muricata contains bioactive compounds such as acetogenins (including annomuricins and annonacin), alkaloids (e.g., coreximine, reticuline, annonamine), flavonoids (quercetin), saponins, terpenoids, coumarins, tannins, glycosides, phytosterols, and vitamins[1][2][4][6]. Reported mechanisms of action in cell and animal studies include modulation of caspase-dependent apoptosis (anticancer, e.g., via decreased Bcl-2 and increased caspase-3/7/9, cytochrome c release), inhibition of cell proliferation, antidiabetic activity, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant enzyme upregulation (superoxide dismutase-1), and antiparasitic effects[1]. Extracts and certain pure compounds from Annona muricata have shown pharmacological activities in vitro and in vivo (especially anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic), but there is no clinical evidence of efficacy for any disease and no products are approved by the FDA or similar agencies for medicinal use[1][2][7]. High doses of some acetogenins (notably annonacin) are neurotoxic with evidence for risk of neuronal dysfunction and possibly neurodegenerative disease on sustained exposure[1][2].

Other names

soursopgraviolaguanabanaguyabanoBrazilian paw pawprickly custard applenangka belandasirsakannonearaticumaraticum-mansoanonaanodacoronsolgrandegrand corossolgurusuluquanabanasauersacktaggannonazuurzaknangka londadurian benggaladurian belandaevoaluguntuguisorsakaadunuattibabanabayubanguiabanotiep banlatiep barangreishi togebankhan thalotseri kaya belandajaca de pobrejaca do parákatarasasalapatoge-banreisiamba shoukhmullaathashul-ram-fallakshmana phala