Annona muricata is another species of plant that belongs to the Annonaceae group of plants. This group of plants have been investigated for their mood elevating effects. Some evidence suggests that Annona muricata possesses adaptogenic properties as extracts from the plant are able to normalise brain function following exposure to experimental stress. For example, in one study, researchers administered alcoholic extracts of Annona muricata to rats before exposing them to cold immobilisation as a form of stress. The results of the study showed that the Annona extracts were able to normalise the fall in neurotransmitters seen in the control rats who did not receive any active herb. In particular, the Annona extracts were able to normalise norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and the metabolite of serotonin, 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid. Further, the monoamine oxidase levels in the rats treated with Annona extracts were normalised compared to controls, and this suggests that the herb has adaptogenic properties, because it is able to raise levels of monoamine oxidase which have been lowered as a direct result of exposure to stress.
Annona muricata is used in traditional Mexican medicine along with other Annona species of plant. It’s roots, seeds, fruit, leaves and stems can all be used for their medicinal properties. Images is the fruit and leaves of the Annona muricata plant. Image from: Damien Boilley from suburbs of Paris, France – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https:// commons.wikimedia.org/ w/index.php?curid=529233.
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