Annona squamosa is commonly known as sitaphal, custard-apple or sugar-apple. It was originally native to the West Indies, but is now cultivated commercially throughout India. The plant produces an edible fruit and this is used in cuisine. The fruit contains an edible seed, and evidence suggests that this seed possesses anticonvulsant effects in animals. The leaves of Annona squamosa may also have a number of medicinal effects including antidiabetics, hypolipidemic, anticancer, expectorant and insecticidal actions. It is thought that some of the medicinal effects of the plant extracts comes from their high antioxidant content which may provide significant anti-inflammatory action. Extracts of Annona squamosa and its alkaloid anonaine have been shown to improve the memory of rats, suggesting significant central nervous system effects. In addition, Annona squamosa and anonaine have significant anticonvulsant effects on rats, which may have been due to activation of GABA neurones.
Annona squamosa contains an alkaloid called anonaine. Anonaine may activate the GABA system and this may provide the anticonvulsant activity seen in the plant. The plant also contains a number of other phytochemicals including other alkaloids, flavonoids, and a group of polyketide chemicals called acetogenins. Images is of Annona squamosa fruit and leaves. Image from Muhammad Mahdi Karim – Own work, GFDL 1.2, https:// commons.wikimedia.org/ w/ index.php?curid=9421674.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
