Annona Muricata: Comprehensive Review of Seed and Peel extract and Its Pharmacological Activity

Abstract

Annona muricata (soursop) is a tropical medicinal plant belonging to the Annonaceae family. It is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions and has been used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases. Different parts of the plant, especially the seeds and peels, contain important bioactive compounds such as acetogenins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. Various extraction methods, including aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic, Soxhlet, and maceration techniques, are used to obtain active constituents from the seeds and peels. Research studies have shown that these extracts possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. They exhibit antioxidant activity by reducing oxidative stress and scavenging free radicals. The extracts also show antibacterial and antiparasitic effects against different microorganisms. In addition, they possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help reduce inflammation and pain. Several studies have reported the antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects of Annona muricata extracts through the regulation of blood glucose and blood pressure levels. The plant has also gained attention for its anticancer potential. Compounds such as annonacin and other acetogenins have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis. These findings suggest that the seeds and peels, often considered waste materials, can serve as valuable sources of natural therapeutic agents. Overall, Annona muricata seed and peel extracts show promising medicinal value and may contribute to the development of natural drugs. However, further clinical studies are required to confirm their safety and effectiveness in humans.