Annona squamosa(Annonaceae) - Sitaphal

Das K
Nov 10
4 min read

Updated: Nov 11

Species: Annona squamosa

Family: Annonaceae

Genus: Annona

Related Herbs from the same family:

Annona reticulata (Custard Apple), Annona muricata (Soursop), Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang), and Uvaria narum are all from the Annonaceae family. Polyalthia longifolia (Ashoka Tree/False Ashoka) and Miliusa tomentosa are other members of this family found in India, often used in traditional medicine for fever and skin diseases. The family is known for producing bioactive compounds called acetogenins.

2. Common Names:

3. Medicinal Uses

Antidiabetic, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antidiarrheal, Anti-lice (pediculicide), Anthelmintic (anti-worm), Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer (cytotoxic), Insecticidal.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Acetogenins (e.g., Annonacin, Squamocin): These are the most studied compounds in Annona squamosa. They are potent cytotoxic agents as they inhibit mitochondrial complex I, reducing ATP production, which can lead to cancer cell death. They also possess strong insecticidal and anthelmintic properties.

Alkaloids (e.g., Anonaine, Asimilobine): These compounds contribute to the plant's antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory effects. Some alkaloids have been studied for their sedative and neuropharmacological activities.

Flavonoids and Phenolic Compounds: These are powerful antioxidants that help in scavenging free radicals, supporting the plant's use in managing oxidative stress-related conditions like diabetes.

Terpenes: Contribute to the aromatic quality and also possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Antidiabetic ManagementFormulation: Leaf decoction or infusion.Preparation & Use: A handful of fresh or dried leaves are boiled in water. This decoction is consumed once daily, often on an empty stomach.Reasoning: The leaf extract has demonstrated antidiabetic properties in studies, potentially by enhancing glucose uptake and protecting pancreatic beta cells, supported by its high antioxidant flavonoid content.

Antipyretic & AntidiarrhealFormulation: Decoction of the leaves or unripe fruit.Preparation & Use: The decoction is administered in small doses to reduce fever and to treat acute diarrhea and dysentery.Reasoning: The plant's anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce fever. The unripe fruit is astringent and helps in binding stools, explaining its traditional antidiarrheal use.

Pediculicide (Lice Treatment)Formulation: Leaf paste or concentrated seed extract.Preparation & Use: The seeds are crushed and soaked in water or oil. This paste/lotion is applied to the scalp to eliminate head lice. (Caution: Avoid contact with eyes).Reasoning: The potent acetogenins and other compounds in the seeds and leaves are highly toxic to insects and parasites, providing a strong insecticidal and anthelmintic action.

Wound Healing and Anti-inflammatoryFormulation: Paste of the fresh leaves.Preparation & Use: The leaves are crushed and applied directly to ulcers, wounds, and inflamed areas to reduce swelling and promote healing.Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help reduce swelling and protect the wound from infection, promoting faster tissue repair.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

The ripe fruit is exclusively consumed as a delicious, sweet dessert fruit. The seeds are not edible and are toxic. Medicinal preparations primarily use the leaves, unripe fruit, and seeds (for external use only).

Sitaphal Leaf Tea for Blood Sugar SupportPurpose: To help manage blood glucose levels.Preparation & Use:

Take 5-7 dried Annona squamosa leaves.
Crush them lightly and add to one cup of boiling water.
Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Strain and allow to cool.
Drink a small cup (about 50 ml) once a day, preferably under the guidance of a practitioner.

Unripe Fruit Decoction for DiarrheaPurpose: To control acute diarrhea.Preparation & Use:

Slice a small, unripe green fruit.
Boil it in two cups of water until the volume reduces to one cup.
Strain and drink 1-2 tablespoons of this decoction 2-3 times a day until symptoms subside.

7. Disclaimer:

The ripe fruit of Annona squamosa is safe for consumption. However, the seeds are toxic if ingested and should be kept away from children and pets. The leaves and unripe fruit have potent bioactive compounds. Long-term or high-dose internal use of leaf decoctions should be avoided and must be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individuals on diabetes medication should use it with caution due to the risk of hypoglycemia. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

Indian Medicinal Plants by Lt. Col. K. R. Kirtikar and Maj. B. D. Basu
Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants by R. N. Chopra, S. L. Nayar, and I. C. Chopra
Review on Indian Medicinal Plants by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

9. Further study:

Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties:

Gymnema Sylvestre (Madhunashini): Species: Gymnema sylvestre | Family: Apocynaceae. Like Annona squamosa, it is a renowned antidiabetic herb. It contains gymnemic acids which have a different mechanism—blocking sugar absorption in the intestines and regenerating pancreatic beta-cells.
Karanja (Pongamia pinnata): Species: Pongamia pinnata | Family: Fabaceae. The seeds of Karanja are rich in bioactive flavonoids and oils with potent insecticidal and anthelmintic properties, similar to the external application of Annona squamosa seeds.