Available online 22 January 2016
Open Access
Abstract
Annona muricata
L. (Magnoliales: Annonaceae) is a tropical plant species known for its
edible fruit which has some medicinal merits, but also some
toxicological effects. This review focuses on the phytochemicals
contents, bioactivity, biological actions and toxicological aspects of
extracts and isolated compounds, as well as medicinal uses of A. muricata,
with the objective of stimulating further studies on extracts and fruit
pulp used for human consumption. Traditional medicinal uses of A. muricata
have been identified in tropical regions to treat diverse ailments such
as fever, pain, respiratory and skin illness, internal and external
parasites, bacterial infections, hypertension, inflammation, diabetes
and cancer. More than 200 chemical compounds have been identified and
isolated from this plant; the most important being alkaloids, phenols
and acetogenins. Using in vitro studies, extracts and phytochemicals of A. muricata
have been characterized as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,
anti-protozoan, antioxidant, insecticide, larvicide, and cytotoxic to
tumor cells. In vivo studies of the crude extracts and isolated compounds of A. muricata
were shown to possess anxiolytic, anti-stress, anti-inflammatory,
contraceptive, anti-tumoral, antiulceric, wound healing,
hepato-protective, anti-icteric and hypoglycemic activities. In
addition, clinical studies support the hypoglycemic activity of the
ethanolic extracts of A. muricata leaves. Mechanisms of action
of some pharmacological activities have been elucidated, such as
cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociception and hypotensive
activities. However, some phytochemical compounds isolated from A. muricata have shown a neurotoxic effect in vitro and in vivo,
and therefore, these crude extracts and isolated compounds need to be
further investigated to define the magnitude of the effects, optimal
dosage, mechanisms of action, long-term safety, and potential side
effects. Additionally, clinical studies are necessary to support the
therapeutic potential of this plant.
Keywords
- Annona muricata;
- Traditional medicine;
- Phytochemicals;
- Bioactivity;
- Cytotoxicity;
- Health
