The Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Efficacy of Annona Muricata Extracts, Decoctions

Annona muricata (A. muricata L.) is commonly known as soursop, graviola, or guanabana is an evergreen tree that grows luxuriantly in tropical and sub-tropical region, from the Annonaceae family, valued for both its edible fruit and traditional medicinal uses across Africa and South America. Each portion of this tree from roots to leaves has been used in folk medicine to treat ailments such as cancer, diabetes, ulcers, infections, inflammation, and hypertension. Traditional use of this plant has motivated researchers to evaluate its pharmacological efficiency which lead to the validation of its potential. Extensive research has revealed that A. muricata have wide range of pharmacological activities and can be used against inflammation, microbial infection, oxidative stress, cancer and diabetes. Apart from this it can be also used in skin related issues, gastrointestinal complication, hepatic complication, hepatic-protection, wound healing, as analgesic and antipyretic agent. The credit for the medicinal effects of A. muricata goes to its rich phytochemical profile, especially acetogenins, alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids, with over 200 compounds identified. A. muricata shows particular promise in cancer and diabetes treatment, with mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition (α-glucosidase, α-amylase), insulin stimulation, and glucose uptake enhancement contributing to its hypoglycemic effects. The leaves of the plant is of particular interest and have been analyzed extensively, it has anti-inflammatory potential and can be a good source for developing an anticancer agent due to presence of wide range of bioactive compounds. However, despite these benefits, some compounds mainly acetogenins and certain alkaloids have shown neurotoxic effects in laboratory models, underscoring the need for careful dosage evaluation and safety assessment. This article elaborates the ethnobotanical and pharmacological importance of the plant.