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The leaves of Annona squamosa (AS) are known for their anti-diabetic properties, although the specific active principles and mechanisms of action remain unidentified. To explore these properties further, various extracts of AS leaves were prepared, including hexane, chloroform, butanol, hexane-washed methanol, total methanol extract, and water decoction. These extracts were characterized and tested for their inhibitory effects on pancreatic á-amylase activity under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Among the extracts, the hexane extract demonstrated the lowest IC50 value of 0.925 mg/mL, prompting further investigation in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic model. The hypoglycemic response of this extract was correlated with its inhibitory activity against a-amylase in pancreatic homogenates. Different doses of the hexane extract were administered and compared with standard drugs such as acarbose and glimepiride. The results indicated that the hexane extract significantly reduced elevated glucose levels by 41.18±2.46% at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) and by 78.10±1.57% at 400 mg/kg BW. Additionally, it increased serum insulin levels from 8.56±1.42 µU/mL (in the experimental control group) to 16.26±1.20 µU/mL at the higher dosage of 400 mg/kg BW. The extract also inhibited á-amylase activity by 76.69±2.52% at 100 mg/kg BW and by 86.67±2.30% at 400 mg/kg BW. In comparison, glimepiride-treated rats exhibited a significant increase in serum insulin levels without a corresponding inhibition of a-amylase activity. Conversely, acarbose-treated rats showed significant inhibition of a-amylase but did not experience a notable rise in serum insulin levels. These findings suggest that the hexane extract of Annona squamosa leaves acts as both an insulin secretagogue--enhancing insulin secretion--and an inhibitor of pancreatic a-amylase in the small intestine. Consequently, this extract could be beneficial for managing postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annona fruit, leaves, seeds, roots, and bark have been conventionally used in many countries for medical treatments as they are considered ideal sources of pharmacologically active compounds, but Annona remains an underutilized fruit in many countries. The fruit of these plants is delicately flavored and is used in industrial products such as ready-to-serve beverages, wine, jellies, jam, and fruit-butter preserve, while the seeds generally go to waste. Annona seed oil contains numerous health-benefiting factors such as vitamins, minerals, bioactive compounds, fatty acids, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds, which are responsible for various biological activities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor activities. Cancer is a worldwide major health problem that remains unresolved. Even though the current treatments can manage to reduce tumor growth, there is an urgent need to investigate more efficient but less expensive novel techniques to overcome some of the restrictions in treating tumors. Annona might offer an indispensable choice besides chemotherapy and radiotherapy, especially for terminally ill patients, as the Annona genus contains secondary metabolites in nearly every component of Annona plants. Research has shown that many Annona species contain promising components that could potentially exhibit anticancer activity, but the information available is scarce and inconsistent. Annona muricata (Soursop, "Katuanoda"), Annona squamosa (Sweetsop, "Seenianoda"), and Annona reticulata (Custard apple, "Welianoda") are three commonly cultivated edible Annona species in Sri Lanka. The main objective of the review was to present an updated comprehensive literature analysis of the putative chemopreventive functions against cancer cell lines/the anticancer effect on cancers, phytochemical properties, and antioxidant properties possessed by the seed oils of three selected common Annona species. Although there are some in vitro and in vivo experimental investigations supporting the benefits of Annona seed oils, clinical investigations are still needed to explore concealed areas, determine the effects on the human body, determine the safest concentration, and determine health-contributing benefits before they are submitted to clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annona squamosa Linn. fruit is famous for its nutritional value with a long history of medicinal benefits due to the presence of many phytochemicals, including alkaloids, diterpenes, essential oil, phytopeptides, etc. Several studies envisaged that Annona squamosa possesses cytotoxic, diuretic, antiurolithiatic, antitumor, anti-psoriatic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. This plant is traditionally used for the treatment of wound infection, dysentery, seizure, tumors, fever, vomiting, parasitic infections, hypertension, thyroid, toothache, acne, heart disease, inflammation, diabetes, hair loss, dandruff, hemorrhage, maggot-infected sores, abortifacient, and cough. However, some chemical constituents isolated from the plant have shown specific toxic effects in human and animal models, such as acute oral toxic effects, genotoxic, neurotoxic, and ocular toxic. The plant has diverse pharmacological actions, the seeds of this plant possess a genotoxic effect but on the contrary, the bark of the plant shows genoprotective activity. A large number of ethnobotanical studies reported the seed of this plant is used to induce abortion in humans, but a scientific study carried out in pregnant rats reported aqueous seed extract of the plant did not interfere with reproductive performance. The presented review summarized the traditional uses, pharmacological, and toxicological activities of the isolated compounds from this plant. Additionally, some patents and commercial products related to Annona squamosa are also brought up in this article to explore its application which would attract the scientific community to search out its hidden side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested Annona squamosa seed bioactive compounds against two different species of termites. The seed oil was extracted mechanically and with solvents (hexane and ethyl acetate) using the Soxhlet apparatus. GC MS/MS identified the phytochemical profile of the oil and solvent extract. A. squamosa seed oil was found with 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, octadecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid and oleic acid-TMS as major compounds. The predominant compound of A. squamosa seed extracts is found as 9- octadecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid and 6- octadecanoic acid. To find the extract's LC50 value, the laboratory bioassay was carried out against O. anamallensis and M. fletcheri with A. squamosa seed oil and hexane and ethyl acetate extract of A. squamosa seed. For both species, O. anamallensis and M. fletcheri oil recorded the lowest LC50 value of about 0.14 and 0.25 per cent, respectively, followed by hexane extract and ethyl acetate extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deficiency of fossil fuel resources, amplifying fuel price and its related environmental anxieties grasped great attention for finding an alternative fuel. Such alternative options can be fuels obtained from agricultural residues, plants, and wastes. The present research emphases on complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) and gray relational analysis (GRA) modeling of a diesel engine fuelled by Annona squamosa (AS) and Aegle marmelos (AM) co‐pyrolysis oil/diesel binary opus as an engine fuel to optimize the engine characteristics. Co‐pyrolysis oil is obtained from AS+AM feedstock at pyrolysis temperature of 500°C. To obtain engine data for training and testing the proposed COPRAS and GRA models were adopted for the engine control factors such as engine load (W) and compression ratio (CR) in a test engine rig through experimentation and hybrid optimization technics. From the engine output responses reveals that F2080 opus delivers an augmented brake thermal efficiency (22.01%) than diesel (21.56%) at peak load. Subsequently, F2080 fuel emits substantial lessening of CO (11.88%) and HC (5.64%) emissions as compared to diesel (F0). Based on the results, it is conclude that F2080 blend at CR of 17.5 and 100% load was delivered the greater engine distinctiveness through optimization outcomes and experimental evaluation compared to F0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria remains a life-threatening health problem and is responsible for the high rates of mortality and morbidity in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The increasing threat of drug resistance to available artemisinin-based therapy warrants an urgent need to develop new antimalarial drugs that are safer, more effective, and have a novel mode of action. Natural plants are an excellent source of inspiration in searching for a new antimalarial agent. This research reports a systematic investigation for determining the antimalarial potential of the seeds of A. squamosa. The study shows that the crude seed extract (CSE), protein, saponin, and the oily fractions of the seeds were nontoxic at a 2000 mg/kg body weight dose when tested in Wistar rats, thus revealing high safety is classified as class 5. The oily fraction, Annomaal, demonstrated pronounced antimalarial activity with low IC50 (1.25 ± 0.183 μg/mL) against P. falciparum in vitro. The CSE and Annomaal significantly inhibited the growth of P. berghei parasites in vivo with 58.47% and 61.11% chemo suppression, respectively, while the standard drug artemether showed chemo suppression of 66.75%. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that oral administration of Annomaal at a daily dose of 250 mg/kg/day for 3 days was adequate to provide a complete cure to the P. berghei-infected mice. Annomaal thus holds promise as being patient-compliant due to the shorter treatment schedule, eliminating the need for frequent dosing for extended time periods as required by several synthetic antimalarial drugs. Further studies are needed to determine the active compounds in the oily fraction responsible for antimalarial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydrothermal method was employed for green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots (GCDs) from Annona squamosa leaves. The synthesized GCDs were confirmed by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as: High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), UV–Vis spectrometry, Fluorescence spectrometry, X-Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The produced GCDs had shown multiple properties, including massive antibacterial activity at concentration 200 μg/ml. The stabilization of human red blood cells served as a method to assess the anti-inflammatory activity. We also looked at how GCDs affected the angiogenesis process. The density of blood vessels was significantly decreased after treatment with GCDs, according to the results of the Chorio-Allantoic Membrane assay (p < 0.05). As per the study prepared GCDs from fallen leaves of Annona squamosa have multifunctional applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since form ancient time, plant derived product has been used as holistic approach in the control of diabetes mellitus. The object of the study is evaluation of the synergistic antihyperglycemic effect of medicinal plant Annona squamosa leaf extract (ASLE) and plant-derived oleanolic acid (OA) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty six number of Wistar rats are taken and divided within six groups (n = 6). The group 1 is normal control, group 2 is diabetic control induced with STZ, groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 treated with 50 mg/kg of ASLE, 50 mg/kg of OA, the combination of both 25 mg/kg of ASLE and 25 mg/kg of OA, and 0.1 mg/kg of glimepiride respectively for 28 days. The parameters like body weight, blood glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, C-peptide, serum biochemical, lipid profiles and liver antioxidant parameters were evaluated. Results shows significant (p < 0.05) restoration of body weight, insulin and C-peptide levels. The animal groups treated with the combination of both ALSE and OA have experienced a remarkable restoration of serum biochemical, lipid profiles, antioxidant parameters, and C-peptide level as compared to the above groups due to the synergistic effect. These findings conclude that combination of both ASLE and OA had a synergistic action and it shows more potent anti-hyperglycemic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esquamosan, a new furofuran lignan, has been isolated by bio-guided assays from the methanolic extract of the leaves of Annona squamosa L., and its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Esquamosan inhibited the rat aortic ring contraction evoked by phenylephrine in a concentration-dependent manner and showed an inhibitory effect on vasocontraction of the depolarized aorta with high-concentration potassium. The vasorelaxant effect by esquamosan could be attributed mainly to the inhibition of calcium influx from extracellular space through voltage-dependent calcium channels or receptor-operated Ca2+ channels and also partly mediated through the increased release of NO from endothelial cells. The ability of esquamosan to modify the vascular reactivity of rat aortic rings incubated with high glucose (D-glucose 55 mM) was then evaluated, and this furofuran lignan reverted the endothelium-dependent impairment effect of high glucose in rat aortic rings. The antioxidant capacity of esquamosan was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Esquamosan exhibited a similar antioxidant capacity compared to ascorbic acid, which was used as a positive control. In conclusion, this lignan showed a vasorelaxant effect, free radical scavenging capacity, and potential reductive power, suggesting its potential beneficial use to treat complex cardiometabolic diseases due to free radical-mediated diseases and its calcium antagonist effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annona squamosa is a medicinal plant that has been used in folk medicine since antiquity. The goal of this study is to see how effective Annona squamosa leaf extract (A.S.L.E) or its niosomal-entrapped preparation is at protecting skin from UVA irradiation. The prepared niosomal-entrapped A.S.L.E has been characterized via spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy imaging. Furthermore, the entrapment efficiency and in vitro release of A.S.L.E were determined. In this study, ex vivo and freshly prepared samples from the dorsal region of the rats' skin were used as biological samples, which were divided into five groups: control UVA-unexposed, unprotected UVA-exposed, A.S.L.E-protected UVA-exposed, and niosomal-entrapped A.S.L.E UVA-exposed. UVA irradiation was performed by exposing the skin samples to a UVA-producing lamp for 4 h. Samples from various groups were then examined using FTIR spectroscopy, histopathology, and protein electrophoresis methods. The results showed that A.S.L.E has a skin protective effect against UVA irradiation. The niosomal-entrapped A.S.L.E was more effective than the native plant leaf extract in protecting skin from the damaging effects of UVA. Therefore, the nanotechnologically formulated preparation, niosomal-entrapped A.S.L.E, can be used as an effective photoprotector (sunscreen) against the adverse effects of UVA radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Annonaceae family is widely distributed in subtropical and tropical regions. Several species of this family are known for their pharmacological and beneficial properties to human health, mainly attributed to flavonoids. The objective of this work was to carry out an integrative review in order to identify the main flavonoids found in some plant parts belonging to the Annona genus: araticum tree (Annona crassiflora Mart.), graviola tree (Annona muricata), atemoya tree (Annona cherimolia Mill × Annona squamosa L.), pinha tree (Annona squamosa), bananinha tree (Annona leptopetala), and marolinho tree (Annona coriacea). Only articles published between the years 2016 to 2021 that answered the guiding question were considered, in order to obtain recent data. Then, search strategies were designated for each database used: Science Direct, CAPES Periodicals, and Scielo. Most of the studies retrieved from the databases are related to fruits. The results showed that the number of flavonoids identified varies according to the analytical methodology used to identify and quantify the compounds. Quercetin was the most commonly found compound in all fruits of the Annona genus studied, and epicatechin, rutin, and kaempferol were also found to a lesser extent. The presence of these compounds in Annona makes the fruit promising, with potential applicability in the pharmaceutical and food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annona squamosa, commonly known as custard apple, is traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and gastritis. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of an ethanolic (80% v/v) extract of A. squamosa (EEAS) leaves in vitro on insulin secretion from clonal pancreatic BRIN BD11 β-cells and mouse islets, including mechanistic studies on the effect of EEAS on membrane potential and intracellular calcium ion concentration. Additional in vitro glucose-lowering actions were assessed. For in vivo studies, high-fat-fed (HFF) obese/normal rats were selected. EEAS increased insulin secretion in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was linked to β-cell membrane depolarisation and cytoplasmic Ca2+ influx. In the presence of isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX), tolbutamide, or KCl, the insulin-releasing effect of EEAS was increased, suggesting its effect was also mediated via a KATP-independent pathways. EEAS inhibited insulin glycation, glucose absorption, and DPP-IV enzyme activity in vitro and enhanced glucose uptake and insulin action in 3T3L1 cells. In vivo, gut motility, food intake, glucose tolerance, plasma insulin, and active GLP-1 (7-36) levels were improved, whereas plasma DPP-IV levels were reduced in HFF rats. EEAS attenuated the absorption of sucrose and glucose as well as decreased serum glucose levels after sucrose loading and in situ intestinal perfusion in non-diabetic rats. Rutin, proanthocyanidin, and squafosacin G were putatively identified as the anti-hyperglycaemic phytomolecules in EEAS using HPLC followed by LC-MS analysis. This study illustrates the potential of A. squamosa and its phytoconstituents as a source of potential antidiabetic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annona squamosa L. is a popular medicinal plant of Bangladesh having several traditional uses. To give the scientific clarification for ethnomedicinal uses of this plant, this study was aimed to analyze the phytochemical profile of methanol extract of Annona squamosa leaves (designated as MEAL) and evaluate its inhibitory properties against α-amylase, pancreatic lipase, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Different in vitro methods were used to perform enzyme inhibition assays and kinetic studies for MEAL and its phytochemical profile was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC--MS). In enzyme inhibition assays, MEAL showed significant ACE inhibitory activity whereas it had moderate inhibition against pancreatic lipase. The IC50 of MEAL was found to be 9.26 ± 0.71 μg/mL and 6.90 ± 0.58 μg/mL for ACE and lipase enzymes, respectively. MEAL was also found as mixed type inhibitor of ACE in enzyme kinetic study. In case of α-amylase, MELA (IC50: 608.8 ± 7.02 μg/mL) showed poor inhibition activity when compared with standard drug acarbose (IC50: 28.53 ± 1.35 μg/mL). In addition, presence of some compounds in MEAL identified by GC-MS, were also consistence with these enzyme inhibitory activities. Thus, this study proves the enzyme inhibitory abilities of Annona squamosa leaves for the first time and it might be a potential tool for the treatment of hypertension and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the crude aqueous and chloroform extracts of Annona squamosa was tested for its in-vitro acaricidal efficacy against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. Concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% and 12.5% were tested against adult ticks whereas 0.312%, 0.625%, 1.25% and 2.5% were tested against larvae. No significant mortality and effect on oviposition was observed using aqueous extract, however, chloroform extract showed strong activity against both viz. adults and larvae. The highest adult mortality was observed at 12.5% concentration and determined LC50 and LC90 values were 5.24% and 14.12% respectively. A dose dependent reduction in egg laying capacity of treated female was observed in all concentrations compared to control group. The recorded mean mortality of larvae was 13.45 ± 0.73, 71.04 ± 1.10, 98.28 ± 0.39 and 100 ± 0.00 observed at 0, 0.312%, 0.625%, 1.25% and 2.5% of concentrations respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have been utilized extensively in traditional medicine by a range of nations since ancient times, and more research into their safety, efficacy, and quality value is needed. One of the plants that have been widely used by society in traditional medicine is Annona squamosa L. A. squamosa is commonly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Based on previous research, all parts of A. squamosa including bark, leaf, and roots have proven biological activities such as antioxidant, antifungal, and anticancer, especially on the leaves. Indian people have long history used young leaves of A. squamosa for antidiabetic, besides in South China, they use seeds to decrease the cancer effect in the human body. The pharmacological activities of A. squamosa leaves are antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antidiarrheals, antiplatelet, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and cytoprotective. Phytochemicals in A. squamosa leaves include coumarins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and saponins. Meanwhile based on nutritional analysis shows that the A. squamosa leaves are water, protein, lipids, Fiber Ash and Calcium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated some physiological and biochemical changes that accompanied the growth stages of custard apple cultivated in Lang Son, Vietnam. Regarding the pigment content of the peel, the research results showed that the content of chlorophyll a, b, and total reached the highest value at week 13, then decreased rapidly when the fruit entered the ripening stage. Meanwhile, carotenoid content in the peel increased gradually from week 3 until complete ripening at week 16, from 0.014 to 0.063 mg·g−1 fresh peel. Protein, lipid, and tannin content in the fruit flesh decreased gradually from week 3 to maturity. The vitamin C and reducing sugar content tended to reduce in week 3 to 7, then increased again until the fruit ripened. While the starch content varied quite complicatedly, it decreased from week 3 to 7, increased again from week 9 to 13, then decreased sharply as the fruit entered the ripening stage (down from 10.011% at week 13 to 1.795% at week 16). Regarding enzyme activity, α-amylase and peroxidase activity increased during the fruit development stages, corresponding to week 3 to 15 in this study. At week 16, the peroxidase activity continued to increase, while the α-amylase activity began to decrease. Unlike these two enzymes, catalase activity gradually increased from fruit formation to the 11th-week fruit stage, reaching 11.542 µM H2O2·g−1·min−1, and then decreased rapidly to 3.167 µM H2O2·g−1·min−1 in the 16th-week fruit stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant activity of Annona squamosa (A. squamosa) leaf was carried out using methanol extract and fractionated extract namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate and residue. The antioxidant activity of methanol extract and fractionated was performed using the 1-diphenyl-2-Pycrilhydrazil (DPPH) method. The antioxidant activity test of methanol extract and fractionated n-hexane, ethyl acetate and residue yielded IC50 of 6.87, 169.99, 31.55 and 44.75 ppm. The ethyl acetate fraction extract with IC50 31.55 ppm was performed by column chromatography using silica gel G60 as the stationary phase and n-hexane: ethyl acetate as the mobile phase. The results of column chromatography obtained 181 fractions and were combined based on the stain pattern into 4 subfractions. Antioxidant test of each subfraction showed that the ASE 3 subfraction had the strongest antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the subfraction was analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). According, GC-MS data analysis showed that the third subfraction contained 19 phytochemical compounds, where 3 compounds having the highest concentration, namely 4,4'-((p-Phenylene)diisopropylidene) diphenol, dodecanoic acid, methyl ester and phthalic acid, isobutyl 2-methylpent-3-yl ester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dengue virus (DENV) infection is general mosquito-transmitted viral taint. It can lead to the dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Dengue is a solemn illness with no endowed antiviral medication or recognized vaccine. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the activity of Annona squamosa leaf extract (ASLE) against dengue virus type-2 (DENV-2) isolated from Surabaya, Indonesia in 2013 (NCBI accession number: KT012509). Methods: In this study, the antiviral activity of ASLE was evaluated against DENV-2 in Vero cells using Viral ToxGlo™ Assay. In addition, we used CellTiter-Glo® Luminescent Cell Viability Assay to set the amount of viable cells in culture based on quantitation of the ATP. Results: DENV-2 replication inhibited by ASLE in Vero cells with IC50 = 73.78 µg/mL and SI = 4.49 when cells were treated two days after virus infection, whereas its CC50 for cytotoxicity to Vero cells was 331.54 µg/mL. Interestingly, this is the first report on the investigation of ASLE against DENV-2. Conclusion: In summary, ASLE demonstrated the antiviral activity against DENV-2 with less toxicity, and high possibility as a drug candidate. Therefore, it might be suggested for in vivo assessment in the progress of a potent antiviral against DENV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper aimed at determining the effect of aqueous and alcohol extracts of the leaves of the Annona squamosa plant on the vitality of the protoscolices of sheep in vitro and in vivo. The results of the study showed that alcohol and aqueous extract solutions had an inhibitory effect on protoscolices compared with control group over all concentration range. The percentage of homicide was measured by using the eosin stain test, which depends on changing the green color of the alive protoscolices to red after killing it. The study revealed that the concentration of 100 mg/ml was the best concentration for killing the protoscolices after 48 hours of exposure. It was observed that when laboratory animals were injected with the protoscolices treated with the extracts, the protoscolices failed in the formation of secondary hydatid cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts has gained credence owing to their cost effective and eco-friendly applications. The work presented herein demonstrates the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the Annona squamosa & Carica papaya leaf extracts. The formation of the silver nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Vis spectral analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The catalytic activity of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in the degradation of dyes and permitted food colours, was then examined. The AgNPs formed with the Carica papaya leaf extract were found to degrade the dyes like Malachite green, bromophenol blue, methylene blue, brilliant blue to a greater extent (60-64%) in comparison to the AgNPs formed from Annona squamosa leaf extracts. However, both the samples could not degrade permitted food colours like apple green, orange red and kesar yellow thereby confirming their specificity to dyes. These AgNPs also functioned as a nanocatalyst in the degradation of methylene blue by ascorbic acid. Hence, these AgNPs have a potential to be equally eco-friendly and effective to be utilised for degradation purposes for a better environmental study and goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among diseases causing yield losses of yam in Brazil, the most important is dry rot caused by the plant-parasitic nematodes Scutellonema bradys, Pratylenchus coffeae and P. brachyurus. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the nematicidal effect of an aqueous extract of Annona squamosa leaves. Yam plants were inoculated 30 days after planting with a suspension of 1,000 specimens of S. bradys and P. coffeae. The experiments were performed twice under a completely randomized design, in a 5 x 2 + 2 factorial scheme, with seven replicates, using five concentrations of custard apple leaf extract (1.0; 2.0; 3.0; 4.0 and 5.0%), two application periods: 1) 30 days after inoculation; 2) 30 and 60 days after inoculation, plus the negative control (water) and the positive control (Benfuracarbe, Pottente®). Six months after planting, population densities of nematodes in soil and roots and the reproduction factor (final population/initial population) were evaluated. There was no significant difference for the periods of application of the extract in both experiments. There was a reduction in the nematode population densities in all treatments, especially at a concentration of 3%. The aqueous extract of A. squamosa leaves were nematicidal, and may be considered for the management of S. bradys and P. coffeae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol is regarded as the third most common cause of death after hypertension and smoking. Its long-term excess exposure leads to alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and liver injury, a worldwide health problem without efficient therapy. As there is no reliable liver protective drugs in allopathic medical practices, herbs play a major role in the management of liver diseases. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate hepatoprotective activity of Annona squamosa seed extract against alcohol-induced liver injury in Sprague Dawley rats. Liver toxicity was induced by 50% alcohol at dose level of 12 ml/kg po each, for 8 days. Ethanolic extract of A. squamosa seed (EEAS) at dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg po were administered once daily for 8 consecutive days. The hepatoprotective activity of EEAS was assessed in experimental rats using various biochemical parameters like ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, SBL, albumin, total cholesterol, and total protein; and antioxidant parameters like SOD, CAT, GSH, and TBARS. It demonstrated that the treatment with EEAS significantly (p < 0.05–p < 0.001) and dose-dependently prevented the alcohol-induced increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes and significantly increased the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH. It also significantly decreased the level of MDA. Histopathology of the liver tissues showed that EEAS attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis and led to regeneration and repair of cells toward normal. Results of this study strongly indicated the protective effect of A. squamosa against alcohol-induced liver injury which may be attributed to its hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Annonaceae and Apocynaceae families are known for their plethora of pharmacotherapeutic potential. Objectives: To evaluate antipsoriatic potential (ultraviolet [UV]-induced photodermatitis and tail model) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) studies on developed formulations from the plant extracts. Materials and Methods: Formulations of ethanolic extracts of Carissa congesta and Catharanthus roseus and petroleum ether extracts of Annona squamosa and Polyalthia longifolia were evaluated for antipsoriatic activity (UV-induced photodermatitis and tail model) at 250 and 500 mg/kg. GC-MS studies were done subsequently after 6 months. Formulation batches were tested by different tests, viz., pH, viscosity, spreadability, washability, homogeneity, grittiness, drug content, Sudan red, bleeding, and sensitivity tests. Results: Histopathology studies indicated the absence of Munro's microabscess, regular elongation of rete ridges, capillary loop dilatation, granular cell layer, and prominent parakeratosis at 500 mg/kg. Formulations of the plant extracts did not reveal toxic components by GC-MS interpretation. No greasiness was observed during washing. Uniform homogeneity was observed with neither clumps nor large aggregates. The dispersed globules appeared red against colorless water background. Bleeding time was found to be stable during the experimentation.Conclusion: Developed topical plant formulations showed antipsoriatic potential on selected models. The GC-MS studies confirmed the presence of no drastic changes in the quantity of active constituents assuring its stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Annona squamosa is reported has a significant cytotoxic activity in some cancer cells. Objectives: Thus, this study aim to investigate Annona squamosa leaf extract induced by chitosan nanoparticles (nano-ASLE) to enhance their biological activity as anticancer agent on HeLa cells. Methods: Nano-ASLE (50, 100, 200, 400 μg/mL in DMSO) given on HeLa cells to determined IC50 value by MTT assay. Then, it was devided into three groups as follow IC50, 2IC50, 4IC50 continued with analysis of caspase-3 expression. Results: The present study demonstrated that nano-ASLE can surpress HeLa cells proliferation with the IC50 value of 344.48 μg/mL and rapid enhancement of caspase-3 activity has the mean score of 65.3 cell expression and the lowest score shows 45.3 cell expression. Conclusion: Nano-ASLE lead to HeLa cell death via the mitochondrial pathway on caspase-3 expression. In addition, the further studies are needed to obtain the loading efficiency, release of drug concentration and in vivo study of nano-ASLE to suppress HeLa cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aimed to prepare Annona squamosa leaf extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (nano-ASLE) against human colon cancer (WiDr) cells. Nano-ASLE was made with ionic gelation method. Four concentrations of the nano-ASLE (50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) in dimethyl sulfoxide were prepared on WiDr cells to determine the IC50 value using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Then, it was divided into three groups of concentration of IC50, 2IC50, and 4IC50 and continued with analysis of caspase-3 expression and cell cycle arrest. The results of particles size were obtained 535.1 nm and showed potent cytotoxicity with IC50 292.39 μg/mL. The expression of caspase-3 increased significantly and caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis on WiDr cells. Further studies are needed to obtain the loading efficiency, release of drug concentration, and in vivo study of nano-ASLE to suppress WiDr cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, out of three isoforms of α-mannosidase identified in the crude extract of defatted Custard apple seed powder, isoform III has been purified to homogeneity by two-step chromatography: hydrophobic interaction and gel filtration. The purified Custard apple α-mannosidase isoform III (CAM) hydrolyzed both chromogenic (p -nitrophenyl-α-D-mannopyranoside) and fluorescent (4-methylumbelliferyl α-D-mannopyranoside) substrates. Custard apple α-mannosidase migrated as a single band in native PAGE, showed about 220 kDa molecular mass in gel filtration and in SDS PAGE, dissociated into four bands (Mr ~ 75, 68, 56 and 50 kDa respectively). Temperature and pH optima were found to be 50 °C and 4.0–5.0 respectively and CAM was stable up to 60–70 °C. The enzymatic activity of CAM was inhibited by EDTA, Ag+, Hg2+, Ni2+ and swainsonine (IC 50 value of 1.5 μM). CAM was observed to be a metallo enzyme requiring zinc for its activity. Kinetic parameters K M and Vmax were found to be 1.75 mM and 0.068 U/mL respectively. The CD spectral analysis at far UV region (190–300 nm) shows that purified CAM exists as helix (30.4%), β turns (18%) and random coils (29.7%) in its secondary structure. Chemical modification studies with N -Bromosuccinimide revealed the presence of tryptophan in its active site. • A vacuolar α-mannosidase was purified to homogeneity from Custard apple seeds • Custard apple α-mannosidase was inhibited by swainsonine and EDTA • CD spectral analysis revealed more content of α-helix in the secondary structure of Custard apple α-mannosidase • Chemical modification with NBS showed the involvement of tryptophan in the active site of Custard apple α-mannosidase [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluates the feasibility of an adsorbent prepared from Annona squamosa(custard apple) peel, in removing Congo red dye from its aqueous solution. Batch experiments were carried out to study the effect of various parameters like pH (2-8), adsorbent dose (0.005-0.5 g/100mL), contact time (5-120 min), initial dye concentration (25-200 mgL–1) and temperature (298-308 K) to determine its effectiveness as an adsorbent. Maximum dye removal was attained at pH 2, adsorbent dose 0.1 g/100 mL in equilibrium time of 45 min at 308K. Adsorption kinetics using pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order models, and adsorption isotherm using Langmuir and Freundlich models were studied. The adsorption process was found to follow pseudo-second order kinetic model and it more favorably described the Langmuir isotherm model. Removal of Congo red dye from its aqueous solution by custard apple peel was an endothermic process with negative Gibbs free energy signifying its spontaneous nature. The results of the present study suggest that custard apple can be effectively used as an adsorbent to remove Congo red dye from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation deals with the antibiotic potentiation and antitumor activity of green processed Ag NPs. Silver nanoparticles were prepared using Annona squamosa (AS) leaf extract as a potent bio-reducer and stabilizer. An intense surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band around 430 nm indicates the formation of well-stabilized silver nano particles, which was conformed from UV–Visible spectroscopy. TEM analysis manifests the formation of crystalline AS -Ag NPs through assorted functional groups in a size range of 7–8 nm. The antibacterial activity along with the combinatorial potential of AS -Ag NPs was assessed with neomycin against five wound/burn infection inducing skin isolates such as S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. faecium, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. The combinatorial analysis revealed synergetic pharmacodynamic interaction between nanoparticles and antibiotic with all the tested bacteria. Besides, AS -Ag NPs cytotoxicity was tested on mammalian cells (HEK-293) and cancerous cells (HeLa) with a fact-finding that AS -Ag NPs possess selective nature to target and kill foreign cells with a biocompatibility towards mammalian cells. Thus, our findings encourage nano green synthesis as an exploiting nano-medicine, owing to their effective cancer therapy and antibiotic potentiating capability by overcoming biocompatibility limitations of conventional therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The anatomy determined the characters useful in the identification of the species. • The histochemistry revealed the location of the metabolites. • Chemical microanalyses by SEM-EDS demonstrated that the crystals are of calcium oxalate. • Annona squamosa presented the highest levels of total oxalate. Abstract Annona muricata L. and A. squamosa L. are species of the Annonaceae family widely used in traditional medicine in Brazil for the treatment of noncommunicable diseases. However, this species may contain, for example, calcium oxalate crystals, that can precipitate in the kidneys and contribute to the formation of kidney stones. There are still few studies on the content of oxalic acid present in medicinal species. Thus, the objective of this work was to conduct a comparative anatomical and histochemical study between the species and determining its content of oxalic acid. Semipermanent histological slides were prepared, following common plant anatomy procedures, for analysis of the leaf blades in optical microscopy, polarization and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. To determine the total, soluble and insoluble oxalate content was used titration with potassium permanganate. The anatomical characterization allowed identifying the characters useful in the differentiation of the species and the druses. The histochemistry revealed the location of the metabolites and, along with the chemical microanalyses, demonstrated that the druses are of calcium oxalate. Annona squamosa presented the highest level of total oxalate. The study assists in the quality control of A. muricata and A. squamosa and brings new information on its oxalic acid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two alkaloids, belonging to benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, were isolated from Annona squamosa. One of these alkaloids, 6, 7-dimethoxy-1-(α-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-methyl-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, was isolated for the first time from natural sources, while, the alkaloid, Coclaurine was known in Annona squamosa L. Moreover, the isolated alkaloids tested for the anti-cancer activities on various cell lines (HepG-2, MCF-7, and HCT-116). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, Annona squamosa seed oil has been evaluated as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production. The response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal conditions for the biodiesel production using a central composite design. A quadratic polynomial was developed to predict the response as a function of independent variables and their interactions and only the significant factors affecting the yield were fitted to a second-order response surface reduced 2 factor interaction (2FI) model. Four process variables were assessed at five levels. A biodiesel yield of 98.19% was obtained at optimum conditions: 7.53:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 1.18 wt% catalyst concentration, reaction temperature of 59.55°C, and reaction time of 47.29 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the anti-hepatoma activity of different extracts from A. squamosa pericarps, phytochemistry of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction and possible anti-hepatoma mechanism of active constituents. The anti-hepatoma activity of different extracts from A. squamosa pericarps were evaluated by MTT assay against SMMC-7721 cells in vitro and verified by using H 22 xenografts bearing mice. Phytochemical investigation of the active pericarp extract was carried out. The pro-apoptosis and cycle arrest effects of active constituents were observed by fluorescent microscope and flow cytometry. Western blot assay was conducted to find the possible anti-hepatoma mechanisms of active constituents. The result showed that EtOAc extract was the active fraction. Two ent -kaurane diterpenoids, named ent -kauran-16-en-19-oic acid and ent -kauran-15-en-19-oic acid, were isolated from the active EtOAc fraction. The pro-apoptosis and G1 phase arrest effects of these diterpenoids were found. Western blot assay showed that ent -kauran-16-en-19-oic acid could activate caspase-3,-8,-9, up-regulate of Bax and down-regulate of Bcl-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ceres is the property of Revista Ceres and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A new water-soluble polysaccharide, designated as ASPW80-1, was first isolated from the fruit pulp of Annona squamosa . The structure of ASPW80-1 was elucidated based on the physicochemical and instrumental analyses. The results indicated that ASPW80-1 was a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 2.29 × 10 5 Da. Another novel modified polysaccharide, the sulfated derivative of ASPW80-1 namely as ASPW80-M1, was also synthesized. The ultra-structures of both ASPW80-1 and ASPW80-M1 were further characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The antioxidant assays showed that ASPW80-1 and ASPW80-M1 exhibited DPPH and hydroxyl radicals scavenging activities. The results of immunomodulatory assays in vitro showed that ASPW80-1 and ASPW80-M1 could markedly promote the proliferation of mouse splenocytes. These results proposed that ASPW80-M1 might be proposed to be developed as a potential value-added product with the activities of immunomodulator and free-radical inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation involves the production of biodiesel from non-edible Annona squamosa oil. Oil extraction has been done using aqueous HCl, H 2 SO 4 , and H 3 PO 4 solutions with hexane at various temperatures. The optimum acid concentration is 20 wt.% H 2 SO 4 containing hexane with the maximum oil yield of 28.5%. The reaction order has been found to be first-order kinetics and the activation energy is 44.054 kJ mol −1 . Solid acid catalyst prepared by impregnation with phosphoric acid has proved to be an efficient catalyst for the transesterification process. An optimum conversion of 85% has been achieved at 65 °C; methanol–oil molar ratio 18:1; 5 wt.% catalyst. The conversion of triglycerides into methyl esters obeys the first-order mechanism and Ea = 9.042 kJ mol −1 . Physico-chemical characteristics have been determined as per American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS) methods and the fuel properties complied the limits prescribed in the ASTM D6751 standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) was used to identify the free, bound and esterified phenolic acids in the extracts of custard apple ( Annona squamosa L). In total around 16, 15 and 13 free, bound and esterified phenolic compounds respectively were identified. Among these about 5 phenolic compounds like quinic acid, gallocatechin, gallocatechin gallate, caffeoylhexoside, dihydroxyquercetin have and been reported for the first time in A. squamosa . Also, compounds like 4-(β- d -glucopyranosyloxy) benzoic acid, procyanidin B1, procyanidin C1 in free form, 7 hydroxycoumarin 7 glucoside (skimmin), dihydroquercetin, xanthotaxol acetate, decycloxybenzoic acid in bound extract and caffeoyl hexoside in esterified form have been tentatively identified. Apart from phenolic compounds few organic acids like malic, citric, citramalic, adipic and acotinic acid have been found in the custard apple extracts. This study provides a newer insight into the phenolic profile of custard apple and their characterization by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of thermal processing on the chemical quality and sensory characteristics of Annona squamosa L. and Annona muricata L. fruit pulps and nectar. The fruit pulps were pasteurized at 85 °C for 20 min and nectar prepared as per Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) specifications. The chemical composition of fresh and heated pulps of A. squamosa and A. muricata showed that compared to fresh, the chemical profile and sensory profile changed in heated samples and nectar. The free and bound phenolics of A. squamosa increased in heated pulp (127.61 to 217.22 mg/100 g and 150.34 to 239.74 mg/100 g, respectively), while in A. muricata, free phenolics increased very marginally from 31.73 to 33.74 mg/100 g and bound phenolics decreased from 111.11 to 86.91 mg/100 g. This increase in phenolic content may be attributed to the perception of bitterness and astringency in A. squamosa pulp on heating. In electronic tongue studies, principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed that the fresh and heated pulps had different scores, as indicated by sensory analysis using qualitative descriptive analysis (QDA). E-tongue analysis of samples discriminated the volatile compounds released from the heated A. squamosa and A. muricata fruit pulps and nectar in their respective PCA plots by forming different clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]