PHYTOCHEMISTRY OF SOURSOP AND ITS MEDICINAL USES

The phytochemistry of Annona muricata L. (Laxmanphal)

There are sufficient reasons that Soursop is gaining its popularity in the Health Sector. Soursop is rich in various phytochemicals, Vitamins and minerals that are proved to be helpful in eliminating bad cells. It provide vigour and vitality to the body, helping immune system to deal with the chronic diaseases including Cancer. Inflammation is also prerequisite for the developemnt of various Cancers. Soursop is known to inhibit the cell proliferation and to decrease the tumor growth. Anti-inflammatory effect is also a beneficial and effective strategy in the management of solid Cancers through inhibiting the site of inflammation.

Annona muricata shows medicinal properties which include anticancer (25%), antiulcer (17%), antidiabetic (14%), antiprotozoal (10%), antidiarrhea (8%), antibacterial (8%), antiviral (8%), antihypertensive (6%), and wound healing (4%).

Annona muricata (Laxman phal) fruit, bark, leaves, and roots contain major bioactive components such as Annonaceous Acetogenin, Alkaloids, and Flavonoids. They also contain secondary metabolites such as terpenoids, saponins, coumarins, lactones, anthraquinones, glycosides, tannins, and phytosterols. Additionally, the plant contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. Also, minerals such as Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and Magnesium (Mg).

Ref : Mutakin, M.; Fauziati, R.; Fadhilah, F.N.; Zuhrotun, A.; Amalia, R.; Hadisaputri, Y.E. Pharmacological Activities of Soursop (Annona muricata Lin.). Molecules 2022, 27, 1201. https://doi.org/10.3390/ molecules27041201

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ANNONACEOUS FRUITS

Family Annonaceae is rich in fruiting plants. Most popular amongst them are Ram phal, Sita phal, Hanuman phal, and Laxman phal. This blog discusses the comparison between all these fruits. Sita phal Annona squamosa is commonly known as Sita phal. Fruit is generally the size of the tennis ball with an irregular surface all over. The fruit pulp is fleshy and sweet with a grainy texure. Ram phal Annona reticulata is commonly known as Ram phal. The fruit is little bigger than Sita phal. The outer fuit cover is smooth as compared to Sita phal. Hanuman phal Annona cherimola commonly known as Hanuman phal. This fruit has slightly irregular surface. The fruit is sweet in taste and pleasurable to eat. Laxman phal Annona muricata is commonly known as Laxman phal or Soursop fruit. As the name muricata suggests, this fruit has soft spine all over the fruit surface. The fruit is sour in taste due to high vitamin C.

NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF SOURSOP

Soursop is loaded with various Minerals and Vitamins, being the reason why Soursop is most popular with health conscious people as well as those with poor health conditions due to serious disease like Cancer. Minerals are the earth elements found in the foodstuff and are necessary for body growth and normal body functioning. Magnesium (Mg) helps regulate muscle and nerve function. It is generally regarded as good for muscle and bone health. It helps to maintain blood sugar levels and stomach health. Calcium (Ca) plays an important role in muscle contraction and nerve functioning. It is important to keep the bones and teeth strong and healthy. Iron (Fe) is the integral part of Haemoglobin, responsible for the conduction of Oxygen. It keeps up the immune system and helps in energy production. Potassium (K) is important in lowering blood pressure and, therefore important in maintaining blood pressure. Vitamins are the group of substances required for norm...

SOURSOP TREE GROWTH PROGRESS

On favorable conditions, the Soursop seeds germinate after about 45 days. Successful germination enables further growth of the sapling which may reach to 1-2 feet after about one year. These small saplings are protected from the external physical damage and allowed to grow. Soursop plant attains about 3-6 feet within a span of about 2 years. With abundant sunlight and proper care with fertilizers and minimal pesticides, Soursop tree grows upto 7-10 feet and mature enough to get the flowering. These flowers on successful pollination grows into fruit. Soursop tree can bear upto 12-15 kg of fruits after 3-4 years of growth. With the help of proper fertilizers, after 5 years of growth, Soursop can bear upto 30-35 kg per tree in a single season. Intercrops like Onion, Tomato, Chilly or any other herb plant can be grown simultaneously to increase the gains. The fertilizers applied to intercrops are also shared with the Soursop tree, helping Soursop trees to grow more vigorously

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