Nutritional and Therapeutic Potential of Soursop

Abstract

Soursop (Annona muricata) has been one of the most studied fruits in recent years, owing to its potential medicinal benefits, as evidenced by many studies. Soursop is a tropical and subtropical fruit having great versatility and is quite sensitive to drastic temperature fluctuations. Since soursop contains various phytochemicals, it can be used medicinally to treat a wide range of conditions, including diabetes (by inhibiting the enzymes α-glucosidase and α-amylase), tumor, cancer, oxidative stress, blood pressure, the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells as well as hemorrhagic disease and cholesterol lowering. Due to its significant nutritional profile and therapeutic potential, it can be utilized in the development of nutraceuticals and medicines. Its pulp, seed, and leaf extract are used as functional ingredients in different foods as value-added foods. This review article is intended to characterize fruit development patterns and examines potential maturity indicators in soursop. In addition, it also elaborates on the potential nutritional and active phytochemicals present in this magnificent gift of nature and their possible uses in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Annona muricata: Comprehensive Review on the Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Aspects Focusing on Antidiabetic Properties

“…Moreover, the ability of A. muricata to inhibit α-glucosidase activity better than α-amylase activity, resulting in an anti-diabetic effect, is attributed to its phenolic-rich content [ 5 ]. Lastly, based on a review paper, flavonoids and alkaloids in A. muricata can decrease blood cholesterols in an animal model, which can lead to a hypotensive effect [ 29 ].…”

Assessment of the changes in product characteristics, total ascorbic acid, total flavonoid content, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of dried soursop fruit tea (Annona muricata L.) during product storage

“…According to the statistics report from Tien Giang Agriculture Industry in 2018, Tan Phu Dong district alone had more than 1108 ha of arable land with a yield exceeding 10,354 tons/year. This nutrient‐rich fruit contains a variety of vitamins and amino acids, especially ascorbic acid (approximately 29.6 mg/100 g dry matter), proline, and c‐aminobutyric acid, which can be comparable to bananas, pears, apples, grapes, and pineapple (Afzaal et al., 2022 ; Morton, 1987 ). Soursop also harbors bioactive compounds, including phenolic, flavonoids, carotene, saponins, and acetogenin have been identified in soursop fruit.…”

GC-MS analysis, pharmaceutical and industrial significance of phytochemicals present in Annona muricata from Eziobodo, Imo State, Nigeria

“…Phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and phytosterols have been identified as various components of A. muricata [20,21]. The leaves of A. muricata are reportedly extensively employed for various ethnomedicinal purposes, with a particular emphasis on their notable anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, and anti-proliferative attributes [22,23,24]. A comparative analysis to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of various extracts of A. muricata identified the ethanol extract with the most exhibited level of activity than the n-hexane extract, ethyl acetate extract [25].…”