Annona reticulata
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Annona reticulata Common Names: Bullocks Heart, Custard Apple, Jamaican
Apple, Netted Custard Apple, Sugar Apple Scientific Classification Kingdom: Plantae Order: Magnoliales Family: Annonaceae Genus: Annona Species: Annona reticulata Synonyms: Annona excelsa Kunth, Annona humboldtiana Kunth, Annona humboldtii Dunal, Annona laevis Kunth, Annona longifolia Sessé & Moc., Annona lutescens Saff., Annona primigenia Standl. & Steyerm., Annona riparia Kunth Morphological Description Annona reticulata is a small, deciduous to semi-evergreen tree, typically
reaching 8–10 m in height, with an open, irregular crown and glabrous,
spreading branches. Key morphological characteristics include: · Stems: Cylindrical, grey-brown, often rough or furrowed, with
lenticels and short, coffee-colored hairs when young, becoming glabrous with
age (Jamkhande et al., 2015). · Leaves: Oblong to lanceolate, 10–20 cm long and 2–7 cm wide,
membranous, acute at the apex, rounded or cuneate at the base; upper surface
glabrous, lower surface with sparse hairs (Jamkhande et al., 2015). · Flowers: Yellow-green, fragrant, 2–3 cm in diameter, usually in
clusters of 2–4 on lateral pedicels; three outer petals pulpy, pale green
externally, pale yellow with a purple base internally; three inner petals small
or absent (Pinto et al., 2005). · Fruit: Syncarpous, heart-shaped, spherical, or oblong, 7–12 cm in
diameter, weighing 0.1–1.0 kg; skin brown or yellowish with red highlights when
ripe, marked by reticulate rhomboid or hexagonal meshes; pulp white to cream,
juicy, sweet, or astringent in some varieties (Antropocene, 2023). · Seeds: Numerous, dark brown to black, glossy, 1–1.5 cm long,
embedded in the pulp (Jamkhande et al., 2015). The fruit quality is
generally considered inferior to Annona cherimola or Annona squamosa due to its variable flavor (Monaco Nature
Encyclopedia, 2018). Distribution and Habitat Annona reticulata is native to the Caribbean and Central America but has been
widely cultivated and naturalized across tropical and subtropical regions,
including Southeast Asia (India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam), Africa
(Nigeria, Senegal), and Australia. It thrives in: · Climatic conditions: Tropical to subtropical climates with
annual temperatures of 17–27°C and medium to high rainfall (500–1,500 mm
annually). It tolerates light frosts down to -2°C but is sensitive to prolonged
cold (Antropocene, 2023). · Altitude: Sea level to 1,500 m, with optimal growth in humid lowland
areas (Kew Science, n.d.). · Soil types: Adapts to a wide range of soils (loamy, sandy, or clay) with
pH 5.0–8.0, but does not tolerate waterlogging or high water tables
(Antropocene, 2023). · Ecological niches: Cultivated fields, home gardens, and
secondary forests; occasionally invasive in disturbed areas, forming dense
thickets (Botanico Hub, n.d.). In regions like
Bangladesh (Sylhet) and India (Bengal, Tamil Nadu), it is a common fruit crop,
with fruiting seasons from July to September in Asia and February to April in
the Caribbean (Antropocene, 2023). Ethnopharmacology Annona reticulata is extensively used in traditional medicine across tropical
regions, with ethnopharmacological studies supporting several applications: · Anthelmintic and antiparasitic: Leaf extracts are used in India and the
Caribbean to treat intestinal worms and external parasites like lice
(pediculosis), with in vitro studies confirming anthelmintic activity
against Pheretima posthuma (LC₅₀ ~150 μg/ml) (Jamkhande et al., 2015). · Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: Bark and leaf decoctions are applied for
diarrhea, dysentery, and joint pain in Brazil and India. Methanolic leaf
extracts show significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema (IC₅₀
10.57 μg/ml) and analgesic effects in mice models (Bhalke & Chavan, 2011). · Wound healing: Ethanol leaf extracts promote wound healing in diabetic mice
models by enhancing collagen synthesis, TGF-β, and VEGF expression, supporting
traditional use for abscesses and skin injuries (Ghosh et al., 2024). · Antipyretic and febrifuge: Root decoctions are used in Ayurveda as a
febrifuge for fever; ethanolic root extracts reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced
fever in rats (Annan et al., 2013). · Anticancer potential: Leaf extracts containing acetogenins
(e.g., bullatacin, squamocin) exhibit cytotoxicity against breast and colon
cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ 5–20 μg/ml), supporting traditional use for
tumor-related ailments (Jamkhande et al., 2015). · Insecticidal properties: Seed extracts containing acetogenins show
larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ 0.30–0.41 ppm), validating traditional use as an
insecticide (Harishkumar et al., 2021). · Neuroprotective effects: Methanolic leaf extracts demonstrate
neuroprotection in H₂O₂-induced neuronal damage in SH-SY5Y cells, suggesting
potential in treating neurodegenerative disorders (Attiq et al., 2017). Phytochemical analyses
reveal tannins, alkaloids (e.g., anonaine, liriodenine), flavonoids, acetogenins,
glycosides, and minerals (Ca, P, K, Zn) in various plant parts, contributing to
these effects (Jamkhande et al., 2015). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: While the fruit pulp is safe for consumption,
other parts of Annona reticulata are toxic:. Seeds Contain acetogenins (e.g., annonacin), which are neurotoxic
if crushed or chewed, potentially linked to atypical Parkinsonism (IC₅₀ ~15
μg/ml in neuronal cells). Whole seeds are generally safe if swallowed. Sap Acrid and irritant, causing severe eye
injury or skin irritation upon contact (Jamkhande et al., 2015). Bark and leaves Contain alkaloids like anonaine, which may
cause paralysis in high doses in animal models (Bhalke & Chavan, 2011). Additional Uses · Ornamental value: Grown in home gardens for its aesthetic
appeal and shade (Monaco Nature Encyclopedia, 2018). · Industrial uses: Inner bark is used for tanning, crafting
wrappers, ornaments, and hats; leaves yield blue pigments for dyeing (Useful
Tropical Plants, n.d.). · Wood: Soft and lightweight, used for making utensils or as
rootstock for grafting other Annona species (Pinto et al., 2005). · Ecological role: Provides food for birds and primates; can
become invasive in disturbed ecosystems, competing with native flora (Botanico
Hub, n.d.). References
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