PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF ANNONA SQUAMOSA STEM BARK EXTRACT FOR MEMORY-ENHANCING ACTIVITY

Annona squamosa Linn. (custard apple) has been widely recognized in traditional medicine systems for its diverse therapeutic properties, including neuroprotective potential. This review focuses on the phytochemical composition and pharmacological evaluation of Annona squamosa stem bark extract, with particular emphasis on its memory-enhancing activity. The stem bark is rich in bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, acetogenins, and glycosides, which are known to contribute to central nervous system modulation. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that these phytochemicals exert significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities, which are crucial mechanisms underlying cognitive enhancement. The extract has shown promising results in improving learning and memory in various experimental models, including chemically induced amnesia and age-related cognitive decline. Additionally, its ability to mitigate oxidative stress and neurodegeneration highlights its therapeutic potential in managing disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This review consolidates existing literature on the phytochemistry and neuropharmacological effects of Annona squamosa stem bark, providing insights into its mechanism of action and future research directions. Overall, the findings suggest that Annona squamosa stem bark extract represents a promising natural candidate for the development of novel memory-enhancing agents with improved safety and efficacy profiles.