COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON: PEELS OF ANNONA SQUAMOSA L.

Custard apple (Annona squamosa L.), a tropical fruit which has gained significant attention due to its rich nutritional composition and diverse pharmacological properties. This review summarizes the available scientific literature on the phytochemical constituents, nutritional value, traditional uses, and therapeutic potential of A. squamosa. Various parts of the plant, including the fruit, leaves, seeds, bark, and roots, contain rich bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, Acetogenins, and vitamins. Experimental studies have demonstrated antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer, and wound-healing activities associated with these phytochemicals. The fruit is also recognized as a valuable source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals, and essential micronutrients, making it beneficial for human nutrition. Despite promising preliminary finding further clinical investigations and standardization of extracts are necessary to establish safety, efficacy, and therapeutic applications. This review highlights the medicinal significance of custard apple and emphasizes its potential as a source of natural bioactive compounds for future pharmacological activities.