Chemical Composition and In vitro Antioxidant Studies on Annona Muricata Fruit

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the nutritional composition, conduct a proximate analysis, identify phytochemical constituents, and assess the in vitro antioxidant activities of Annona muricata flesh, seed, and bark, with the intention of highlighting their potential as alternative food sources.  Phytochemical screening was performed utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods, alongside the assessment of proximate parameters through quantitative estimation.  The scavenging effect of Annona muricata flesh, seed, and bark was assessed on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing potential, and nitric oxide scavenging radical.  The quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, tannins, total phenols, saponins, and flavonoids.  The proximate analysis of the flesh, seed, and bark revealed that the seed demonstrated elevated percentages of moisture content, protein, crude fat, ash content, crude fiber, and carbohydrates in comparison to the flesh.  Research indicates that the seed exhibits elevated levels of antioxidants and flavonoid compounds in comparison to the flesh and bark.  The findings of the study indicate that soursop is a notable source of nutrition and a variety of phytochemicals.  The methanol fractions derived from the bark, flesh, and seed of Annona muricata were analyzed through GC-MS, resulting in the identification of 134 phytochemicals.  As a result, the ethnobotanical viewpoint concerning the beneficial properties of Annona muricata flesh, seed, and bark can be validated, establishing it as an important source of nutrition and medicinal significance.