Pharmacognosy and pharmacology of Annona squamosa: A review

Abstract

Alterative medication and natural remedies have been used from ancient time for the treatment and wellbeing of human. Medicinal plants are considered to be effective and for most important for the above purposes. The Mother Nature has provided us with a huge count of flora and fauna. Some of the natural medicinal plants are so common that we use them in daily life with out knowing their medicinal importance. Annaona squamoas is the best example of it. The fruit of this plant is commonly known as custard apple which is eatable. The leaves are used as a vermicide, for treating cancerous tumors and are applied to abscesses, insect bites and other skin complaints. Scrapings of root-bark are used for toothache. Powdered seeds are used to kill head-lice and fleas but care should be taken that the powder does not come in contact with the eyes as this causes great pain. This review article is a sincere effort to put forward the medicinal importance and chemical detail about the plant.