Sahil Gawade* 1
Anil Panchal 2
Vishal Madankar 3
Custard apple (Annona squamosa) is a tropical fruit native to the Americas, but it is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. The fruit is known for its sweet, creamy pulp, which is highly nutritious, containing vitamins (such as vitamin C), minerals, and carbohydrates1. While the pulp is enjoyed worldwide, the seeds of the custard apple, which constitute approximately 10–20% of the fruit's total weight, are generally discarded, despite their potential value. Recent studies have highlighted the rich chemical composition of custard apple seeds, which contain bioactive compounds with promising pharmacological properties. These seeds are rich in alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, essential fatty acids, and other phytochemicals that have demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities in vitro2. Historically, parts of the custard apple plant, including the seeds, have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders, parasitic infections, and inflammation3. Recent scientific evidence supports many of these traditional uses, though there are concerns regarding the potential toxicity of certain compounds, particularly annonacin, a neurotoxin found in the seeds. Therefore, understanding both the therapeutic potential and the safety profile of custard apple seeds is critical for their effective utilization in food and medicine4.
10.5281/zenodo.15426327