Annona squamosa (Hindi-Sharifa/Sitaphal,Marathi-Sitaphal/Seethaphal,Sanskrit-Atripya/Gandagatra/Sitapalam,Kannada-Sita Phala,Tamil-Sitapalam/Sitha/Seetha pazham,Telugu-Seetapandu/Seethaphalamu,Manipuri-Sitaphal,Assamese-Katal,Bengali-Ata,Popular-Custard Apple/Sugar Apple)Annonaceae.It is a shrub or small tree growing upto 7 m tall and is cultivated throughout India.Leaves are bright green above and bluish green below, elliptical ovate to lanceolate.Flower is 2-2.5 cm, frequent with 3 green sepals and 6 petals arranged in two containers.Fruit has thick,scaly or knobby skin that guves them a pine-cone appearance.It is widely distributed in the tropics and abundantly in the eastern regions of India.It has antioxidant, antibacterial,anti inflammatory, antidiabetic,antihyperlipidemic,anti-head lice,antitumor, chemopreventive, hepatoprotective, insecticidal,molluscacidal,vasorelaxant,mosquitocidal,pesticidal,antiplatelet, antiviral, antifertility, anthelmintic, anticancer,anti-HIV,wound healing,antithyroidic, antispasmodic, diuretic, purgative, astringent, antiulcerogenic, antimalarial,tonic, expectorant, hypotensive, analgesic and detoxifier activities.The main phytoconstituents are glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic compounds, phytosterols,amino acids, steroids,terpenes,resins, minerals and vitamins.Fruits contain protein,fat, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins C,B1, B2,B3 and minerals like Ca,P,Fe,K and Mg.The crushed leaves are sniffed to overcome hypertension.They are also applied on ulcers and wounds.Ripe fruits are applied to malignant tumors to hasten suppuration.Seed powder serves as fish poison and insecticidal.A paste of the seed powder is applied to the head to kill lice.It is also used for destroying worms in the wounds of cattles.Leaves decoction promotes healthy blood flow during menstrual cycle in women.An infusion of the fresh leaves (2 handfuls)in one litre of water is prepared to fight against heart failure and palpitations-one cup after meal.This infusion is also effective for proper digestion and has antispasmodic activity.In India,the crushed leaves are applied on ulcers and wounds and the leaves decoction is taken in dysentery , cold and cough, intestinal infections and acidity.Bark decoction is used in diarrhoea while roots are used in dysentery.Seeds mixed with gram flour is an excellent remedy for hair wash.Scrapings of root bark are used for toothache.Root is used in the treatment of dysentery, diabetes and spinal marrow disease.Fresh fruit pulp is utilised as flavouring agent for ice cream and milk beverages.Food products such as jam, squash are also made.Fruit is regarded as a good tonic, helpful in increasing muscles strength and enriches blood.It is considered beneficial for cardiac diseases, diabetes, hyperthyroidism,cancers,ulcers,wounds,etc.
– Mukherjee Bk
