Natural remedies have been employed since ancient civilizations for the treatment and overall
well-being of humanity. Medicinal plants offer effective solutions for disease prevention and
treatment with minimal toxic side effects. Several natural medicinal plants are so ubiquitous
that their therapeutic significance often goes unrecognized in daily life. The term
"Nutraceuticals" is a portmanteau of "Nutrition" and "Pharmaceuticals." Nutraceuticals are
food-derived products that offer medical benefits, including the prevention and/or treatment of
various diseases. These nutraceutical food products can be classified into categories such as
dietary fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, antidiabetic
agents, and other diverse herbal/natural foods. An illustrative example is the leaves of
A.squamosa. Annona squamosa L., commonly referred to as custard apple, is a tropical plant
belonging to the Annonaceae family. Annona squamosa is extensively cultivated across diverse
regions, including the West Indies, Central and South America, India, and Egypt. The leaves of
A.squamosa have demonstrated a broad spectrum of medicinal potential.
ASLs exhibit antidiabetic properties through enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced blood
glucose levels. Their antihypertensive activity is attributed to vasorelaxant and antioxidant
mechanisms, while their anticancer effects arise from their capacity to induce apoptosis andinhibit cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, ASLs offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, &
hepatoprotective actions.
Consequently, ASLs present significant potential for integration into nutraceuticals—naturally
derived products that provide both nutritional and therapeutic advantages. Nutraceuticals are
increasingly recognized as safe, long-term alternatives for the management of chronic diseases.
This article will explore the phytoconstituents, benefits, and nutraceutical applications of ASLs.
Keywords: Annona squamosa leaves (ASLs), phytoconstituents, nutraceuticals, antidiabetic,
antihypertensive, anticancer
Publication date: 2026/10/01
https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/October/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10514.pdf
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doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.10.10514
