Custard Apple
Annonaceae
Xylopia aethiopica, belonging to the Annonaceae family, is traditionally not used in any known medical practice. Scientific evidence suggests that it may induce slight decreases in bilirubin levels and platelet counts at higher doses, potentially leading to thrombocytopenia and anemia; however, the strength of this evidence is limited. Various bioactive compounds from plants within the Annonaceae family have shown antiprotozoal activity against neglected tropical diseases such as African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness), Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis. Additionally, studies indicate that Desmos chinensis leaves exhibit significant analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic activities. Notably, Caribbean Parkinson's Disease patients who are more exposed to Annonaceae fruits have shown slightly more severe motor and cognitive symptoms compared to their mainland counterparts; however, the significance of this observation is not well-established. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Xylopia aethiopica or other plants in the Annonaceae family.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Xylopia aethiopica induced slight decreases in bilirubin levels and platelet counts at higher doses, suggesting potential thrombocytopenia and anemia.
- The study found that the methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Desmos chinensis leaves showed significant analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic activities.
- The study found that various bioactive compounds from plants, including those from the Annonaceae family, show antiprotozoal activity against neglected tropical diseases like HAT, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis.
- Caribbean PD patients, more exposed to Annonaceae fruits, exhibited slightly more severe motor and cognitive symptoms compared to mainland France patients.
Frequently asked questions
What is Custard Apple?
Custard Apple (Annonaceae) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Custard Apple?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Custard Apple; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Xylopia aethiopica induced slight decreases in bilirubin levels and platelet counts at higher doses, suggesting potential thrombocytopenia and anemia.
How strong is the evidence for Custard Apple?
The strongest finding for Custard Apple carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Custard Apple safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Custard Apple in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Custard Apple interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Custard Apple in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Custard Apple?
Custard Apple is also known as: Анноновые, Annonacées.
Is Custard Apple a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Exploring the Anti-Nociceptive, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Pyretic, and Anti-Arthritic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Desmos chinensis and Its Different Solvent Fractions: In Vivo, In Vitro, and In Silico Intervention. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Molecular Mechanisms of Natural Antiprotozoal Compounds: Emerging Strategies for Neglected Tropical Diseases. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Acute (14-Day) and Subchronic (90-Day) Toxicity Evaluation of the Dried Fruit Spice Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) in Male and Female Wistar Rats. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Clinical Effect of Annonaceae Fruit Consumption on Caribbean Parkinson's Disease Severity. literature abstract metadata