Identification of Annonaceous Acetogenins and Alkaloids from the Leaves, Pulp, and Seeds of Annona atemoya

Annonaceae is a large family composed of more than 119 genera and more than 2500 species that are distributed in both tropical and subtropical areas. The Annona genus is a member of Annonaceae family, which encompasses about 175 species, most of which are native to Brazil and tropical America. This plant is commonly found on tropical and subtropical continents. Annona atemoya is a commercially important hybrid of A. squamosa and A. cherimola. Phytochemical investigations of A. atemoya leaves, fruit, and seeds have been conducted in limited studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the constituents of the leaves, fruit pulp, and seeds of A. atemoya because few studies have reported their constituents. Annonaceous acetogenins were identified in the leaves and pulp of A. atemoya for the first time. Twenty compounds were identified: sixteen were acetogenins and four were alkaloids. Additionally, two compounds were isolated, and their structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analysis and compared with the results of previous studies. The concentration of acetogenins in the pulp was very low compared with that in the leaves, whereas the seeds were found to contain the highest concentrations and greatest diversity of compounds.

Automated summary

Annonaceae is a large family with more than 119 genera and 2500 species, distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Annona genus consists of about 175 species, mainly found in Brazil and tropical America. This study investigates the constituents of A. atemoya leaves, fruit pulp, and seeds, as few studies have reported them. Annonaceous acetogenins were identified for the first time in the leaves and pulp of A. atemoya. Twenty compounds, including sixteen acetogenins and four alkaloids, were identified. The highest concentrations and greatest diversity of compounds were found in the seeds.