Relationship between the toxicity of raw Annona muricata leaves extract and 7, 12-dimethylbenzathracene (DMBA) with histopathological changes in wistar rats / Relación entre la toxicidad del extracto de hojas crudas de Annona muricata y el 7, 12-dimetilbenz antraceno (DMBA) con cambios histopatológicos en ratas Wistar

Abstract Aims: To identify the histopathological alterations in organs of Wistar rats to evaluate toxic effects of use of Annonamuricata Raw Leaf Extract (AMRLE) alone or in association with DMBA. Settings and Design: Sixty female Wistar rats were used, separated into groups and treated with a single dose of 65 mg/kg of DMBA and/or with 50; 100 and 200 mg/kg of AMRLE. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and 1% methylene blue stains were used in the histopathological analysis and quantification of Aberrant Crypts (ACs) and Aberrant Crypt Focus (ACF). Fischer and Kruskal Wallis tests were used in the statistical analysis. Results: The administration of 65 mg/kg of DMBA and/or 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of AMRLE did not influence weight development. Some histopathological alterations (hepatic steatosis; inflammatory foci in the liver, kidney and lung; pulmonary lymphoid hyperplasia, ectasia and hyperplasia in mammary gland epithelium) and the development of ACs and ACF in the intestinal colon were observed in all groups, except in the group negative control, with no statistical difference between analysed groups. Conclusions: Histopathological alterations and the formation of ACs and ACF did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups analysed. However, although AMRLE has antioxidant effects due to the presence of phenolic components, there was still the formation of some pathological processes that may be related to the isolated toxic action of DMBA and/or associated with other components of AMRLE, since these changes were not seen in the negative control group.

Resumen Objetivos: Identificar las alteraciones histopatológicas en órganos de ratas Wistar para evaluar los efectos tóxicos del uso del Extracto de Hoja Cruda de Annona muricata (AMRLE) solo o en asociación con DMBA. Configuración y diseño: Se utilizaron sesenta ratas hembras Wistar, se separaron en grupos y se trataron con una dosis única de 65 mg/kg de DMBA y/o con 50, 100 y 200 mg/kg de AMRLE. Se utilizaron tinciones de hematoxilina-eosina (HE) y azul de metileno al 1% en el análisis histopatológico y la cuantificación de criptas aberrantes (CA) y focus de criptas aberrantes (FCA). En el análisis estadístico se utilizaron las pruebas de Fischer y Kruskal Wallis. Resultados: La administración de 65 mg/kg de DMBA y/o 50, 100 y 200 mg/kg de AMRLE no influyó en el desarrollo del peso. Se observaron algunas alteraciones histopatológicas (esteatosis hepática; focus inflamatórios en el hígado, riñón y pulmón; hiperplasia, ectasia en epitelio de la glándula mamaria e hiperplasia linfoide pulmonar) y el desarrollo de CA y FCA en el colon intestinal en todos los grupos, excepto en el grupo control negativo, sin diferencias estadísticas entre los grupos analizados. Conclusiones: Las alteraciones histopatológicas y la formación de CA y FCA no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos analizados. Sin embargo, aunque AMRLE tiene efectos antioxidantes debido a la presencia de componentes fenólicos, aún existe la formación de algunos procesos patológicos que pueden estar relacionados con la acción tóxica aislada del DMBA y/o asociados con otros componentes de AMRLE, ya que estos cambios no fueron observados en el grupo control negativo.

Toxic Keratitis After Application of Custard Apple Seed for Head Lice Infestation.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical features and outcomes of toxic keratitis after application of powdered custard apple seeds for hair washing for head lice infestation. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients with toxic keratitis after application of powdered custard apple seed for head lice infestation during the time period from January 2015 to December 2017. Demographic details, clinical features, and visual outcomes were documented. RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes of 19 patients with toxic keratitis after application of crushed custard apple seeds for head lice infestation were included in the study. Eighteen females and 1 male with a median age of 14 years [interquartile range (IQR) 12-34 years] presented with severe epiphora, congestion, photophobia, and defective vision (median logMar visual acuity 0.4, IQR 0.2-0.8) after application of custard apple seed powder for hair washing. Ten eyes (32.2%) had an epithelial defect (median size 9 mm, IQR 5-12 mm), and 21 (67.7%) eyes had punctate epithelial erosions. All the patients were treated with topical antibiotics, and at 3 days follow-up, all of them had resolution of symptoms and signs with a median logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity of 0 (IQR 0-0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Health education about the harmful effect of this traditional practice for head lice infestation will prevent further similar events.

Toxicity of soursop extracts to diamondback moth / Toxicidade de extratos de graviola sobre a traça-das-crucíferas

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three solvent extractors (water, ethanol and hexane) of grounded seeds of soursop, Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), in the mortality, biology and oviposition of Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). The results showed that the LC50 and LC99 were 0.0133 and 0.084%, 0.025% and 0.196%, 2.33 and 35.22% for the ethanolic, hexanic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The organic extracts affected only the larval phase and reduced viability in more than 60%, but did not affect pupal stage of the remaining larvae. Furthermore, the ethanolic extract at lethal concentraction also affected negatively the embryonic phase. The results lead to the conclusion that the ethanolic extract of soursop grounded seeds is a viable alternative to control diamondback moth on vegetables.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de extratos de sementes de graviola, Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) obtidos com diferentes solventes sobre Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Foram estimadas as concentrações letais de três solventes extratores (água, hexano e etanol) e seus efeitos na biologia e oviposição. Os valores estimados das concentrações letais foram de 0,013 e 0,084%; 0,025 e 0,196%; 2,33 e 35,22%, para as CL50 e CL99 do extrato etanólico, hexânico e aquoso, respectivamente. Os extratos orgânicos afetaram apenas a fase larval e reduziu a viabilidade em mais de 60%, mas não afetou a fase pupal das lagartas remanescentes. Além disso, o extrato etanólico na concentração letal se mostrou eficiente afetando negativamente a fase embrionária. Conclui-se que o extrato etanólico da graviola é uma alternativa viável no controle da traça.

Avaliação da atividade anti-Leishmania e anti-Trypanosoma do extrato etanólico das folhas de Annona squamosa L / Evaluation of the anti-leishmania and anti-trypanosoma activity of ethanolic extract from the leaves of Annona squamosa L

As doenças parasitárias, também chamadas de “doenças negligenciadas”, continuam sendo uma grande dificuldade para o desenvolvimento social e econômico dos países mais pobres. Podemos citar como exemplo dessas doenças, a leishmaniose e a doença de Chagas. A leishmaniose é causada por parasitas do gênero Leishmania e afeta cerca de 12 milhões de pessoas. A doença de Chagas, causada pelo protozoário Trypanosoma cruzi, causa aproximadamente 50.000 mortes por ano. Os fármacos disponíveis para o tratamento dessas doenças são altamente tóxicos, sendo este um dos motivos que leva à busca por drogas eficazes e seguras para seus tratamentos. As folhas da Annona squamosa, espécie da família Annonaceae, já foram descritas na literatura por suas atividades hepatoprotetora, antiparasitária, pesticida e antimicrobiana. Nesse estudo avaliamos a atividade anti-leishmania e tripanocida do extrato etanólico das folhas de Annona squamosa L. (EEAS) em formas promastigota do parasita Leishmania braziliensis e Leishmania infantum e epimastigota de Trypanosoma cruzi, além de avaliar a atividade citotóxica em fibroblasto. Os resultados demonstram que o extrato apresentou uma melhor atividade contra Leishmania infantum e Leishmania brasiliensis quando comparados com Trypanosoma cruzi; e que apresentou uma maior toxicidade nas concentrações de 500 e 1000 μg/ml, com mortalidade dos fibroblastos de aproximadamente 85% e 100%, respectivamente. Esse estudo aponta para uma perspectiva terapêutica alternativa que se mostrou eficaz frente aos parasitas aqui estudados, exceto a forma epimastigota de Trypanosoma cruzi. Com relação aos testes de citotoxicidade fazem-se necessários novos testes, uma vez que apresentou um alto nível de toxicidade, viabilizando assim futuros ensaios in vivo.

The parasitic diseases, also calls by “neglected diseases”, continue being a major difficulty for the social and economic development of the poorest countries. We can cite as an example of these diseases, the leishmaniasis and the Chagas disease. Leishmaniasis is caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and affects about 12 million people. The Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, causes approximately 50,000 deaths per year. The drugs available for the treatment of these diseases are highly toxic, being this one of the reasons that leads to the search for effective and safe drugs for their treatments. The leaves of the Annona squamosa, species of the family Annonaceae, have already been described in the literature by their hepatoprotective activities, antiparasitic, pesticide and antimicrobial. In this study we assessed the activity tripanocidal and antileishmania of ethanolic extract from the leaves of Annona squamosa L. (EEAS) in promastigota forms of the parasite Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum and epimastigota of Trypanosoma cruzi, in addition to evaluating the cytotoxic activity in fibroblasts. The results demonstrate that the extract presented a better activity against Leishmania infantum and Leishmania brasiliensis when compared with Trypanosoma cruzi; and which presented a greater toxicity at concentrations of 500 and 1000 μg/ml, with mortality of fibroblasts of approximately 85% and 100%, respectively. This study points to an alternative therapeutic perspective that showed effective against the parasites here studied, except the epimastigota form of Trypanosoma cruzi. With relation to cytotoxicity tests are required new tests, once presented a high level of toxicity, thus enabling future in vivo assays.

Toxicology of a Peruvian botanical remedy to support healthy liver function.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of these studies was to determine the safety of a botanical treatment for supporting healthy liver function developed in Peru. The formulation, A4+, contains extracts of Curcuma longa L. rhizome (A4R), Cordia lutea Lam. flower (A4F) and Annona muricata L. leaf (A4L). The tests were used to support an application for a non-traditional Natural Health Product Licence from the Natural Health Product Directorate of Health Canada and future clinical trials. METHODS: Besides reviewing the scientific and clinical information from Peru on the ingredients and conducting an initial Ames test for mutagenicity, we analysed A4+ for its chemical profile and tested genotoxicity (micronucleus test) and general toxicity (28-day repeated dose). RESULTS: A4+ and extracts from the three plants provided distinctive chemical fingerprints. A4L contained acetogenins, requiring a second chromatographic method to produce a specific fingerprint. The Ames test proved positive at the highest concentration (5,000 µg/mL) but A4+ showed no evidence of genotoxicity in the more specific mouse micronucleus test. The 28-day repeated dose (general toxicity) study in rats showed no toxicity at 2,000 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that under the conditions of these studies, A4+ shows no evidence of toxicity at the levels indicated. A no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 2,000 mg/kg was assigned.

Estudio de toxicidad a 28 días, del extracto atomizado de rizoma de Curcuma longa (A4R), flores de Cordia lutea (A4F) y hojas de Annona muricata (A4L) en un modelo murino / Study of toxicity to 28 days, of the atomized extract of the rhizome of Curcuma longa (A4R), Cordia lutea flowers (A4F) and leaves of Annona muricata (A4L) in a murine model

La asociación de las tres plantas ha sido aprobada por la Institución de Salud en Canadá, bajo la forma de extracto lioilizado, la cual ha demostrado poseer efectos terapéuticos. Objetivos: Determinar la seguridad de la asociación del extracto atomizado del rizoma de Curcuma longa (A4R); lores de Cordia lutea (A4F) y hojas de Annona muricata (A4L) a una dosis repetida durante 28 días por vía oral en ratas. Materiales y métodos: Diseño experimental, se utilizaron 40 ratas Holtzman (20 machos ­ 20 hembras); se siguió las directrices o normas de la Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Norma 407; se administró el extracto atomizado durante 28 días por vía oral, se realizaron las observaciones, registro de signos y evolución semanal del peso corporal de los animales; al final, se extrajo muestra de sangre para estudio hematológico y bioquímico; posteriormente, fueron sacrificados para estudio anatomopatológico de hígado, riñón, corazón, médula, cerebro, páncreas, y bazo; se aplicó el ANOVA, considerando el valor p<0,05 para la significancia. Resultados: Al administrar la asociación en forma de extracto atomizado, se observó una evolución temporal homogénea del peso corporal. No hubo variación significativa en los niveles de glucemia, urea, colesterol, triglicéridos, bilirrubina indirecta, transaminasas (GPT­ GOT), fosfatasa alcalina ni hemoglobina (p>0,05); Conclusiones: Los hallazgos demuestran que el extracto atomizado del rizoma de Curcuma longa (A4R), las flores de Cordia lutea (A4F) y las hojas de Annona muricata (A4L) no es toxico en ratas, al ser administrado por un periodo de 28 días.

Estudo in vitro do potencial citotóxico da Annona muricata L / In vitro study of the cytotoxic potential of Annona muricata L

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a atividade citotóxica do extrato etanólico da casca do caule (AMC) e folha (AMF) da Annona muricata Linn. Para a realização desse estudo, inicialmente foi verificada a atividade do extrato etanólico nas concentrações de 1000, 800, 600, 200 e 100 ?gmL-1 para AMF e concentrações de 200, 150, 100, 50, 10 ?gmL-1 para AMC através do ensaio de Artemia salina Leach que é considerado um bioensaio preliminar no estudo de extratos com forte atividade biológica e permite realizar a avaliação da toxicidade envolvendo apenas um parâmetro: vida ou morte. Posteriormente foi realizado o ensaio de citotoxicidade através do método do MTT (3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2yl)-2,5-difenil brometo de tetrazolina em linhagens de SF-295 (glioblastoma - humano), OVCAR-8 (ovário) HCT-116 (colón) e HL-60 (leucemia pormielocítica). Os extratos foram testados na concentração de 50 ?g/mL para o teste de citotoxicidade de concentração única para verificar ausência ou presença de atividade. Para a determinação da concentração inibitória (CI50), todas as amostras foram testadas em concentrações seriadas que variaram de 0,09 a 50 ?g/mL utilizando 2 como fator de diluição. No presente estudo, as duas amostras utilizadas através do ensaio de Artemia salina Leach apresentaram concentração letal (CL50) superiores a 80 ?gmL-1. A folha apresentou CL50 = 324, 07?gmL-1 e a casca do caule apresentou CL50 = 196, 04?gmL-1. Já através do teste do MTT os valores de concentração inibitória (CI50) variaram de 12,81 a 22,65 ?g/mL para AMF e de 0,09 a <5 ?g/mL para AMC, frente as diferentes linhagens tumorais avaliadas. Diante dos resultados obtidos para a casca e folhas de A. muricata, avaliadas neste trabalho através dos bioensaios de toxicidade com Artemia salina Leach e com as células tumorais SF- 295, OVCAR-8, HCT-116 e HL-60, pode-se verificar o potencial tóxico de ambas as amostras, destacando-se mais as cascas que tiveram um potencial citotóxico maior. Devido a este fato, novos experimentos devem ser conduzidos para investigar melhor o potencial antitumoral das cascas do caule de A. muricata .(AU)

This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of the ethanol extract of the stem bark (AMC) and leaf (MFA) of Annona muricata Linn. To conduct this study was initially verified the activity of the ethanol extract at concentrations of 1000, 800 , 600 , 200 and 100 ?gmL-1 for MFA and concentrations of 200 , 150 , 100 , 50 , 10 ?gmL-1 for AMC through assay of Artemia salina Leach which is considered a preliminary study on bioassay of extracts with strong biological activity. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity assay was performed using the MTT (method 3 - (4,5 -dimethylthiazol- 2YL ) -2,5- diphenyl bromide in tetrazolina lines SF- 295 (glioblastoma - human), OVCAR -8 (ovarian) HCT -116 (colon) and HL -60 (promyelocytic leukemia). The extracts were tested at a concentration of 50 ?g/mL for the single concentration cytotoxicity test to determine the presence or absence of activity. For determination of inhibitory concentration (IC50), all samples were tested in serial concentrations ranging from 0, 09 to 50 ?g/mL using 2 as the dilution factor. The present study, both samples used by testing Artemia salina Leach had higher LC50 80 ?gmL-1. Sheet presented LC50 = 324, 07 ?gmL-1 and stem bark showed LC50 = 196, 04 ?gmL-1. Already through MTT inhibitory concentration values (IC50) ranged from 12, 81 to 22,65 ?g/mL for MFA and from 0,09 to <5?g/ mL for AMC, evaluated against various tumor cell lines. Results obtained for the bark and leaves of A. muricata, evaluated in this work through toxicity bioassays with Artemia salina L and tumor cells SF-295, OVCAR-8, HCT-116 and HL-60, we can verify the toxic potential of both samples, especially more hulls which had a higher cytotoxic potential. Due to this fact, further experiments should be conducted to further investigate the antitumor potential of the stem bark of A. muricata.(AU)

Evaluation of the acute and sub acute toxicity of Annona senegalensis root bark extracts.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety profile of Annona senegalensis (A. senegalensis). METHODS: Dried powdered root-bark of A. senegalensis was prepared by Sohxlet extraction using methanol-methylene chloride (1:1) solution and concentrated to obtain the methanol-methylene chloride extract (MME). MME was fractionated to obtain the n-hexane (HF), ethylacetate (EF) and methanol (MF) fractions. Acute toxicity (LD(50)) test was performed with MME, HF, EF and MF in mice by oral route. The sub acute toxicity studies were performed in rats after 14 days of MME administration while haematological and biochemical parameters were monitored. RESULTS: Medium lethal (LD(50)) values of 1,296, 3,808, 1,265 and 2,154 mg/kg were obtained for the MME, MF, HF and EF, respectively. The sub-acute toxicity studies indicated a significant (P<0.05) increase in the body weight of both the treated rats and the control. The haematological tests indicated no change in the packed cell volume values but a significant (P<0.05) increase in the total WBC count at 100 and 400 mg/kg doses. The differential analysis showed a decrease in the nutrophils and a non-significant increase in the lymphocyte counts. The liver transaminase enzymes, alanin transaminase and aspartate transaminase showed no significant increase compared to the control. Histopathological examination of the liver sections also indicted no obvious signs of hepatotoxicity except with the 400 mg/kg dose that showed degeneration and necrosis of the hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that the root bark extracts of A. Senegalensis are safe at the lower doses tested, and calls for caution in use at higher doses in treatment.

Efecto citotóxico de las semillas de Annona cherimola en cultivos de cáncer de cérvix, mama y leucemia mieloide crónica / Cytotoxic activity of seeds of Annona cherimola in cell cultures of cervical and breast cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia

Introducción: Diversos productos naturales del género Annona han sido utilizados en el tratamiento del cáncer. Annona cherimola posee diversos compuestos puros de sus semillas y tallos que han demostrado actividad antitumoral frente a células de carcinoma nasofaríngeo. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto citotóxico del extracto etanólico de Annona cherimola en las líneas celulares MCF-7 (adenocarcinoma de mama humano), ME-180 (carcinoma epidermoide de cervix), K562 (leucemia mieloide crónica) y 3T3 (fibroblastos normales de ratón). Materiales y métodos: Las líneas MCF-7, ME-180, K562 y 3T3, fueron expuestas a cuatro concentraciones del extracto etanólico de Annona cherimola (0,125, 0,031, 0,008, 0,002 mg/mL). Asimismo, a diferentes concentraciones de 5-fluorouracilo (0,01563, 0,00391, 0,00098, 0,00024 mg/mL) y Cisplatino (0,00250, 0,00063, 0,00016, 0,00004 mg/mL) como controles positivos. Se hallaron los porcentajes de crecimiento en 48 horas. Luego se determinó la concentración inhibitoria de crecimiento 50 (CI50) mediante correlación lineal, Asimismo se obtuvieron los coeficientes de determinación r2 utilizando Microsoft Office Excel 2007. Finalmente, se precisó el Índice de Selectividad de cada muestra. Resultados: Los CI50 en μg/mL del extracto etanólico de semillas de Annona cherimola fueron 9,4(r2 = 0,96) para MCF-7; 6,6(r2 = 0,99)para ME-180; 2,2(r2 = 0,96) para K562 y 29,5(r2 = 0,98) para 3T3. Los CI50 de 5-fluorouracilo fueron 3,4 (r2 = 0,95) para MCF-7; 3,8 (r2 = 0,96) para K562 y 0,2 (r2 = 0,98) para 3T3 y los CI50 del Cisplatino fueron 12,1 (r2 =0,96) para MCF-7; 0,1 (r2 = 0,96) para K562 y 0,3 (r2 = 0,99) para 3T3. La relación dosis respuesta del extracto para la línea normal 3T3 fue de -0,98 (p menor que 0,05) y para una línea tumoral K562 fue de -0,98 (p menor que 0,05). Los índices de selectividad del extracto fueron de 2,17, 6,07 y 2,39 para las líneas MCF-7, K562 y ME-180 respectivamente. Contrariamente, el 5-FU y Cisplatino, solo alcanzaron...

Introduction: Diverse natural products of the Annona sort have been used in the treatment of the cancer. Annona Cherimola has diverse pure compounds of its seeds and stems that have demonstrated to antitumor like activity front to cells of nasofaríngeo carcinoma. Objective: To determine the cytotoxic effect of the extract of Annonacherimola in the cell lines MCF-7 (adenocarcinoma of human breast), ME-180(carcinoma epidermoide of cervix), K562 (chronic myeloidleukemia) and 3T3 (normal fibroblasts of mouse). Materials and methods: The lines MCF-7, ME-180, K 562 and 3T3, were exposed to four concentrations of the etanolic extract of Annona cherimola (0,125, 0,031, 0,008, 0,002 mg/mL), also to different concentrations of 5-fluorouracilo (0,01563, 0,00391, 0,00098, 0,00024mg/mL) and Cisplatino (0,00250, 0,00063, 0,00016, 0,00004 mg/mL) like positive controls. We found the growth percentages in 48 hours. Then, the inhibiting concentration of growth 50 (CI50) was determined through linear correlation, also we obtained the determination coefficients r2 using Microsoft Office Excel 2007. Finally the Selectivity Index of each samplewas determined. Results: The CI50 in μg/mL of the extract of Annona cherimola were 9,4(r2 = 0,96) for MCF-7; 6,6(r2 = 0,99) for ME-180; 2,2 (r2 = 0,96) for K562 and 29,5(r2 = 0,98) for 3T3. The CI50 of 5-fluorouracilowere 3,4 (r2 = 0,95) for MCF-7; 3,8(r2 = 0,96) for K562 and 0,2 (r2 = 0,98)for 3T3 and the CI50 of Cisplatino were 12,1(r2 = 0,96) for MCF-7; 0,1(r2 = 0,96) for K562 and 0,3(r2 = 0,99) for 3T3. The relation dose answer of the extract for the normal line 3T3 was -0,98 (p less than 0,05) and for the line K562 was -0,98 (p less than 0,05). The Selectivity Index of the extract was of 2,17, 6,07 and 2,39 for the lines MCF-7, K562 and ME-180 respectively; contrary, the 5-FU and Cisplatino, only reached values of 0,07 and 0,06; 0,02 and 2,25 for the lines MCF-7 and K562 respectively...

In vivo assessment of genotoxic effects of Annona squamosa seed extract in rats.

Widespread use of pesticides represents a potential risk to human and environmental health. Hence, biopesticides from plants are some of the future strategies for plant protection. In this regard, a seed extract of Annona squamosa was prepared and found to be a promising pesticide. In order to establish the inherent toxicity and non-target safety required for registration and marketing of pesticides, toxicological studies are conducted. The genotoxicity potential was evaluated in rats with 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg Annona squamosa by the comet assay in leucocytes, micronucleus and chromosomal aberration tests in bone marrow. We also studied the effects of 300 mg/kg of extract on lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione level and glutathione S transferase activity in liver, lungs, brain, kidneys, heart and spleen of treated rats. The comet assay showed a statistically significant dose related increase in DNA migration. The micronucleus and chromosomal aberration tests revealed a significant induction in frequency of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations at 150 and 300 mg/kg. Annona squamosa treatment significantly enhanced lipid peroxidation, decreased glutathione and glutathione S transferase levels revealing the oxidative stress condition. Our results warrant careful use of Annona squamosa seed extract as a biopesticide till more tests are carried out.

Quantification of acetogenins in Annona muricata linked to atypical parkinsonism in guadeloupe.

Atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe has been associated with the consumption of fruit and infusions or decoctions prepared from leaves of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), which contains annonaceous acetogenins, lipophilic inhibitors of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. We have determined the concentrations of annonacin, the major acetogenin in A. muricata, in extracts of fruit and leaves by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry. An average fruit is estimated to contain about 15 mg of annonacin, a can of commercial nectar 36 mg, and a cup of infusion or decoction 140 microg. As an indication of its potential toxicity, an adult who consumes one fruit or can of nectar a day is estimated to ingest over 1 year the amount of annonacin that induced brain lesions in rats receiving purified annonacin by intravenous infusion.