Botanical, genetic, phytochemical and pharmaceutical aspects of Annona cherimola Mill

The cherimoya (Annona cherimola), also named chirimoya, is an edible fruit tree of the genus Annona belonging to the family Annonaceae. It is mostly present in tropical and subtropical world regions. This plant species has a long history of use in folk traditional medicine against degenerative and chronic diseases. Fruit and leaf tissues are used as beverages, infusions, fruit, marmalades, and other traditional processed foods. A great extent of different flavors, textures, and shapes are available in food products derived from this plant. Several research works have identified the phytochemicals and bioactive compounds that can be extracted from the plant organs, verifying their antioxidant, anti-degenerative disease, anti-cancer, anti-chronic diseases, and anti-microbial properties. Acetogenins, polyphenols, and terpenes are important components of A. cherimola Mill. Although they are widely present in different plant organs, different classes of compounds showed to accumulate more in seeds (polyphenols), leaves (terpenes), and both leaves and fruits (acetogenins) of chirimoya. In this comprehensive review, evidences have been provided about the healthy and beneficial activities of the plant, briefly explaining the results of previous research works in this regard. Information regarding phytochemistry, traditional uses, and biological activities of chirimoya is also provided here. We believe to have provided a unique resource that collects and discusses scientific evidences at the pharmaceutical and health level for providing the ground for the development of treatment formulations against serious and highly threatening diseases. The collected results will be helpful also as a basis for further investigations on single specific Annona compounds.