Yield and phytochemical screening of the peel aqueous extract of Annona squamosa Linn

Abstract

Annona squamosa is a fruit plant of gastronomic interest, with great potential for bioprospecting. Parts of the plant are used by folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases, and studies have already proven many of its activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical content of the aqueous extract of the fruit peel. Samples were acquired from local stores during the first harvest period of the year, for three consecutive years. The extract was performed with dehydrated and pulverized samples and the phytochemical screening followed the specifications for each chemical class. The average yield of the aqueous extract was 36.6%, ranging from 35.3% to 38.1%. There was no significant difference in the yield of the aqueous extract over the three years analyzed. The screening indicated the presence of carbohydrate and several phenolic compounds. The aqueous extract of Annona squamosa showed consistency in terms of yield and its phytochemical profile presents a vast number of compounds of biotechnological interest.