Annona foetida

Annona foetida, commonly known as the foetid custard apple, is a tropical shrub valued in traditional medicine. Native to various warm regions, it is recognized for its distinct, pungent aroma. Various parts of the plant are utilized to treat ailments ranging from skin infections to inflammatory conditions and digestive issues.

  • Scientific name: Annona foetida
  • Family: Annonaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Annona foetida, is a member of the kingdom Plantae and belongs to the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Magnoliales. Ultimately, it is a representative of the family Annonaceaae and the genus Annona.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Magnoliales WCVP
Family Annonaceae WCVP
Genus Annona WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Annona foetida, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the foetid custard apple, while in Spanish, it is commonly called guanábana fétida. In Portuguese, the plant is known as guanábana fétida, and in French, it is called annone fétide.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, it can be found growing within the territories of French Guiana, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its range also extends into Western South America, where it is present in Colombia. Additionally, the species is documented as inhabiting parts of Bolivia. Together, these locations highlight the diverse tropical environments where the plant thrives.

Region Area Source
Northern South America French Guiana WCVP
Northern South America Suriname WCVP
Northern South America Venezuela WCVP
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Western South America Colombia WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Annona foetida, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicine, with the bark being one of the most significant parts. The bark is often harvested to prepare decoctions or extracts, as it is believed to contain bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties. In many herbal practices, the bark is specifically valued for its potential role in treating various ailments, highlighting the importance of each structural element in the medicinal profile of the species.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Annona foetida has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include N-hydroxyannomontine, O-methylmoschatoline, annomontine, liriodenine.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
N-hydroxyannomontine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
O-methylmoschatoline 1 ★☆☆☆☆
annomontine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liriodenine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Annona foetida has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Leishmania braziliensis.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Leishmania braziliensis 1 ★☆☆☆☆