A Review on the Nutritional Quality and Medicinal Value of Custard Apple-An Under Utilised Crop of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Custard apple is one of the most delicious arid fruits known mostly for its dessert and confectionery values. Annona squamosa, which is one of the most widely grown species of Annona. Though rich in its nutritional aspects, it is an under-utilized arid zone crop. It has also been proved that the plant contains several medicinal properties which include antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-infective and anti dyslipidemic properties. The leaves are used as a vermicide, for treating cancerous tumors and are applied to abscesses, insect bites and other skin complaints. Scrapings of root-bark are used for toothache. This paper attempts to congregate the nutritional value, phytochem. composition, and medicinal uses of custard apple.