FolkKB

Custard Apple

Annonaceae

Xylopia aethiopica is part of the Annonaceae family, traditionally with no recorded uses. Scientific evidence suggests that it may induce slight decreases in bilirubin levels and platelet counts at higher doses, potentially leading to thrombocytopenia and anemia. The methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Desmos chinensis leaves have shown significant analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic activities. Regarding the Annonaceae family, a study noted that Caribbean Parkinson's disease patients, more exposed to Annonaceae fruits, exhibited slightly more severe motor and cognitive symptoms compared to mainland France patients, though this finding is not widely supported by other studies. Safety for Xylopia aethiopica has shown no major issues recorded. There are currently no reported drug interactions associated with the use of Desmos chinensis leaves or any members of the Annonaceae family.

At a glance
Best evidence
B
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Xylopia aethiopica induced slight decreases in bilirubin levels and platelet counts at higher doses, suggesting potential thrombocytopenia and anemia. D PMID
  • The study found that the methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Desmos chinensis leaves showed significant analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic activities. D PMID
  • The study found that various bioactive compounds from plants, including those from the Annonaceae family, show antiprotozoal activity against neglected tropical diseases like HAT, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis. D PMID
  • Caribbean PD patients, more exposed to Annonaceae fruits, exhibited slightly more severe motor and cognitive symptoms compared to mainland France patients. B PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Custard Apple?

Custard Apple (Annonaceae) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Custard Apple?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Custard Apple; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Xylopia aethiopica induced slight decreases in bilirubin levels and platelet counts at higher doses, suggesting potential thrombocytopenia and anemia.

How strong is the evidence for Custard Apple?

The strongest finding for Custard Apple carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Custard Apple safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Custard Apple in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Custard Apple interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Custard Apple in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Custard Apple?

Custard Apple is also known as: Анноновые, Annonacées.

Is Custard Apple a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Exploring the Anti-Nociceptive, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Pyretic, and Anti-Arthritic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Desmos chinensis and Its Different Solvent Fractions: In Vivo, In Vitro, and In Silico Intervention. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Molecular Mechanisms of Natural Antiprotozoal Compounds: Emerging Strategies for Neglected Tropical Diseases. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Acute (14-Day) and Subchronic (90-Day) Toxicity Evaluation of the Dried Fruit Spice Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) in Male and Female Wistar Rats. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 The Clinical Effect of Annonaceae Fruit Consumption on Caribbean Parkinson's Disease Severity. literature abstract metadata