In traditional Indian, Thai, and American medicine, the leaves are used in a decoction to treat dysentery and urinary tract infection. In traditional Indian medicine, they are also crushed and applied to wounds. In Mexico, the leaves are rubbed on floors and put in hens' nests to repel lice.

Like most species of Annona, it requires a tropical or subtropical climate with summer temperatures from 25 °C (77 °F) to 41 °C (106 °F), and mean winter temperatures above 15 °C (59 °F). It is sensitive to cold and frost, being defoliated below 10 °C (50 °F) and killed by temperatures of a couple of degrees below freezing. It is only moderately drought-tolerant, requiring at least 700 mm of annual rainfall, and will not produce fruit well during droughts.It will grow from sea level to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) and does well in hot dry climates

Sitaphal(custard apple) is most delicious fruit of India. Comes in the season of winter at the time of diwali that is t in the months of October, November and December.Custard apple (Annona squamosa) or sitaphal is a woody, semi-deciduous tree that grows unattended in the semi-arid zones of several south Indian states.





Chemical constitutes

Vitamins : B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C

The diterpenoid alkaloid atisine is the most abundant alkaloid in the root. Other constituents of custard apple include the alkaloids oxophoebine, reticuline, isocorydine, and methylcorydaldine, and the flavonoid quercetin-3-O-glucoside.

Bayer AG has patented the extraction process and molecular identity of the annonaceous acetogenin annonin, as well as its use as a biopesticide. Other acetogenins have been isolated from the seeds, bark, and leaves

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Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Tracheophytes

Clade: Angiosperms

Clade: Magnoliids

Order: Magnoliales

Family: Annonaceae

Genus: Annona

Species: A. squamosa

Important content in sitaphal with some health benefits

Sitaphal is ideal fruit for weight loss, as well as for those with heart problems, owing to its high fibre content, zero cholesterol, negligible amounts of sodium and very little fat.These super sweet, delicious fruits are prized for their significant quantities of vitamin C, that help in bolstering the immune system.

Custard apples are also intrinsically rich in vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium and iron,

thus contributing to maintaining optimal nervous system function, bone health and healthy red blood cell synthesis in the body.

Sitaphalis good for digestion. It can also prevent acidity and heal ulcers. Sitaphal is a good source of Vitamin B complex, especially Vitamin B6.

Sitaphal can improve your skin tone, hair quality, eyesight, brain health and haemoglobin levels. As It contains high bioactive molecules that display anti-obesogenic, anti-diabetes and anti-cancer properties .





Traditional Uses and intake of sitaphal

1) custard apple is used in desserts, jams, syrups and other cuisines all over the world.





2) Root of sitaphala is made into decoction and given in a dose of about 50 ml to treat diarrhea.





3) Dried powder of the fruit of Annoina squamosa is used in the treatment of pus filled ulcer. The powder is made into paste by mixing with water and applied over the ulcer for speedy ripening of the ulcer and discharge of the pus from it.





4) Paste of the leaf and root of Annoina squamosa is made into paste and applied over the area affected with fungal infection of the skin.





5) The fruit pulp acts as tonic for cardiac muscles.





6) The decoction of the root is used for head wash to kill head lice.





7) Bark of the plant of Annoina squamosa is made into decoction and given in a dose of 40 to 50 ml to control blood sugar level in diabetic patients.





8) Powder of the leaf of sitaphala is mixed with honey and given as expectorant to treat patients suffering from cough and dyspnea.





9) Scrapings of root-bark are used for toothache.





10) Powdered seeds are used to kill head-lice and fleas but care should be taken that the powder does not come in contact with the eyes as this causes great pain.





11) An infusion with 2 handfuls of fresh leaves in 1 lit of water is prepared to fight against heart failure and palpitations (1 cup after meal). This infusion is also effective for proper digestion and has antispasmodic activities.





12) In Aligarh district of Northern India, villagers used to consume a mixture of 4 - 5 newly grown young leaves of Annona squamosa along with black pepper ( Piper nigrum ) for management of diabetes. It is documented that this may ensure up to 80% of the positive results with continued therapy.





13) The leaf decoction is also employed in baths to alleviate rheumatic pain.









Recipe of sitaphal

1] Sitaphal Salad



2]. Sitaphal rabdi



3] Sitaphal shake

Minerals : calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, zincRefrance :