CUSTARD APPLE (SITAPHALA)

CUSTARD APPLE

Sitaphala  : The fruit of the plant is more popular known as “custard apple” or “sugar apple”.

Latin name = Annona squamosa Linn.

Family = Annonaceae

 Medicinal Properties According to Ayurveda

• Rasa (taste) = Madhura
• Guna(qualities) = Sheeta
• Vipaka = Madhura
• Veerya (potency) = Sheeta
• Karma (actions)= Vatapitta shamaka (reduces vitiated vata and pitta doha)

Part used = Fruit , Root

Dosage :

Powder – 1to 3 g

Root decoction – 40 to 50 ml

Fruit pulp – 40 to 50 g

Chemical composition : The leaf and root of the plant contains squamone and bullatacinone.

• The root also contains Anoniane , Rocemerine , norcorydine, iscocorydine , glaucin etc.
• The leaves contain a cardiotonic alkaloid , quinoline.
• Seeds contain annonacin A & annonastatin.

USES OF SITAPHALA

• Custard apple is used in desserts , jams , syrups.
• Root of sitaphala is made into decoction and given in a dose of about 50ml to treat diarhea.
• Dried powder of the fruit is used in the treatment of pus filled ulcer.
• The fruit pulp acts as tonic for cardiac muscles.
• The powder of the leaf of sitaphala is mixed with honey and given as expectorant to treat patients suffering from cough and dyspnea.

 HEALTH BENEFITS OF CUSTARD APPLE

• Reduces Asthma
• Custard apple is a rich source of vitamin C , potassium , iron , magnesium and dietary fiber that help reduce the risk of type -2 diabetes.
• Helps in weight gain who are underweight as it rich in high-calorie content.
• Cures arthritis
• Custard apple prevents skin-aging : custard apple is a rich source of antioxidants and protects the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.
• Healthy heart : Custard apple are high in potassium and magnesium which are essential for keeping cardiac diseases and controlling blood pressure levels.
• Perfect for pregnant women as custard apple rich source of dietary fibre , copper and vitamin B6 . when consumed regularly during pregnancy it helps in producing more breast milk.