Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2018;25(1):5-15

Potential Benefits of Annona muricata in Combating Cancer: A Review

Aidy Irman YAJID 1 ; Husna Syakirah Ab Rahman ; Michael Wong Pak Kai ; Wan Zainira Wan Zain

Affiliations

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Keywords

Annona muricata; cancer; traditional; complementary; treatment

Country

Malaysia

Language

English

Abstract

The incidence of cancer is increasing each year, which generates concerns regarding the efficacy of the current treatment options. This has caused patients to seek alternatives to complement or to replace surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Annona muricata and other plants have been shown to have promising compounds that can be utilised in the treatment of cancer. Native to the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, A. muricata plant extracts contain compounds that are particularly effective against cancer cells. In light of increasing concerns regarding the limitations of cancer treatment in hospitals, this review attempts to highlight the benefits of A. muricata and its potential to be integrated as one of the treatment options against cancer.