Phenolic Profile and Bioactive Prospects of Wild Annona Species From Angola

Annona species (Annonaceae family) are valued for their nutritional and medicinal importance, especially in traditional medicine. This study investigated the phenolic profiles of the Angolan Annona muricata, Annona squamosa, and Annona senegalensis leaves, stem barks, and seeds hydroethanolic, infusion, and decoction extracts, also evaluating their antioxidant, antimalarial, and antimicrobial potential. Our results showed a vibrant phenolic profile in all the studied species, with A. muricata standing out with 44 compounds identified, with leaves containing the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds, particularly in A. senegalensis. Procyanidin trimer was the primary compound found in A. muricata leaf and stem bark hydroethanolic extract and infusion preparation, while in A. squamosa, epigallocatechin and catechin prevail. In A. senegalensis, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside was primarily detected in the leaves and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside in the stem barks. Extracts from A. senegalensis performed a higher antioxidant capacity, while the hydroethanolic extract of A. muricata displayed better antimalarial activity. A. senegalensis showed the highest antioxidant activity, while A. muricata extract was most effective against malaria; all extracts displayed antibacterial effects. These results reveal the remarkable phenolic richness and bioactive potential of the studied species, supporting their traditional medicinal uses and emphasizing the pharmaceutical and industrial relevance of Annona species.