Diabetes mellitus involves chronic hyperglycemia, with herbal foods providing safe therapeutic alternatives. As a traditional Mexican ethnomedicine, CA (pulp, leaves, and peel) has been utilized for adjuvant management of hyperglycemia and diabetes, particularly during early disease stages [52]. It was confirmed that both CAP and CAL extracts exhibit significantly stronger inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities compared to the standard drug acarbose [53]. In animal models, peel lyophilizate (100–200 mg/kg) effectively reduced postprandial glucose in healthy Wistar rats and significantly improved non-fasting capillary glucose, glucose intolerance, and insulin response in type two diabetic mellitus rats after a 14-day treatment [54]. Concurrently, leaf hydroalcoholic extract (three hundred fifty milligrams per kilogram) markedly lowered post-load blood glucose levels in both normoglycemic- and alloxan-induced diabetic rats, demonstrating antidiabetic effects comparable or superior to glyburide [55]. These findings collectively substantiate blood-glucose-regulating mechanisms and support its potential as an adjunctive therapy for type two diabetes mellitus.
CAL shows potential activities for enhancing memory and preventing neurodegenerative disorders. In scopolamine-induced amnesia mouse models, CAL extract modulated the cholinergic system by reducing total acetylcholine and elevating choline acetyltransferase activity, effectively preventing memory impairment linked to oxidative stress and cholinergic dysfunction [56]. In amyloid-β-injected Alzheimer’s disease (AD) models, its ethanol extract significantly suppressed oxidative stress, neuronal death, amyloid-beta aggregation, and memory deficits via the epidermal growth factor receptor and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 pathways [57]. Collectively, CAL demonstrates promise as a therapeutic candidate for AD and functional food for cognitive improvement.
CA promotes cardiovascular health through multiple mechanisms, and its balanced potassium-to-sodium ratio helps stabilize blood pressure; abundant magnesium enhances myocardial function and relieves cramps, reducing risks of myocardial infarction and stroke. Niacin and dietary fiber regulate cholesterol levels while inhibiting intestinal absorption. Additionally, CA prevents free radical attacks on lipids, supporting heart health [21].
Health benefits of the custard apple and its extracts.
. 2025 Oct 2;14(19):3413. doi: 10.3390/foods14193413
. 2025 Oct 2;14(19):3413. doi: 10.3390/foods14193413