HPLC–LCMS BASED PROFILING OF ANNONA MURICATA PEEL METHANOLIC EXTRACT AND ITS CYTOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY

Oxidative stress, arising from excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a major contributor to chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer. As synthetic drugs often carry significant side effects, natural antioxidants from plant sources are being increasingly explored for their therapeutic value. Annona muricata, a tropical fruit known for its diverse medicinal properties, possesses a peel rich in phytochemicals yet commonly discarded as agricultural waste. The present study evaluates the antioxidant and cytoprotective potential of phytoconstituents extracted from Annona muricata peel and compares their efficacy with the standard anticancer drug methotrexate using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) as oxidative damage models. Phytochemical screening revealed substantial levels of flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and alkaloids, compounds well recognized for their strong antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities. Antioxidant assays, including DPPH, H2O2, and demonstrated significant free radical scavenging potential of the peel extract. In yeast cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress, the extract markedly improved cell viability, reduced ROS accumulation, and maintained membrane integrity when compared with untreated and methotrexate-treated groups. Trypan blue and MTT assays confirmed superior viability and metabolic activity in extract-treated cells, indicating effective cytoprotection with minimal off-target effects. Overall, the findings highlight that Annona muricata peel extract possesses strong antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, surpassing methotrexate in both experimental models. This underscores the therapeutic promise of this natural, waste-derived resource in combating oxidative stress and related diseases, particularly cancer.