The Annonaceae family is widespread and widely used in traditional medicine worldwide. Two species
of this namely Annona senegalensis and Annona squamosa are used in the treatment of breast and
prostate cancers, respiratory diseases, snake and insect bites, rheumatic pains, infertility care and syphilis
to name a few. The aim of this study is to synthesize the traditional uses of these two species of plants, as
well as those of phytochemical and pharmacological investigations to conclude on the interest of these
two plants. The results of this study show that Annonaceae are well known in the world; 450 species in
Africa, 900 are Neotropical and 950 in Asia. Also, all parts of these two species are used in care in the
form of decoction especially by oral route. On the other hand, both plant species are rich in secondary
metabolites such as terpenoid, alkaloids, polyphenols and especially acetogenins. These latter molecules
give this kind of countless activities. Taking into account these data from the literature, we can partially
justify the many uses of these two species of plants in traditional medicine.
Annona senegalensis, Annona squamosa, traditional uses, acetogenins, pharmacological investigations