The chemistry of flavonoids from Annonaceae: A comprehensive review

Igor R. S. Graça^1,2Matheus V. N. Belém^1,2Maria Lúcia B. Pinheiro¹Felipe M. A. da Silva¹Hector Henrique Ferreira Koolen^3*

• ¹Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
• ²Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
• ³University of the State of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil

The Annonaceae family, a major group of tropical and subtropical flowering plants, is widely recognized for its edible fruits and traditional medicinal uses. While phytochemical research on this family has primarily focused on alkaloids and acetogenins, flavonoids, key polyphenolic compounds with diverse pharmacological properties, have remained comparatively overlooked. This review presents the first comprehensive synthesis of flavonoid chemistry within Annonaceae, analyzing 238 reported structures across multiple genera and regions. Our findings reveal a surprisingly broad structural diversity, with flavonol glycosides and flavanones emerging as the most prevalent classes. Other types, including chalcones, isoflavanones, catechins, and dihydroflavonols, further underscore the family's underexplored chemical richness. Geographically, Asia dominates the research landscape, particularly Thailand and Vietnam, while Africa and the Americas also contribute notably. Among the most studied genera are Uvaria, Melodorum, Fissistigma, Annona, and Desmos. Leaf extracts represent the primary source of flavonoid isolation, though other plant parts remain underutilized. This review not only consolidates existing data but also highlights critical gaps in taxonomic coverage, biosynthetic understanding, and ecological context. By illuminating the hidden diversity and potential of flavonoids in Annonaceae, this work lays the groundwork for future studies in natural products chemistry, pharmacology, and plant systematics.