American Pawpaw Interactions Overview

Asimina triloba, also known as pawpaw, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is recognized for its large, tropical-like leaves and distinctive oblong fruits resembling a mix of mangoes and bananas. Typically found in moist, fertile soils in forest understories or along riverbanks, the pawpaw tree is of medicinal interest due to its potential anticancer properties attributed to its acetogenin content, including annonacin. Annonacin has shown cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, particularly in laboratory studies, by disrupting mitochondrial function, leading to cell death. Other mechanisms are likely involved as well. While promising, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Other constituents of American pawpaw include epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and p-coumaric acid.