Definition of Annonaceous acetogenins is from the National Cancer Institute’s website Cancer.gov
The original text from the NCI defintion is below:
“A family of naturally occurring polyketides that consist of C32 or C34 long chain fatty acids and combined with a propan-2-ol unit at C-2 to form a gamma-lactone which are isolated from various species of the plant family Annonaceae with potential antineoplastic and antimicrobial activity. Annonaceous acetogenins bind to the ubiquinone catalytic site(s) within the mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I), and block the electron transport chain in mitochondria. In addition, the acetogenins bind to and block the activity of ubiquinone-linked NADH oxidase, an enzyme overexpressed in the plasma membranes of cancer cells. This inhibits adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, decreases intracellular ATP levels, and induces tumor cell apoptosis. Compared to normal cells, cancer cells have higher ATP demands. The Annonaceous acetogenins also inhibit microbial glucose dehydrogenase 6.”
Now for the average person that is a lot to digest, so let’s break it down even further:
A family of naturally occurring polyketides…
Polyketides are natural metabolites (byproducts in a chemical reaction that produces energy in a living thing) that comprise the basic chemical structure of various anticancer, antifungal, and anticholesteremic agents; antibiotics; parasiticides and immunomodulators. The sales of pharmaceuticals derived from polyketides routinely reaches $20 billion annually.
…that consist of C32 or C34 long chain fatty acids and combined with a propan-2-ol unit at C-2 to form a gamma-lactone…
- C32 and C34 are two types of fatty acids. Fatty acids are common in food consumed by humans and animals because when eaten it provides energy to cells.
- Propan-2-ol is a a type of alcohol.
- So a fatty acid interacts with an alcohol to produce
…which are isolated from various species of the plant family Annonaceae…
Annonaceae is a scientific classification term that refers to a plant family that has 2400 species, but is primarily known as the “custard apple” family. The plant family is found primarily in tropical regions around the world. Within this family is Annona muricata, which is more commonly known in every English as soursop or graviola. In Spanish, it is known as guanabana.
…with potential antineoplastic and antimicrobial activity.
Antineoplastic activity: Activity that prevents, inhibits or halts the development of a tumor.
Antimicrobial activity: Activity that kills microorganisms or stops their growth. e.g. An antibiotics’ antimicrobial activity results in killing bacteria.
...Annonaceous acetogenins bind to the ubiquinone catalytic site(s) within the mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) and block the electron transport chain in mitochondria.
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In addition, the acetogenins bind to and block the activity of ubiquinone-linked NADH oxidase, an enzyme overexpressed in the plasma membranes of cancer cells.
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This inhibits adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, decreases intracellular ATP levels, and induces tumor cell apoptosis. Compared to normal cells, cancer cells have higher ATP demands. The Annonaceous acetogenins also inhibit microbial glucose dehydrogenase 6.