The fruit of Annona squamosa L. as a source of environmental neurotoxins: From quantification of squamocin to annotation of Annonaceous acetogenins by LC-MS/MS analysis

- The neurotoxins Annonaceous acetogenins (AAGs) were detected in the fruit of A. squamosa from various origins.
- Squamocin was identified as the main AAG, and quantified by LC-UV.
- Method development was performed for the annotation of the main AAGs, using HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF.
- Common features and variations in qualitative composition are depicted.

Annonaceous acetogenins (AAGs) are neurotoxins possibly responsible for atypical Parkinsonism/dementia clusters, via the consumption of edible Annonaceae fruits. Their presence was investigated in fruit pulps of Annona squamosa from different locations. Qualitative analysis of other AAGs was performed. We here report the identification of squamocin in batches from Asia, the Caribbean Basin and the Indian Ocean. This molecule was quantified by HPLC-UV, evidencing a content of 13.5-36.4 mg/fruit. HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF allowed the detection of 25 different raw formulas matching with AAGs. LC-MS/MS methodological development was performed using 4 representative standards. The main AAGs could be annotated, including bullatacin (rolliniastatin-2) and annonacin. This study evidences a remarkable homogeneity for the main AAGs within the species, and discrepancies for minor compounds. These findings indicate that A. squamosa should be considered a risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders.