Atis

 Family anonaceae

Scientific name: Anona squamosa l.

Local names

            Ates (tag)

            Atis (Tag)

            Yates (Tag)

            Sugar apple (Engl)

            Sweetsop (Engl)

Traditional use

a.       root

1.      decoction drunk for chronic(long term) diarrhea

b.      bark

1.decoction used as wash wash

c.       leaves

1.      crushed ferash leaves can be placed near nostril of persons having fainting fits.

2.      poultic applied in children with indigestion or chronic diarrhea

3.      juice taken to expel intestinal worms

4.      poultice applied to hasten pus formation

d.      fruit

1.unripe fruit taken in for diarrhea and dysentery

2. decoction of unripe fruit used as wound wash

3.ripe fruit, bruised and mixed with salt can be applied to hasten pus         formation

e.       seeds

1.      crushed seeds mixed with coconut oil and applied on scalp to get rid of lice

2.      decoctin used as enema for children with idigestion.

Research findings

            Seeds contain alkaloid, neutral resin, fixed oil and irritant poison which kills lice

            Flesh of fruit contains 10% sugar mostly glucose and fructose.

Food values

            Atis is a favorite fruit. It is agood source of carbohydrates and vitamin C.

Recommended medicinal use

            For lice: crush dried seeds and mix with enough coconut oil to make an ointment. Apply to scalp.

Botanical and agricultural characteristics

            Habit: small tree

            Habitat: settled areas, in low lying interior plain where climate is hot or fairly dry

            Propagation: seed