Rolliniastatin-1, a bis-tetrahydrofuran acetogenin: The major compound of Annona mucosa Jacq. (Annonaceae) has potent grain-protective properties

The widespread use of synthetic insecticides results in insecticide-resistant populations of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a primary pest species of stored corn worldwide. Thus, new active ingredients with different modes of action are needed for integrated pest management (IPM) of stored grains. Thus, toxicological bioassays (using S. zeamais as bioindicator) associated to chromatographic techniques were performed to isolate insecticidal compounds from the grain-protective ethanolic extract of Annona mucosa Jacq. (Annonaceae) seeds. The acetogenin bis-tetrahydrofuran rolliniastatin-1 was identified as major bioactive constituent from A. mucosa seeds based on bioassay-guided fractionation, along with rolliniastatin-2, deethylrollinastatin-1, jimenezin and fractions containing triglycerides. This compound produced 51.1% of mortality of adult weevils when applied at 57.66 mg kg⁻¹, drastically reducing F₁ progeny and their damage to corn grains. Although the acute toxicity level was lower than that with the formulation based on diatomaceous earth at a concentration 17.3 times higher (Insecto®^, at recommended rate) used as a positive control, rolliniastatin-1 protected grain statistically similar to that of the positive control. Furthermore, bioassays indicate that compounds of different chemical natures have a synergistic effect on the overall biological activity of seed derivatives of A. mucosa. Efficacy and technical viability of the process to obtain rolliniastatin-1 from the seeds of A. mucosa should allow the production of a botanical insecticide to control populations of S. zeamais at corn warehouses.     

Evaluation of potential use of nootkatone against maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky) and rice weevil [S. oryzae (L.)](Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Nootkatone is a natural sesquiterpene ketone that shows insecticidal activity against insects and ticks. Its contact toxicity and repellency against two major stored-product insect pests, maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky) and rice weevil [Sitophilus oryzae (L.)], were investigated in the current study. Contact toxicity was evaluated using a no-choice test with treated filter paper, while repellency was evaluated using a choice test with treated corn (for maize weevils) or wheat (for rice weevils). Nootkatone showed low contact toxicity (ranging from 0 to 51%) against the two weevil species at the tested concentrations (ranging from 11.58 μg/cm² to 1158.08 μg/cm²) on filter papers. In choice tests, corn treated with 0.10% or higher and wheat treated with 0.5% nootkatone or higher had significantly fewer maize or rice weevils compared with the solvent only treated control, indicating a repellent effect. The repellency percentage ranged between 46.3 and 93.1% against maize weevils and 39.2-67.2% for rice weevils.     

Efficacy of Silicosec, filter cake and wood ash against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on three maize genotypes

The effectiveness of the diatomaceous earth Silicosec, a mineral industrial filter cake and domestic wood ash, applied at three different rates for the control of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, on three maize genotypes was determined. Treatment with Silicosec was the most effective followed by filter cake and wood ash. The treatments reduced progeny emergence, percentage grain damage and grain weight losses, but did not affect percentage seed germination. Grain treated with wood ash at all rates resulted in a relatively low mortality 3 days after infestation as compared to other treatments. However, all treatments caused high mortality (97-100%) after 15 days of exposure. Therefore, Silicosec, filter cake and wood ash can be considered as potential components of an integrated pest management strategy against the maize weevil.     

Efficacy of combining Niger seed oil with malathion 5% dust formulation on maize against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The combined effects of Niger seed oil and malathion, 5% dust, against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, were evaluated to determine the minimum effective rate(s) of the combinations that can provide adequate protection to maize seed against attack by weevils. Niger seed oil at the rates of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 100% of the recommended application rate, 5 ml kg⁻¹, was combined with malathion at the respective rates of 100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% and 0% of the recommended application rate, 0.5 g kg⁻¹. All combinations provided complete protection to maize seed from the maize weevil up to 90 days after infestation. To determine the residual effects of the treatments, weevils were reintroduced to the grain that had been treated 90 days previously. In addition to 100% malathion, 10% Niger seed oil + 50% malathion, and 20% Niger seed oil + 40% malathion, were fully effective in controlling S. zeamais for a further 156 days after this re-infestation. Therefore, these combinations could be considered as a potential component in an effort to establish integrated management of the maize weevil. Residual performance of both oil and malathion against the weevils was primarily affected by the dose of malathion, with higher doses of malathion providing greater protection for a longer period. Niger seed oil treatment lowered the level of seed germination at the application rate of 5 ml per kg of maize.     

Distribution of and association between the larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in maize stores

Interspecific interactions between the larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus and the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais were studied during two storage seasons in maize stores, in Bénin. Maize ears, randomly sampled from farmers’ grain stores, were ‘reared out’, i.e., kept for 4 weeks under controlled conditions for F₁ to emerge, and periodically sampled, in order to examine colonisation patterns of P. truncatus and S. zeamais. For both storage seasons, P. truncatus and S. zeamais populations were sparsely aggregated and not associated with each other. The degree and strength of association increased with each monthly sampling occasion with the Ochiai, Jaccard and Dice indices of association. By the fourth sampling occasion, P. truncatus was found on most ears and on some ears in very high numbers (>300 insects). Almost all ears with P. truncatus contained at least a few S. zeamais individuals, but many ears with S. zeamais contained no P. truncatus.     

Repellency and toxicity of troponoid compounds against the adzuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

We compared the repellency and toxicity against adzuki bean beetles among six troponoid compounds, and examined the relationship between their structure and activity. γ-Thujaplicin showed the highest repellency against the beetles among the compounds tested, while the repellency of tropiliden was quite low. The results suggested that the keto and hydroxyl groups are important in the repellent properties of troponoid compounds. Although an isopropyl group was also important in repellency, the effect varied according to its position on the seven-member ring; the farther the isopropyl group was from the keto and hydroxyl groups, the higher the repellency became. As with its repellency effect, the toxicity of tropiliden was quite low. Tropone showed the highest toxicity among the compounds tested while its repellency was relatively low. Similar to its repellency, γ-thujaplicin showed the highest toxicity among the thujaplicins. However, the toxicities of α-thujaplicin and β-thujaplicin (hinokitiol) were similar, unlike the repellency. In summary, it appears that the toxicity of troponoid compounds does not always coincide with their repellency. Furthermore, the repellency and toxicity of a mixture of γ-thujaplicin and β-thujaplicin, whose production cost is cheaper than that of hinokitiol alone, were investigated. The mixture strongly repelled the adzuki bean beetles. We conclude that the mixture of γ-thujaplicin and β-thujaplicin is a promising repellent.     

Insecticidal potential of a synthetic zeolite against the cowpea weevil,Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

The insecticidal potential of a synthetic zeolite was evaluated against the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius). The synthetic zeolite was applied to concrete surfaces at 0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 g/m², and the mortality of adults was assessed after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h at 28 °C and 65% r.h. The residual efficacy of zeolite applied at 5 g/m² was evaluated on concrete surfaces at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 months post-treatment. Adults of C. maculatus were exposed to cowpeas treated with zeolite at 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 g/kg. The number of eggs deposited on cowpea kernels and their hatchability were determined after 7 and 14 d, respectively. The cumulative adult mortality was recorded after 1, 2, 3, and 4 d, and adult progeny production after 42 d. The residual efficacy of zeolite on cowpeas was tested at 0, 1, 2 and 3 months after treatment. On concrete, zeolite applied at ≥ 5 g/m² resulted in 100% mortality of C. maculatus adults after 24–72 h of exposure. Zeolite at 5 g/m² exhibited high residual efficacy with 100% mortality of C. maculatus adults after 36 h exposure on treated surfaces for up to 4 months. The mortality of C. maculatus adults exposed to zeolite-treated cowpeas increased with increasing concentration and exposure time. The number of eggs laid by C. maculatus, number of kernels with eggs, and adult progeny production decreased with increasing zeolite concentration. Zeolite applied to cowpeas at 1 g/kg produced 100, 99 and 77% adult mortality at 1, 2, and 3 months post-treatment. Progeny production on zeolite-treated cowpeas was significantly lower than that on untreated cowpeas. These results show that the synthetic zeolite is effective on concrete surfaces and on cowpeas in controlling C. maculatus.     

Resistance of maize to the maize weevil: III. Grain weight loss assessment and implications for breeding

The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) is a significant pest of stored maize grain in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. As a further step towards finding maize genotypes with acceptable levels of resistance to the maize weevil, 53 experimental maize hybrids that were generated in a North Carolina design II mating scheme, were evaluated for grain weight loss due to maize weevil damage under ambient temperature and humidity (ATH) conditions, in the on-station stock room at Harare, Zimbabwe. The study indicated that genotypic variation for grain weevil resistance was large (19%–57%) after five months of infestation by the maize weevils. A few F₂ populations with potential for use as sources of breeding new varieties for maize weevil resistance were identified. They displayed consistency of high performance (better than the standard control varieties) and showed a lower rate of grain weight loss due to the maize weevils over the five months in the stock room. The male and female GCA and SCA effects were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for maize weevil resistance, especially at two months after infestation, indicating that resistance was controlled by genes with both additive and non-additive effects, respectively. Further, the distribution of grain weight loss data for the hybrids was continuous and almost normal at the four intervals of data collection, clearly supporting that resistance was partial and possibly conditioned by minor genes with cumulative effects. Therefore, resistance could probably be improved by selection among the promising F₂ populations identified in this study. Although resistance was partial, a plot of grain weight loss of hybrids from the different categories demonstrated the advantage to farmers for growing a resistant variety (low percentage loss over time) compared to the susceptible ones that incurred significant grain weight losses. However, grain weight loss data were not significantly correlated with yield (r = 0.14; P > 0.05), suggesting that the traits are not mutually exclusive. Therefore, breeding for maize weevil resistance in these populations would not necessarily compromise grain yield. Our results demonstrate that there is potential in developing maize varieties with acceptable levels of maize weevil resistance through recurrent selection procedures which exploit both GCA and SCA effects with sustainable impact on food security and the environment.     

Relationship between seed physical traits and maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) damage parameters in selected Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties

The vulnerability of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties to Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky attack causes substantial postharvest loss to farmers. A study was conducted in the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria, to evaluate the response of the newly released QPM and High Protein Maize (HPM) varieties of the Institute to Sitophilus zeamais infestation. Five varieties comprising two QPM (ART/98/SW6-OB and ILE 1-OB); one HPM (ART/98/SW1) and two conventional maize varieties (KU1414SR/SR and TZPB) were used for the experiment. Two hundred seeds of each variety were artificially infested with eggs of Sitophilus zeamais and arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates under two storage conditions (dark room and opened well-ventilated room) for three months. Data were collected on seed traits and weevil damage parameters. Results showed that there were significant differences among the varieties and between the storage conditions for most of the traits. Both QPM varieties significantly harbored Sitophilus zeamais as the number of emerged adult insects at 3 weeks after infestation (WAI), damage rating, total number of insects at termination and grain weight loss were highest in both, though higher in ILE 1-OB. The conventional inbred line (KU1414SR/SR) experienced less damage. Grain weight loss was positively correlated with insect damage rating, while seed coat thickness was negatively correlated with grain weight loss and other damage parameters. The released QPM varieties of the Institute are highly susceptible to Sitophilius zeamais infestation and therefore require genetic improvement. Seed coat thickness and damage ratings are important traits to be considered in improvement programmes for resistance to Sitophilus zeamais in QPM varieties.     

Deleterious effects of Myracrodruon urundeuva leaf extract and lectin on the maize weevil,Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera,Curculionidae)

Deterioration and degradation of grains by storage insect pests lead to economic losses of several billion dollars and affect food security. Sitophilus zeamais is responsible for pre- and post-harvest damages to maize. The high toxicity of synthetic insecticides and the development of resistance by insects to the chemicals currently used stimulate the investigation of plant-derived insecticides as new alternatives for pest control. In this study, we report the effects of diets containing Myracrodruon urundeuva leaf extract (10–150 mg/g) and lectin (MuLL; 3–150 mg/g) on the survival, feeding, and nutrition of the storage pest S. zeamais. The digestive enzyme activity in gut extracts from the insects reared on the leaf extract (25 mg/g) or MuLL (15 mg/g) diets was also evaluated. The leaf extract induced mortality (LC₅₀: 72.4 mg/g), while MuLL (30–150 mg/g) exerted strong feeding deterrence. The leaf extract and MuLL promoted the loss of biomass, as reflected in the negative values for relative biomass gain rates and efficiencies in converting ingested food. Protease, trypsin-like, acid phosphatase, and amylase activities in the insects reared on leaf extract or MuLL diets were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those in the control insects. MuLL ingestion also significantly reduced (P < 0.05) endoglucanase and alkaline phosphatase activities. In conclusion, the leaf extract and MuLL have the potential for S. zeamais control by killing adults and preventing the use of a food source, respectively. The deleterious effects of the extract and lectin on S. zeamais may be linked to enzyme inhibition and consequent suppression of digestive processes.     

Effect of diet on phosphine toxicity,rate of development and reproduction of the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (Linnaeus)

One of the loci responsible for strong phosphine resistance encodes dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD). The strong co-incidence of enzyme complexes that contain DLD, and enzymes that require thiamine as a cofactor, motivated us to test whether the thiamine deficiency of polished white rice could influence the efficacy of phosphine fumigation against insect pests of stored grain. Three strains of Sitophilus oryzae (susceptible, weak and strong resistance) were cultured on white rice (thiamine deficient), brown rice or whole wheat. As thiamine is an essential nutrient, we firstly evaluated the effect of white rice on developmental rate and fecundity and found that both were detrimentally affected by this diet. The mean time to reach adult stage for the three strains ranged from 40 to 43 days on brown rice and 50–52 days on white rice. The mean number of offspring for the three strains ranged from 7.7 to 10.3 per female over a three day period on brown rice and 2.1 to 2.6 on white rice. Growth and reproduction on wheat was similar to that on brown rice except that the strongly resistant strain showed a tendency toward reduced fecundity on wheat. The susceptible strain exhibited a modest increase in tolerance to phosphine on white rice as expected if thiamine deficiency could mimic the effect of the dld resistance mutation at the rph2 locus. The strongly resistant strain did not respond to thiamine deficiency, but this was expected as these insects are already strongly resistant. We failed, however, to observe the expected synergistic increase in resistance due to combining thiamine deficiency with the weakly resistant strain. The lack of interaction between thiamine content of the diet and the resistance genotype in determining the phosphine resistance phenotype suggests that the mode of inhibition of the complexes is a critical determinant of resistance.     

Fumigant toxicity of essential oils from three Thai plants (Zingiberaceae) and their major compounds against Sitophilus zeamais, Tribolium castaneum and two parasitoids

Fumigant toxicity of essential oils from rhizomes of Alpinia conchigera, Zingiber zerumbet, Curcuma zedoaria and their major compounds; camphene, camphor, 1,8-cineole, α-humulene, isoborneol, α-pinene, β-pinene and terpinen-4-ol was investigated with adults of Sitophilus zeamais, Tribolium castaneum, Anisopteromalus calandrae and Trichogramma deion larvae. The last two insects are parasitoids commonly used to control stored-product weevils and moths. The trial was evaluated at 0, 37, 74, 148, 296, 444, 593 μL/L in air after 12, 24 and 48 h for S. zeamais, T. castaneum and A. calandrae, and 24 h for T. deion. Alpinia conchigera oils were toxic to S. zeamais, T. castaneum and T. deion, while the other two plant oils had low toxicity. Adults of S. zeamais and T. castaneum were more susceptible to A. conchigera oils than their eggs, larvae or pupae. Sitophilus zeamais adults (LC₅₀ 85 μL/L in air) were slightly more tolerant of A. conchigera oils than T. castaneum (LC₅₀ 73 μL/L in air) after 48 h exposure. Synthetic essential oils, a mixture of pure compounds in the same ratios of the extracted essential oils, were tested with S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults. Synthetic essential oils were more toxic than the extracted essential oils to both insects. Zingiber zerumbet oils (LC₅₀ 26 μL/L in air) and C. zedoaria oils (LC₅₀ 25 μL/L in air) were significantly more toxic to adults of A. calandrae than A. conchigera oils (LC₅₀ 37 μL/L in air) whereas T. deion larvae were more sensitive to A. conchigera oils (LC₅₀ 62 μL/L in air) than Z. zerumbet and C. zedoaria oils (LC₅₀ > 593 μL/L in air). Tribolium castaneum was more susceptible than S. zeamais to the eight pure compounds. Terpinen-4-ol was highly toxic to both insects.     

Yeast derivatives (extracts and autolysates) in winemaking: Release of volatile compounds and effects on wine aroma volatility

A qualitative study of volatile compounds in three commercial yeast extracts and autolysates was performed by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography with mass spectrometric and olfactometric detection; their addition to white wines and their effect on wine aroma composition were investigated by analytical, olfactometric and sensory evaluations. More than 160 volatile compounds were detected in the headspace of the commercial powders (some not previously reported in literature), and their olfactory characters were described. Yeast derivatives strongly modified wine aroma composition, either affecting the volatility of wine aroma compounds or by releasing exogenous volatiles. Dosage appeared to be fundamental: low amounts increased the volatility of some esters, giving more flowery and fruity notes to the wine; higher amounts increased fatty acid content in the wine headspace, producing yeasty, herbaceous and cheese-like smells. Sensory tests demonstrated that yeast derivatives would not be suitable for wines with a typical varietal aroma.     

Bio-accessibility of bioactive compounds (ACE inhibitors and antioxidants) from extruded maize products added with a red seaweed Porphyra columbina

An expanded maize product added with red seaweeds Porphyra columbina (3.5 g 100 g⁻¹) was developed and bio-accessibility of minerals and bioactive compounds such as ACE inhibitors and antioxidants provide by algae were evaluated using a pepsin/pancreatin digestion and equilibrium dialysis method. Extruded maize added with red seaweed showed higher dialyzability of ACE inhibitor compounds (41.0% ACE inhibition), total phenolic content (0.83 mg gallic acid/g dialysate) and antioxidant capacity (36.6% DPPH inhibition, 2.4 mM TEAC, power reduction and 99.4% copper-chelating activity) than extruded maize. Results about bio-accessibility of bioactive compounds provided by red edible seaweeds may help food technologists to tailor new bio-functional foods, such as functional snacks.     

Nutritive value of the larvae of raphia palm beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and weevil (Rhyncophorus pheonicis)

The proximate nutrient composition, energy value, mineral concentrations, amino acid composition and chemical score of the larvae of raphia palm beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and weevil (Rhyncophorus pheonicis) were evaluated. Values of moisture, ash and crude protein were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in O rhinoceros than in R pheonicis while the reverse was the case for the values of crude fat, total carbohydrate and energy content. The crude protein content of both samples was high, with a value of 42.3 ± 0.84% for the palm beetle and 31.6 ± 0.59% for palm weevil, while crude fat was high (17.3 ± 1.2%) in palm weevil and very low (0.55 ± 0.10%) in palm beetle. The calorific value in kcal 100 g^?1 sample was 425 in R pheonicis and was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the value of 285 in O rhinoceros, due to a relatively higher crude fat and total carbohydrate in the former compared with the latter. The mineral concentrations were high and differed for all the elements, with O rhinoceros having the higher level of many of the mineral elements (calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and phosphorus) compared with R pheonicis, consistent with a significantly higher (p < 0.05) ash content of 12.7 ± 0.81% in O rhinoceros against the value of 4.2 ± 0.45% ash in R pheonicis. The amino acid profile showed both samples to be good sources of essential and non‐essential amino acids including cysteine and methionine, both of which contain sulfur. Valine, which had the lowest chemical score of 51.2%, was the most limiting amino acid for protein quality in both O rhinoceros and R pheonicis. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical compounds from Eperua falcata and Eperua grandiflora heartwood and their biological activities against wood destroying fungus (Coriolus versicolor)

The chemical analysis of the compounds present in dichloromethane and ethanolic fractions as well as bioassays enable to understand the differences in the durability of Eperua falcata and Eperua grandiflora. The main distinction between these two species is the acidic subfraction of diterpenoid extract, which is antifungal in Eperua falcata when tested under in-vitro conditions. This study also shows that ethanolic fraction plays an important role in the mechanism of natural durability. Furthermore, it reports the first isolation of cativic acid in Eperua falcata wood.     

Current technologies and new insights for the recovery of high valuable compounds from fruits by-products

The recovery of high valuable compounds from food waste is becoming a tighten issue in food processing. The large amount of non-edible residues produced by food industries causes pollution, difficulties in the management, and economic loss. The waste produced during the transformation of fruits includes a huge amount of materials such as peels, seeds, and bagasse, whose disposal usually represents a problem. Research over the past 20 years revealed that many food wastes could serve as a source of potentially valuable bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants and vitamins with increasing scientific interest thanks to their beneficial effects on human health. The challenge for the recovery of these compounds is to find the most appropriate and environment friendly extraction technique able to achieve the maximum extraction yield without compromising the stability of the extracted products. Based on this scenario, the aim of the current review is twofold. The first is to give a brief overview of the most important bioactive compounds occurring in fruit wastes. The second is to describe the pro and cons of the most up-to-dated innovative and environment friendly extraction technologies that can be an alternative to the classical solvent extraction procedures for the recovery of valuable compounds from fruit processing. Furthermore, a final section will take into account published findings on the combination of some of these technologies to increase the extracts yields of bioactives.     

Ovarian physiology and age-grading in the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Physiological and morphological changes in the ovarian system in rice weevils, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), reared on wheat seeds were studied as a function of adult age, mating status, and nutrient availability. X-ray analysis was used to determine time of adult eclosion and the duration of development of pre-emergent weevils within the seeds, a process that lasted almost 4 days at 25°C and 60% r.h. There was no follicular differentiation in pre-emergent weevils. Oocyte maturation began after adults emerged from the seeds and started to feed. There was a significant increase in mean germarium length and the size of proximal follicles within the first 5 days when newly emerged weevils were mated and fed ad lib. Maximum number of follicles and mature eggs per ovariole in mated females occurred at 5-30 days of age. The number of mature eggs decreased in 60-days-old weevils, at the same time that adult mortality increased. Development of the ovarian system was much slower in unmated females than in mated females. Although there was follicle development in unmated females, ovulation never occurred and no eggs were laid. Starvation of mated females resulted in a rapid reduction in numbers of follicles and mature eggs, probably as a result of oosorption. Females were categorized into two nulliparous and three parous stages according to ovarian development and the degree of accumulation of follicular relics. Parity was directly correlated with both weevil age and the number of progeny produced and was the physiological basis used to construct an age-grading model for this species. The method will be useful for determining the age structure and reproductive potential of rice weevil populations in the field.     

Evaluation of the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of the exotic fruit Annona cherimola Mill. (Annonaceae)

Cherimoya is a tropical and subtropical native exotic fruit which has become an important crop due to its tasty flavor, high pulp content, nutritional value and potential use in folk medicine.In this study the pulp of ripe fruits were extracted using three organic solvents (ethanol, methanol and dimethyl formammide) and analyzed for the total phenols, antioxidants power and cytoprotective activity on lymphocyte tert-butyl hydroperoxide treated. Also, potential antiperoxidative activity of each extract has been performed. Organic extracts from cherimoya pulp had powerful antioxidant and ferric reducing power activities and, among the extracts, the dimethyl formammide one showed the highest scavenging activity towards DPPH, ABTS⁺, O₂⁻ radical and FRAP assay, while the ethanol one showed the highest activity against lipid peroxidation induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Extract protective activities were also evaluated in isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to 250 ??M tert-butyl hydroperoxide. The results showed that all the extracts could significantly enhance cell survival and clearly decrease the release of lactate dehydrogenase, with data almost superimposable for all the tested samples. Moreover RP-HPLC-DAD-ITMS analysis reveals the presence of flavanols and procyanidins (dimers and trimers). These results highlight cherimoya extracts' strong antioxidant properties, remarkable decrease of lipid peroxidation and cytoprotective effects against strong oxidant, supporting their suitable employment as bioactive elements in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food processing industries.