Artocarpus altilis
What's the taxonomical classification of Artocarpus altilis?
Artocarpus altiilis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, this plant is further categorized under the order Rosales. It is a member of the family Moraceae and is specifically identified within the genus Artocarpus, with the specific epithet altilis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Artocarpus |
| Species | altilis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Artocarpus altiilis has large, leathery, evergreen leaves that are broadly elliptical or obovate in shape, measuring up to 60 centimeters in length with prominent, deeply impressed pinnate venation. The plant typically develops into a massive tree reaching heights of up to 30 meters with a spreading crown and a sturdy, straight trunk. Its bark is greyish-brown and often exudes a milky white latex when injured. The most distinctive morphological feature is the large, compound fruit, which is covered in numerous small, fleshy protuberances and contains a sweet, starchy pulp surrounding large seeds. Small, inconspicuous flowers are produced in separate male and female inflorescences on the same tree.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the islands of the Malay Archipelago. It has since been widely introduced to various tropical maritime environments across the globe through human cultivation. Today, significant populations are found throughout the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America. Its distribution is strictly limited to warm, humid climates where frost is absent. Many coastal areas in Africa and India also support extensive plantations of this species.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, known as breadfruit, thrives in tropical climates with high humidity and well-draining, fertile soils that receive consistent rainfall.
Growers typically propagate the species through seeds or vegetative methods like air layering to ensure consistent fruit quality. To maximize yield, trees require full sunlight and protection from strong winds that can damage their large, spreading leaves. Regular mulching and organic fertilization are essential to maintain the nutrient levels necessary for heavy fruiting cycles.
Once established, these trees can produce crops for several decades if provided with adequate moisture during dry periods.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant, Artocarpus altiilis, provides medicinal benefits through the use of its bud covers, fruit, leaves, and pulp. The bud covers are often employed to treat various inflammatory conditions and skin ailments. Extracts from the leaves are frequently utilized in traditional medicine to manage blood sugar levels and reduce swelling. The fruit serves as a nutritious source that can support overall digestive health. Additionally, the pulp is sometimes processed for its calming properties and general wellness benefits.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", a MeOH/CH(2)Cl(2) extract of the bud covers of Artocarpus altilis collected in Micronesia showed activity in a cathepsin K inhibition assay. In addition to 3 known flavonoids isolated from these bud covers, 2 new compounds were identified. These include a dimeric dihydrochalcone named cycloaltilisin 6 (2) and a new prenylated flavone named cycloaltilisin 7 (3). The novel compounds 2 and 3 have IC(50) values of 98 and 840 nM, respectively, in cathepsin inhibition.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bud covers
- fruit
- leaf
- pulp
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Artocarpus altilis, commonly known as breadfruit, has served as a fundamental dietary staple in Pacific Island cultures for centuries through the consumption of its starchy fruit and nutritious leaves.
Historical populations utilized the large, nutrient-dense fruit as a primary carbohydrate source, often roasting it in underground ovens or boiling it to create various traditional meals. Beyond nutrition, the wood of the tree was historically prized for constructing sturdy canoes, houses, and various tools due to its durability. In many indigenous traditions, the tree also held spiritual significance and was integrated into communal rituals and land management practices.
These diverse uses demonstrate how the species functioned as a cornerstone for both physical survival and cultural development in tropical regions.
What are the pharmacological activities of Artocarpus altilis?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antioxidant properties. The presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics allows it to effectively neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. These phytochemicals also play a critical role in regulating blood glucose levels and managing hypertension in various experimental models. Furthermore, the plant extracts demonstrate the ability to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and suppress inflammatory responses in the body. These combined medicinal benefits highlight the significant therapeutic potential of Artocarpus altilis for treating chronic metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
According to a study published by "Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening", Artocarpus altiilis is an underutilized fruit rich in phenolic compounds and antioxidant phytochemicals. Methanol extracts of the pulp part of the fruit showed a least inhibition concentration of 15.40±0.91 μg/mL on MCF-7 cells. These methanol extracts induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G1/S, S, and G2/M phases through CASPASPE-3, intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. The study found that treating cells with IC50 concentrations led to the downregulation of the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 gene expression. These results suggest that the methanol extracts of the three parts of the Artocarpus altiilis fruit have potential anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells, particularly the pulp part.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammaforic
- anticancer
- antidiabetic
- antioxidant
- cytotoxic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of medicinal compounds including various antioxidant phytochemicals and significant concentrations of phenolic compounds. These bioactive substances are distributed throughout the fruit, leaves, and bark of the species. The presence of specific phenolic compounds helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within biological systems. Furthermore, these antioxidant phytochemicals contribute to the plant's documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Such chemical profiles make the species a subject of interest for developing natural therapeutic agents.
According to a study published by "Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening", Artocarpus altilis is an underutilized fruit that is rich in phenolic compounds. Methanol extracts of the plant have been previously found to contain a high content of antioxidant phytochemicals. The methanol extract of the pulp part showed the least inhibition concentration of 15.40±0.91 μg/mL on MCF-7 cells. This cytotoxicity was evaluated by determining the IC50 of each extract against cells at 72 h. These methanol extracts of three parts of the Artocarpus altilis fruit have potential anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells, specifically the pulp part.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antioxidant phytochemicals
- phenolic compounds
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing cancer, diabetes, high blood glucose, hypertension, and strongyloidiasis. The medicinal properties of Artocarpus altilis help regulate insulin levels to combat diabetes and prevent high blood glucose spikes. Its bioactive compounds also play a role in reducing blood pressure to assist with hypertension. Researchers have explored its potential in inhibiting certain cancer cell growths. Additionally, the plant exhibits antiparasitic effects that can be effective against strongyloidiasis.
According to a study published by "Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening", Artocarpus altiilis shows potential anticancer activity against human breast MCF-7 cells. The methanol extract of the pulp part of the fruit demonstrated a least inhibition concentration of 15.40±0.91 μg/mL on these cells. This extract induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G1/S, S, and G2/M phases. The process involves the upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes and the downregulation of the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 gene expressions. These mechanisms trigger the CASPASCE-3, intrinsic and extrinsic pathways against the cancer cells.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- diabetes
- high blood glucose
- hypertension
- strongyloidiasis
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Artocarpus altiilis, which is processed into various medicinal herbal preparations including aqueous methanol extracts, decoctions, ethanolic extracts, and methanol-water fractions to harness its bioactive properties. Researchers utilize these diverse solvent systems to isolate specific phytochemicals that contribute to its therapeutic potential. Decoctions are frequently prepared by boiling the plant parts in water to release water-soluble compounds for traditional use. In laboratory settings, the ethanolic extract and aqueous methanol extracts provide a broader spectrum of secondary metabolites. Furthermore, the methanol-water fraction allows for the precise separation of chemical constituents based on their varying polarities.
According to a study published by "The West Indian medical journal", aqueous methanol extracts (AME) of the green leaves of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) were assayed for nematode inactivating potential using 100 larvae in each of 3 replicates. The breadfruit (AME) recorded an It50 value of 49 hours. Additionally, the methanol-water fraction (MWF) of breadfruit leaves was tested, yielding an It50 of 9.5 hours. The It95 values for these preparations were approximately double the It50 measures.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous methanol extracts
- decoction
- ethanolic extract
- methanol-water fraction
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can be consumed without any documented adverse health side effects reported in current scientific literature. The fruit and leaves of Artocarpus altiilis are primarily valued for their high nutritional density and antioxidant properties. Because it is a staple food source in many tropical regions, it is generally considered safe for regular dietary inclusion. Most research focuses on its potential benefits for blood sugar regulation and inflammation rather than any potential toxicity. Therefore, there are currently no known risks or negative reactions associated with its consumption for healthy individuals.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- None reported
What herbs are paired with Artocarpus altilis?
This plant, Artocarpus altilis, pairs exceptionally well with aromatic herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint to complement its mild, starchy flavor profile.
The subtle sweetness of the breadfruit serves as an ideal neutral base for the bright notes of fresh lemongrass or ginger. When prepared in savory dishes, rosemary and thyme can add a robust earthy depth to roasted pieces. Adding coconut leaves or pandan during the cooking process can also infuse the fruit with a fragrant, tropical essence.
These various herb combinations allow the starch to absorb complex flavors while maintaining its unique texture.