Artocarpus heterophyllus
Artocarpus heterophyllus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Artocarpus heterophyllus, commonly known as jackfruit, is a versatile plant whose leaves, fruits, roots, and seeds possess significant therapeutic potential. Various preparations, including methanolic, aqueous, ethanolic, and hexanolic extracts, have been utilized to harness its diverse bioactive compounds. These extracts are rich in essential chemicals such as flavonoids, 3-prenyl luteolin, 5,7',2',4'-tetrahydroxy-6-isoprenylflavone, and cardiac glycosides. Scientific studies highlight its potent antibacterial, antiproliferative, 5-alpha-reductase-inhibitor, and ACE-inhibitor activities. Consequently, the plant shows promise in addressing medical conditions ranging from cancer and deep vein thrombosis to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the effects of air pollution.
- Synonyms
- Polyphema Jaca · Artocarpus Maximus · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Moraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Artocarpus heterophyllus is a fascinating botanical species known by a diverse array of regional names across the globe. In certain locales, it is referred to by the common names Baramits or Buenpan. Its linguistic variety extends into Eastern Europe, where it is identified as Chlebovník různolistý or Chlebowiec różnolistny. Additionally, the plant is recognized in other parts of the world as the Coolie Chataigne. This wide range of nomenclature highlights the widespread cultural and geographical presence of this unique plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Artocarpus heterophyllus is a botanical species that is frequently associated with several distinct scientific synonyms. Within taxonomic literature, it is often identified under the name Artocarpus brasiliensis. The plant is also linked to the nomenclature of Artocarpus grandis and Artocarpus maximus. Furthermore, various classifications connect it to different varieties of Artocarpus integrifolius, specifically var. glaber and var. heterophyllus. These overlapping relationships highlight the complex historical naming conventions surrounding this important species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Artocarpus heterophyllus belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a significant part of the botanical world. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the order Rosales. This species is further nested within the family Moraceae, which connects it to many other tropical fruit-bearing plants. It specifically holds its place within the genus Artocarpus, highlighting its unique evolutionary lineage. Understanding these taxonomic relationships provides essential insight into the biological identity of this remarkable plant.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Artocarpus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Artocarpus heterophyllus exhibits a broad and diverse distribution across the African continent. Its presence is firmly established within West Tropical Africa, specifically in regions such as Gambia and Guinea. The species also flourishes in West-Central Tropical Africa, spanning through Cameroon and the islands of the Gulf of Guinea. Beyond the mainland, its reach extends into the Western Indian Ocean, where it can be found in the Comoros. This wide geographic range highlights the plant's adaptability to various tropical environments across the region.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Artocarpus heterophyllus is a robust, self-supporting tree that serves as a prominent feature in tropical landscapes. This species typically exhibits a sturdy growth form, allowing it to stand firmly on its own. In terms of stature, the tree generally reaches a minimum height of 10 meters. However, many specimens grow even taller, frequently maintaining a minimum height of 15 meters. Ultimately, this impressive plant can reach a maximum height of approximately 20 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Artocarpus heterophyllus, commonly known as jackfruit, exhibits a diverse range of medicinal properties that make it a significant subject for pharmacological research. Studies on its seed extracts have demonstrated potent antibacterial and antimicrobial activities, particularly against certain multidrug-resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the plant contains various prenylated chromones and flavonoids that possess notable antiphlogistic properties by helping to attenuate pro-inflammatory responses. Research also highlights the antiproliferative potential of these compounds, as they have shown inhibitory effects against several human cancer cell lines. Collectively, these findings suggest that different parts of the plant could serve as a valuable foundation for developing new anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Compounds
Artocarpus heterophyllus is a chemically diverse plant containing a wide array of bioactive secondary metabolites. Phytochemical screenings of its seeds have confirmed the presence of flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and saponins. The roots of the plant are particularly rich in various flavonoids, including a significant number of prenylated flavonoids (PFs). Research has also identified the specific compound 3-prenyl luteolin within the wood, which exhibits notable anti-melanogenesis activity. Collectively, these diverse chemical constituents highlight the plant's significant potential for medicinal and therapeutic applications.
Conditions
Artocarpus heterophyllus improves glucose tolerance in both normal human subjects and diabetic patients. The plant's isolated prenylated coumarins and steroids effectively treat nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide in mouse macrophage cells. Due to its high air pollution tolerance index, this species can act as an inhibitor of air pollution in green belt developments. Research demonstrates that it treats alpha-amylase activity in vitro by acting as a competitive inhibitor. Furthermore, the aqueous leaf extract of the plant treats alpha-amylase activity using rat plasma in vitro to potentially reduce post-prandial glucose peaks.
Preparations
Artocarpus heterophyllus is prepared as ethanolic and hexanolic seed crude extracts to investigate their antibacterial activity against various superbug bacteria. This plant is also prepared as methanolic extracts, which have demonstrated intensive inhibitory activity against cariogenic bacteria. Additionally, Artocarpus heterophyllus is prepared as aqueous extracts to determine its potential for oral hypoglycaemic activity in biological models. Research further shows that the plant is prepared as an aqueous leaf extract, which functions as a competitive inhibitor of alpha-amylase activity. Finally, Artocarpus heterophyllus is prepared as an extract used in studies to isolate compounds like artocarpanone for inhibiting melanin biosynthesis.
Parts used
Artocarpus heterophyllus is a versatile medicinal plant that contains various bioactive components distributed throughout its different anatomical parts. Research indicates that its leaves possess significant glucose-lowering and alpha-amylase inhibitory properties, while its stems and leaves are rich in prenylated chromones and flavonoids with antiproliferative effects. The fruits of the plant serve as a vital source of anti-inflammatory steroids and compounds with potential anti-HIV activities. Additionally, the roots contain unique flavonoids and 2-arylbenzofurans that exhibit inhibitory abilities against specific enzymes and respiratory bursts. Finally, the seeds provide valuable resources such as the lectin jacalin and various extracts that demonstrate antibacterial activity against certain superbug bacteria.