Exploring the Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Potential of Artocarpus lakoocha: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. (Moraceae), commonly known as Monkey Jack, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia and traditionally used for the management of infections, inflammatory disorders, liver ailments, and other health conditions. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and essential antioxidant minerals such as zinc, copper, manganese, and iron, which contribute to its strong antioxidant potential and immune-supportive properties. This review summarizes the available literature on the ethnomedicinal uses, nutritional composition, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of Artocarpus lakoocha. Phytochemical investigations have identified diverse bioactive compounds responsible for a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitubercular, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cytotoxic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects. Although numerous pharmacological properties have been reported, limited information is available regarding its immunomodulatory mechanisms and clinical validation. This review highlights the therapeutic significance of Artocarpus lakoocha and emphasizes the need for further studies on standardization, safety assessment, and clinical investigations to support its development as a potential phytopharmaceutical agent.

Keywords

Introduction

Fig.no.01: A. lakoocha tree    

Fig.no.02: A. lakoocha fruit    

 Fig.no.03: A. lakoocha leaves

Traditional uses: ⁸

Artocarpus lakoocha, or monkey jack, holds an esteemed place in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and folk healing practices across South and Southeast Asia. Its ripe fruit is not only consumed for its tangy flavour but is also believed to act as a liver tonic and appetite stimulant. In Ayurvedic medicine, lakoocha is used to manage digestive ailments such as diarrhoea due to its absorbent and astringent properties. The fruit and bark are also recognized as blood purifiers, supporting detoxification and internal balance. Beyond internal health, it serves in skin care by treating wounds, reducing inflammation, and promoting a clear complexion, as well as stimulating hair growth and strengthening follicles. The fruit is also appreciated for its aphrodisiac qualities that enhance vitality and taste. Traditional external applications are equally diverse. A powdered form known as Puag Haad, created by boiling wood chips and evaporating the liquid, has long been used in Thailand as an anthelmintic treatment against tapeworms. The bark, rich in tannins (about 8.5%), is chewed much like betel nut for medicinal purposes and applied to skin conditions. Its therapeutic versatility extends to use in treating arthritic swelling, darkened skin, and general skin disorders. Together, these practices reflect a deep cultural knowledge of the lakoocha tree's healing potential, a testament to how one species can nourish and restore from root to leaf.

PHARMACOLOGICAL USES:

Antioxidant activity ⁹

The ethanolic extract of Artocarpus lakoocha leaves demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (IC?? 99.23 ± 0.07 ppm), followed by the ethyl acetate (323.18 ± 0.02 ppm) and n-hexane extracts (1062.03 ± 1.42 ppm), while quercetin showed an IC?? of 2.32 ± 0.01 ppm. Sequential maceration with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and 96% ethanol was performed, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay at 516 nm. Phytochemical screening revealed steroids in the n-hexane extract; steroids, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, and saponins in the ethyl acetate extract; and tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, and saponins in the ethanolic extract. The findings indicate that the ethanolic extract possesses the strongest antioxidant potential, likely associated with its phenolic and flavonoid constituents.

Anti-inflammatory activity ¹⁰

The ethanolic extract of Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. rich in oxyresveratrol, exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The extract reduced IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, nitric oxide production, and suppressed iNOS and COX-2 expression. It inhibited NF-κB activation by preventing IκB degradation and nuclear translocation, and blocked Akt phosphorylation with minimal effect on MAPK pathways. These findings suggest that its anti-inflammatory effects are primarily mediated through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Hepatoprotective activity ¹¹

The methanolic extract of Artocarpus lakoocha fruits demonstrated dose-dependent hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in mice. HPLC analysis identified flavonoids and phenolic compounds, including chromatropic acid, quercetin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, and kaempferol. Acute toxicity tests showed no adverse effects at doses above 2,000 mg/kg. The extract prevented elevations in liver function markers and histopathological damage, confirming its protective effect on the liver.

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity ¹²

The aqueous extract of Artocarpus lakoocha exhibited antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against a range of oral pathogens, including Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus spp., Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and others. MIC values ranged from 0.10–0.39 mg/ml and MBC from 0.10–3.12 mg/ml, with time- and concentration-dependent killing effects. The extract also demonstrated potent antibiofilm activity, inhibiting biofilm formation and eradicating established biofilms. These findings suggest that A. lakoocha contains bioactive compounds with potential applications in oral care products, such as mouthwashes or toothpastes, to prevent or manage dental caries and periodontal infections.

Anthelmintic activity¹³

The methanolic extract of Artocarpus lacucha leaves showed significant dose-dependent anthelmintic activity against Perthima posthuma, comparable to albendazole. It also exhibited moderate antioxidant and modest anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting its potential as a source for developing new anthelmintic agents.

Antinociceptive activity ¹⁴

The hydro-methanolic extract of Artocarpus lacucha bark demonstrated significant antinociceptive activity in mice, reducing pain in hot plate, tail immersion, acetic acid-, and formalin-induced nociception, as well as carrageenan-induced paw edema. The extract contains high levels of phenolics, including (+)-catechin, which also exhibited similar analgesic effects. Mechanistic studies indicated involvement of opioid receptors and ATP-sensitive K? channels, as effects were reversed by naloxone and glibenclamide, respectively. These findings support both central and peripheral antinociceptive properties of A. lacucha bark, consistent with its traditional medicinal use.

Schistosomicidal activity ¹⁵

The aqueous extract of Artocarpus lakoocha (Puag-Haad), a traditional anthelmintic used for taeniasis, exhibited potent in vitro activity against Schistosoma mansoni. Adult worms treated with 250–750 µg/ml of the extract showed reduced motility, lower survival, and extensive tegument damage, surpassing the effects of praziquantel (175 µg/ml). The tegument was the primary target, with higher extract concentrations causing greater damage, likely due to tetrahydroxystilbene (THS), the main active compound. THS may serve as a potential schistosomicidal agent, warranting further in vivo studies on its mechanism, efficacy, and safety.

Anticancer activity ¹⁶

The fruit extract of Artocarpus lakoocha was used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles, which exhibited significant anticancer activity against human prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) cells. The nanoparticles were spherical, 6.59–25 nm in size, and displayed FCC crystalline structure. They showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity with an IC?? of 30.62 µg/ml, inducing early (48.11%) and late (24.92%) apoptosis, with minimal necrosis (1.19%) as confirmed by flow cytometry. These results suggest that A. lakoocha-derived silver nanoparticles have promising potential as anticancer agents.

Antiviral activity ¹⁷

The heartwood of Artocarpus lakoocha, rich in oxyresveratrol, exhibited moderate activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2. Oxyresveratrol also showed modest anti-HIV activity (EC50?=?28.2?µM) without cytotoxicity in PBM, CEM, or Vero cells, highlighting A. lakoocha as a potential source for natural anti-HSV and anti-HIV agents.

Anti-aging activity ¹⁸

Extract of Artocarpus lakoocha leaves, rich in phytooxyresveratrol, showed significant anti-aging activity, including antioxidant and anti-glycation effects. At 25?µg/ml, it inhibited DNA nicking effectively and was non-toxic up to 100?µg/ml, indicating potential for pharmaceutical applications.

Antitubercular activity ¹⁹

Acetone extracts of Artocarpus lakoocha twigs and bark yielded cyclocommunin, which exhibited strong antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra with an MIC of 12.3?µM, highlighting the plant as a potential source for natural antimycobacterial agents.

Anti hyperlipidemic activity ²⁰

The methanolic leaf extract of Artocarpus lakoocha demonstrated significant antihyperlipidemic activity by lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels while increasing HDL levels. It also downregulated key cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes, including squalene synthase and HMG-CoA reductase, with effects comparable to simvastatin. These findings suggest its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing hyperlipidemia.

Antidiabetic and antiobesity ²¹

Extracts of A. lakoocha enhance glucose metabolism and improve lipid profiles. Oxyresveratrol has been shown to inhibit α-glucosidase activity and enhance insulin sensitivity. The plant’s anti-obesity effects are associated with regulation of lipid metabolism and inhibition of adipogenesis.

Neuroprotective activity ²²

The ethanolic extract of Artocarpus lakoocha, containing approximately 45% Oxyresveratrol, demonstrated marked neuroprotective activity in vitro. In SH-SY5Y neuronal cells, the extract significantly protected against hydrogen peroxide–induced oxidative stress, restoring cell viability to about 80% at concentrations of 6.25–25 µg/mL, and attenuated Aβ25–35-induced cytotoxicity at 6.25–12.5 µg/mL. These results indicate that the ethanolic extract exerts neuroprotective effects primarily through antioxidant and anti-amyloid mechanisms, highlighting its potential therapeutic relevance for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

CONCLUSION:

Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. is an economically and medicinally significant plant that belongs to the family of Moraceae. Although it has been used extensively in traditional medicine for many years, scientific evidence regarding its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties remains limited and dispersed across studies. Traditional uses of Artocarpus lakoocha are strongly supported by scientific studies demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic agent. Top of FormBottom of FormThe leaves, heartwood, roots, fruits, flowers, and seeds of Artocarpus lakoocha contain significant phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, xanthones, terpenoids, steroids, triterpenoids, vitamins and minerals which have been shown to have wound healing, antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, schistosomicidal, antiaging, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-HIV and anthelmintic effects. Although extensive pharmacological potential has been established, further clinical and mechanistic studies are required to validate its safety and therapeutic efficacy. Overall, Artocarpus lakoocha represents a promising natural source for the development of novel therapeutic agents.

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