IVM's Krishnarao Bhegade Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research.
Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (family Moraceae), commonly known as jackfruit, is native to India but is widely cultivated across Asia, Africa, and select regions of South America. The fruit, known as one of the largest edible fruits in the world, contains a wide variety of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and volatile compounds. The fruit, known as one of the largest edible fruits in the world, contains a wide variety of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and volatile compounds. Various traditional medical systems utilize the fruit, seeds, roots, leaves, and bark for the treatment of multiple health conditions due to their therapeutic value. The fruit and seeds are used in numerous culinary products, including jams, jellies, marmalades, sauces, and ice creams. Recently, jackfruit has become increasingly popular as a plant-based meat alternative because of its distinctive texture and flavor. Preclinical studies support a wide range of pharmacological actions, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-melanin, wound-healing, immunomodulatory, anthelmintic, and anticancer effects. Clinical research indicates that the leaves exhibit antidiabetic activity in both healthy individuals and insulin-independent diabetic patients.
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.), a member of the Moraceae family, is believed to have originated in the rainforests of India's Western Ghats. Today, it has grown widely throughout tropical lowland regions of both hemispheres and is recognized as the national fruit of Bangladesh. In areas where seasonal food shortages are common, jackfruit serves as a vital nutritional resource for rural communities, earning it the nickname "poor man's food" in parts of Eastern and Southern India. In areas where seasonal food shortages are common, jackfruit serves as a vital nutritional resource for rural communities, earning it the nickname "poor man's food" in parts of Eastern and Southern India. In areas where seasonal food shortages are common, jackfruit serves as a vital nutritional resource for rural communities, earning it the nickname "poor man's food" in parts of Eastern and Southern India. The tree is valued for its high fruit yield and durable wood, and has recently garnered global attention as a promising crop species. Jackfruit is extensively cultivated in India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Brazil, the West Indies, and other tropical regions. Within India, it is especially popular in states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Assam, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1).
Synonyms
Artocarpus brasiliensis Gomez; Artocarpus heterophylla Lam.; Artocarpus maxima Blanco; Artocarpus philippinensis Lam.; Polyphema jaca Lour.; Soccus arboreus major Rumph.; Artocarpus integra (Thunb.); Artocarpus integrifolia L.f.; Artocarpus integrifolius auct.(2).
AYURVEDIC DESCRIPTION
Parts Used
In addition to the entire plant, the leaves, fruits, seeds, bark, roots, and latex are commonly utilized.
TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION
GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION
Artocarpus heterophyllus grows rapidly during its early stages, reaching approximately 1.5 m per year before its growth slows to around 0.5 m annually (10). Jackfruit has been cultivated since ancient times and has naturalized throughout many tropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia. It is a significant crop in India, Myanmar, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. It is also grown in several African countries, Brazil, Suriname, the Caribbean, Australia, and Florida. Following European contact, the species was introduced to various Pacific islands and is especially important in Fiji, where a large Indian-origin community resides (4).
MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS
|
Plant Part |
Size |
Shape |
Colour |
|
Stem |
30–180 cm (12–32 in) |
Circular |
Brownish-black |
|
Flowers |
|||
|
• Male |
10 cm (4 in) |
Dense, fleshy, cylindrical, club-shaped |
Pale green |
|
• Female |
15 cm (5.9 in) |
Large, elliptic, rounded, tubular, with calyx |
Green |
|
Leaves |
16 cm (6 in) |
Alternate, simple, entire, glossy, stiff, large |
Dark green |
|
Fruit |
30–40 cm (12–16 in) |
Hexagonal, bluntly conical carpels |
Green to yellow exterior; whitish-yellow interior |
|
Seeds |
2–3 cm long, 1–1.5 cm diameter |
Rounded |
Light brown with a whitish membrane |
|
Whole plant |
Height: 8–25 m (26–82 ft) |
Conical/pyramidal canopy |
– |
DIABETES MELLITUS
Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of metabolic disorders characterized by increased blood glucose levels resulting from reduced insulin secretion, decreased insulin effectiveness, or a combination of both, along with progressive structural changes in pancreatic β-cells (5). Type 2 diabetes mellitus is among the most prevalent chronic diseases globally. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 220 million people worldwide are currently affected by diabetes, and this number is projected to rise by 55%, reaching about 342 million by the year 2040. Although diabetes is not infectious, it can be life-threatening. Reports from the International Diabetes Federation (2015) indicate that diabetes accounted for more than 10 million adult deaths that year, ranking it as the seventh leading cause of mortality worldwide. The majority of diabetes cases consist of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is closely associated with elevated postprandial glucose levels. Managing postprandial hyperglycemia is a key strategy in treating type 2 diabetes (6). The enzyme α-glucosidase plays a crucial role in breaking down carbohydrates into glucose within the digestive tract (7). Since this enzyme contributes to rising blood sugar levels, its inhibition helps delay glucose absorption. After carbohydrates are digested in the stomach, the nutrients enter the intestine, where enzymes such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase, located along the brush border, facilitate the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates(8). Therapeutic approaches for diabetes often involve inhibiting α-glucosidase in the small intestine, where it competes with natural substrates like rootbosa (9). These inhibitors, including natural compounds, work by slowing glucose absorption and preventing sharp increases in blood sugar after meals. However, many existing hypoglycemic agents have limitations, including adverse effects and the potential to worsen diabetic complications. Common side effects of α-glucosidase inhibitors include bloating, nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea. Natural α-glucosidase inhibitors found in medicinal plants may offer advantages due to fewer side effects and lower cost compared to synthetic drugs (10). Jackfruit leaves are a readily available plant source known to contain flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and polyphenols (11). Therefore, the researchers aimed to investigate whether jackfruit leaf extract could lower blood glucose levels by inhibiting α-glucosidase, supporting its potential use as an herbal treatment for diabetes mellitus.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING (12,13,14,15,16,17,18)
|
Phytochemical Group |
Examples / Notes |
Reported Biological Functions |
|
Flavonoids |
Quercetin, Kaempferol, Myricetin, Artocarpin, Morin |
Antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, supports insulin activity |
|
Phenolic Compounds |
Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Coumarins |
Strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties; enzyme inhibition |
|
Tannins |
Hydrolysable and condensed forms |
Antibacterial, astringent, delays glucose absorption |
|
Saponins |
Plant-derived defense compounds |
Antimicrobial, immune modulation, and reducing blood glucose |
|
Terpenoids |
β-sitosterol, Lupeol |
Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, slow glucose uptake |
|
Alkaloids |
Various types (may not dominate) |
Antimicrobial activity |
|
Glycosides |
Phenolic glycosides |
Antioxidant effects |
|
Steroids |
Stigmasterol, Sitosterol |
Reduce inflammation |
|
Fatty acids |
Detected via GC–MS |
Biological roles vary |
|
Vitamins & Minerals |
Vitamin C, traces of calcium, and potassium |
Nutritional support |
MATERIALS AND METHODS
1. Soxhlet Hot Extraction Method
For Soxhlet extraction, fresh jackfruit leaves are collected, cleaned, and shade-dried for several days. The dried leaves are ground into a coarse powder. Around 20–30 grams of this powder is placed inside a Soxhlet thimble, and 200–300 mL of an appropriate solvent such as ethanol, methanol, or water is added to the round-bottom flask. The apparatus is heated continuously for 4–6 hours, allowing the solvent to repeatedly evaporate, condense, and extract the phytochemicals from the leaf powder. When the siphon tube becomes clear, the extraction is complete. The collected extract is then concentrated using a rotary evaporator or by gentle heating on a water bath until a thick paste-like residue forms. The extract is stored in a refrigerator for further analysis(19,20,21).
1. Soxhlet Hot Extraction Method
2. Cold Maceration Method
2. Cold Maceration Method
In the cold maceration method, the dried and powdered jackfruit leaves are soaked in a suitable solvent without heating. About 10–20 grams of leaf powder is placed in a conical flask and mixed with 100–200 mL of a solvent such as ethanol, methanol, or distilled water. The mixture is kept undisturbed for 48–72 hours and shaken occasionally to enhance extraction. After the maceration period, the contents are filtered using muslin cloth followed by Whatman filter paper. The filtrate is then concentrated by evaporating the solvent on a water bath until a semi-solid extract is obtained. This extract is stored in an airtight container at low temperature for further use(20,21,23).
3. Hot Water Decoction Method
For aqueous extraction through decoction, 20 grams of jackfruit leaf powder is boiled in 200 mL of distilled water for 30–45 minutes. The heating allows water-soluble phytochemicals to dissolve into the solution. After boiling, the mixture is cooled to room temperature and filtered to remove plant residues. The filtrate is then evaporated on a water bath to obtain a dried or semi-solid aqueous extract. This method is simple, cost-effective, and commonly used when only water-based phytochemicals are required (19,20,23).
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL INVESTIGATION
The quantitative screening methods described in references (24,25,26) were used to evaluate the phytochemicals present in the examined plant part (A. heterophyllus fruit peel). Crude extracts were analyzed following procedures outlined by (27,28).
Tests for Specific Phytochemical Groups
1. Test for Flavonoids
Ammonium Test: -The extract is heated with 10 mL of ethyl acetate in a boiling water bath for 3 minutes. It is then filtered, and the resulting filtrate is mixed with 1 mL of diluted ammonia (1%). The appearance of a yellow color in the ammonia layer indicates the presence of flavonoids.
Shinoda Test:- The filtrate (2–3 mL) is treated with magnesium metal and concentrated HCl. A magenta color indicates the presence of flavonoids (29).
2. Test for Tannins
Five grams of extract are mixed with 10 mL of distilled water, filtered, and treated with ferric chloride. A blue-black precipitate indicates the presence of tannins.
3. Test for Terpenoids – Salkowski Test
The extract is dissolved in chloroform, and concentrated sulfuric acid is carefully added. Alternatively, 3 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid and 0.5 mL of the dried extract are heated for 10 minutes. A gray color signals terpenoids.
4. Test for Saponins
A foam test is conducted by vigorously shaking 2 mL of extract with 6 mL of water. Persistent foam confirms saponins.
5. Test for Steroids – Liebermann–Burchard Test
A 0.5 g portion of dried extract is mixed with 2.5 mL of chloroform, followed by concentrated sulfuric acid. A reddish-brown ring indicates steroids.
6. Anthraquinone Test – Borntrager’s Test
One gram of extract is boiled in chloroform, filtered, cooled, and mixed with 10% ammonia. A pink color in the upper layer indicates the presence of anthraquinones.
7. Cardiac Glycosides – Keller–Kiliani Test
The extract is treated with acetic acid and ferric chloride, followed by concentrated sulfuric acid. The presence of deoxy sugars in cardenolides is confirmed when a brown ring forms at the interface and the upper layer turns green.
8. Test for Phenols
When a 2% ferric chloride solution is added to the extract, the appearance of a blue-green or black coloration confirms the presence of phenols.
9. Tests for Alkaloids
Each confirms alkaloids.
10. Test for Phytosteroids
A portion of aqueous extract is shaken, producing greenish-yellow fluorescence in the acid layer and red coloration in the chloroform layer—indicating phytosterols (30).
11. Tests for Carbohydrates
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS
Despite extensive pharmacological studies on the components of Artocarpus heterophyllus, its full therapeutic potential remains unclear. A summary of the documented pharmacological findings is provided below (31).
Artocarpus heterophyllus is a large evergreen tree cultivated throughout Southeast Asia, where its leaves and roots are traditionally used for medicinal purposes. This study examined the in vitro anti-inflammatory properties of phenolic compounds isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of its fruits. Three phenolic compounds were identified as:
Artocarpesin, Norartocarpetin, Oxyresveratrol
These compounds were isolated using spectroscopic methods and confirmed through comparison with existing literature. Their anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated based on their ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. All three compounds demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory effects. Artocarpin significantly reduced the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E? (PGE?) by downregulating iNOS and COX-2 expression levels. These findings suggest that artocarpesin may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for conditions associated with inflammation (32).
Prenylflavones isolated from Artocarpus heterophyllus were evaluated for their antioxidant properties. Some compounds—such as artocarpine, artocarpetin, artocarpetin A, and diacetate and peracetate forms of cycloheterophyllin—did not significantly inhibit iron-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate and did not scavenge DPPH radicals. However, cycloheterophyllin and artonins A and B exhibited strong antioxidant effects. These compounds:
They also prevented copper-induced oxidation of human LDL, as demonstrated by reduced lipid peroxidation markers and altered electrophoretic mobility. These results indicate that these compounds are potent antioxidants when biological membranes are exposed to oxidative stress (33).
Two novel chitin-binding lectins—named jackin (from jackfruit) and frutackin (from breadfruit)—were identified from the seeds of the Artocarpus genus. These proteins were purified through several chromatographic techniques, including affinity chromatography on chitin, size-exclusion chromatography, and reverse-phase C18 chromatography.
Key characteristics:
Both lectins inhibited the growth of Fusarium moniliforme and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and exhibited hemagglutination activity in human and rabbit red blood cells (34).
According to Sri Lankan ethnomedicine, roasted jackfruit seeds are believed to possess aphrodisiac effects. However, anecdotal reports from young men in rural Sri Lanka claim that consuming these seeds shortly before intercourse impairs sexual performance. To investigate these conflicting claims, a seed suspension in 1% methylcellulose (SS) was tested in male rats. At an oral dose of 500 mg/kg:
Importantly, these effects were not due to toxicity, stress, liver damage, or decreased testosterone levels, but were associated with strong sedative properties. In mating studies, the extract did not affect ejaculation or fertility. Thus, A. heterophyllus seeds did not demonstrate aphrodisiac activity in rats (35)
Jacalin, the principal protein from jackfruit seeds, is a tetrameric two-chain lectin with a total molecular weight of approximately 65 kDa. It consists of:
Jacalin exhibits strong specificity for the O-linked glycoside of the Thomsen–Friedenreich antigen, even in its sialylated form. This makes it a valuable tool for studying O-linked glycoproteins, particularly human IgA1. Jacalin is highly mitogenic for CD4+ T lymphocytes and has been used to assess immune function in HIV-1 patients. Due to its abundance, ease of purification, and stability, jacalin is widely used for:
6. Antidiabetic Activity
Studies investigating the hot water extract of jackfruit leaves demonstrated that it significantly enhances glucose tolerance in both normal individuals and maturity-onset diabetic patients when administered orally at doses equivalent to 20 g/kg of starting plant material. This supports the traditional use of jackfruit leaves in managing diabetes mellitus (37).
7. Antibacterial Activity
Crude methanolic extracts from various parts of the plant—including stem and root bark, heartwood, leaves, fruits, and seeds—along with their partitioned fractions (petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and butanol), displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. The butanol fractions of the root bark and fruits showed the strongest antibacterial activity (38)
8. Anthelmintic Activity
Shoot extracts of Artocarpus heterophyllus demonstrated nematicidal activity against several species:
These findings support the plant’s traditional use in managing helminth infections (39).
CONCLUSION
Based on the findings, Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf extract possesses significant antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential, largely due to its diverse phytochemical composition. The inhibitory effects on key carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes highlight its ability to help control postprandial glucose levels, making it a promising natural alternative or complementary option for diabetes management. The successful development of a stable herbal syrup further demonstrates the feasibility of formulating the extract into a user-friendly and effective herbal product. While the results are promising, additional in vivo studies, clinical evaluations, and long-term stability assessments are necessary to fully determine the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the extract. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of A. heterophyllus leaves as a promising candidate for developing herbal antidiabetic formulations.
REFERENCES
Sukanya Kamane, Mugdha Joshi, Vilasini Pandav, Manisha Kasar, Prajwal Nimkarde, Review on Phytochemical Profiling and Antidiabetic Potential of Artocarpus heterophyllus Leaves with Herbal Syrup Formulation, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 12, 2304-2314. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17922245
10.5281/zenodo.17922245
