Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Properties of Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit) and Artocarpus odoratissimus (“Marang”) Fruit Wastes

Fruits of the Artocarpus trees are economically important, as they provide nutrition in tropical regions of Southeast Asia. However, as much as 70% of the fruits are discarded during processing and consumption. Waste valorization can mitigate economic losses and environmental concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity of tropical fruit wastes as sustainable sources of bioactive components. The peel and fruit core of Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit) and the peel and seed of Artocarpus odoratissimus (“marang”) fruits were assessed for their antioxidant property and antiproliferative potential against A549 lung cancer cells. The activities were evaluated by the DPPH free radical scavenging assay and the MTT cell proliferation assay. The crude extracts were obtained through maceration with 80% aqueous ethanol (for peels, core, and seed) and by the Soxhlet method using hexane for seed defatting. The fruit peels exhibited the highest antioxidant potential. Of the peel extracts, “marang” displayed better antioxidant activity (EC50 = 8.03 ± 2.21 μg/mL) than breadfruit (EC50 = 58.21 ± 12.7 μg/mL). The EC50 values were within the range reported in the literature for fruits with antioxidant properties. In terms of antiproliferative potential, the breadfruit peel extract displayed moderate anticancer activity (IC50 = 98.61 ± 3.64 μg/mL) comparable with the published data on fruits and vegetables with anticancer properties. The findings suggest that the peels of breadfruit and “marang” are potential natural sources of bioactive compounds. Utilizing these wastes can contribute to product value-addition, improved waste management, and health and wellness promotion.