REVIEW OF MORPHOLOGY, PHYTOCHEMICAL MEDITIONAL USES OF ARTOCARPUS SPECIES

The genus Artocarpus, belonging to the family Moraceae, comprises several economically, nutritionally, and medicinally important species. Among them, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Jackfruit), Artocarpus hirsutus Lam. (Wild Jack), and Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg (Breadfruit) are widely recognized for their edible fruits, traditional medicinal uses, and diverse pharmacological properties. A. heterophyllus is an important fruit tree producing large, nutritious fruits, while A. hirsutus is predominantly distributed in the Western Ghats and is traditionally used in various therapeutic applications. A. altilis is an important staple and multipurpose agro forestry tree, particularly in Oceania and tropical regions. Morphologically, these species show characteristic variations in their flowers, leaves, seeds, bark, and fruits, which are useful for their identification and pharmacognostic evaluation. Different parts of these three Artocarpus species have been traditionally used for the management of several ailments, including diabetes, diarrhoea, skin disorders, asthma, hypertension, wounds, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders. Phytochemical investigations have revealed the presence of important secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, steroids, and other bioactive constituents. A. heterophyllus exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, with its fruit, leaves, seeds, and bark contributing to its therapeutic potential. A. hirsutus has demonstrated antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and skin-brightening activities in various experimental studies. Similarly, A. altilis has shown antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antihypertensive, and cytotoxic properties, particularly in studies involving its leaves, fruits, roots, and bark.