JACKFRUIT: A HEALTH BOON

Abstract

Jackfruit, botanically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus, grows in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. The Jackfruit can be used raw as vegetable and ripe as fruit. The Jackfruit is an extremely versatile and sweet tasting fruit that possesses high nutritional value. From the time immemorial, the whole jackfruit tree is used as a traditional medicine. Artocarpus heterophyllus has multifaceted medicinal properties. The medicinal properties of Jackfruit include anti-asthmatic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, hypoglycemic, antimalarial, anti-diarrhoeal, anti- arthritic, anti-helmintic, anti-inflammatory, ant carcinogenic, anti platelet, antiviral, anti tubercular, anti atherosclerotic activities. It has also shown wound healing effect and causes decrease in the sexual arousal, libido, performance and vigor in men. The present paper reviews the Introduction, Geographical distribution, history, cultivation, uses, strange facts, side effects, synonyms, varieties, nutritional value, botanical description, taxonomical classification, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities along with the current trends in research on jackfruit