Artocarpus altilis (Moraceae) Breadfruit

Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Artocarpus altilis

Family: Moraceae

Genus: Artocarpus

The Moraceae family, or the fig/mulberry family, provides important food and medicinal plants, many with latex and phenolic compounds.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Ficus religiosa (Ashwattha): The sacred fig, used for its bark, leaves, and fruits in Ayurveda for skin diseases, diabetes, and as a nervine tonic.

• Morus alba (Tuta/White Mulberry): Leaves used for diabetes, fruits as a nutritive tonic.

• Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit): The fruits, seeds, and leaves are used as food and medicine for nutritive, digestive, and anti-diabetic purposes.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Artocarpus altilis | English: Breadfruit | Sanskrit: Not classically mentioned; sometimes called Bakri-Chajhar in later texts. | Hindi: Bakri-Chajhar | Tamil: Irumappa, Seema Pilavu | Telugu: Seema Panasa | Kannada: Seeme Halasu, Gujjekai | Malayalam: Seema Chakka, Kadapilavu | Marathi: Neer Phanas | Bengali: Kathal | Spanish: Fruta de pan | French: Arbre à pain | Indonesian: Sukun |

3. Medicinal Uses:Nutritive Tonic, Demulcent, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic (studied), Hypotensive (studied).

Medicinal Parts:The fruit, leaves, latex, and bark are used.

• Fruit: The starchy staple food, consumed when cooked.

• Leaves: Used in decoctions for diabetes and hypertension.

• Latex: Applied topically for skin ailments.

• Bark: Used for its fibrous and medicinal properties.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Prenylated Flavonoids (Artoindonesianins, etc.): Unique compounds with significant Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and potential Anticancer activities.

Dietary Fiber (Soluble and Insoluble): Promotes digestive health, acts as a prebiotic, and contributes to Hypoglycemic effects by slowing glucose absorption.

Phytosterols (β-Sitosterol): Contributes to potential Hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering) and Anti-inflammatory effects.

Phenolic Compounds: Provide general Antioxidant support and contribute to many of its systemic benefits.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Brimhana (Nutritive Tonic) & Dhatuvardhaka (Tissue Builder)

Formulation: Cooked fruit.

Preparation & Use: The ripe or unripe fruit is roasted, boiled, or fried and consumed as a staple carbohydrate source, providing energy and nourishment.

Reasoning: It is a rich source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and some vitamins, making it an excellent food for sustenance and strength.

Madhumeha (Diabetes) & Raktachaapa (Hypertension)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves is consumed regularly in traditional Pacific and Caribbean medicine, and adopted in some Indian folk practices, to help manage blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Reasoning: The prenylated flavonoids and fiber in the leaves have demonstrated hypoglycemic and hypotensive effects in pharmacological studies.

Vrana (Wounds) & Skin Infections

Formulation: Latex application.

Preparation & Use: The milky latex is applied directly to cuts, skin fungal infections (like ringworm), and boils to promote healing and prevent infection.

Reasoning: The latex has antimicrobial and astringent properties that help seal minor wounds and fight surface pathogens.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Breadfruit is primarily a culinary staple, used like a potato or starchy vegetable.

Breadfruit Leaf Tea for Metabolic Support

Purpose: As a supportive therapy for diabetes and high blood pressure.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 5-7 fresh or dried breadfruit leaves.

• Boil in 3 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink once a day. Monitor blood parameters.

Roasted Breadfruit as a Digestive Food

Purpose: A nourishing, energy-giving food with good fiber.

Preparation & Use:

• Roast a whole breadfruit over coals or in an oven until the skin is charred and the inside is soft.

• Peel and eat the flesh with a sprinkle of salt or coconut milk.

7. Disclaimer:

The cooked fruit of Artocarpus altilis is a safe and nutritious food. The medicinal use of leaves, latex, and bark should be approached with more caution. Those with latex allergies may react to the sap. The leaf decoction for diabetes and hypertension should not replace prescribed medication but may be used as a complementary support under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Wealth of India by CSIR

• Pacific Ethnobotany guides and journals.

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit)

• Species: Artocarpus heterophyllus | Family: Moraceae | Genus: Artocarpus

• Similarities: A close relative and a hugely popular fruit in India. Both the fruits and leaves are used for nutritive and medicinal purposes. Jackfruit leaves are also studied for their antidiabetic properties, similar to breadfruit leaves.

2. Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato)

• Species: Ipomoea batatas | Family: Convolvulaceae | Genus: Ipomoea

• Similarities: Both are primarily starchy, nutritious staple foods that also possess significant medicinal properties for blood sugar management and as general tonics. They exemplify the concept of food as medicine.