Botanical Overview
Artocarpus integrifolia belongs to the Moraceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. The fig family (Moraceae) includes trees, shrubs, and climbers with milky sap and alternate leaves. The flowers are small and clustered inside a fleshy receptacle (the fig). Many species produce latex containing proteolytic enzymes and have traditional uses for skin conditions and parasitic infections.
General Description
The jackfruit, jakfruit or nangka is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family (Moraceae).
Family Context
The Moraceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Sang-Pai-Pi — 77 documented uses
- Streblus asper — 35 documented uses
- Fig — 30 documented uses
- Paper Mulberry — 22 documented uses
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 2 compounds in this species: betulin, betulinic-acid.