INTRODUCTION:

In recent times, it has been shown that treating bacterial infections is an important issue. Patients with weakened immune systems and healthcare providers are more vulnerable to nosocomial infections, which may have serious consequences for their morbidity and death. Globally, there is a serious issue with the hospital-acquired infection incidence that is growing quickly¹. Currently, using antibiotics is the main strategy to treat bacterial infections. The present medications for treating a broad range of microbial infections and disorders are threatened by the creation of multidrug-resistant strains of microorganisms^2–3. As a result, scientists are increasingly interested in developing medications or phytochemicals made from plants to treat these illnesses. The use of herbal medicines in underdeveloped nations is of significant concern to the World Health Organisation^4-5. Plant compounds function as antibacterial agents and are a secure and reliable substitute for pharmaceutical antibiotics^6–8. The ability to generate a significant number of secondary metabolites is a unique feature of higher-order plants^9–10. Numerous therapeutic agents have been discovered by using plant-derived compounds for pharmacological assays; approximately 44% of the molecules found in semi-synthetic medications have their origins in plants¹¹.

Chapalish (Monkey Jack) is a large and deciduous tree of the genus Artocarpus of the Moraceae family. It is (also known as Artocarpus chaplasha Linn or Artocarpus chama), often called 'Chamfol' in Bangladesh. Chapalish is a rapidly growing tree characterized by its dark grey bark and a straight, cylindrical trunk. This endangered tree is also called Chambal, Cham, Kanthali Cham, etc. in Bengali¹². When this branch is broken, milky latex or Tarukshir comes out. The fruit of this tree looks like a small jackfruit. Mild sour-sweet taste. Under optimal soil conditions and in a suitable environment, it has the potential to grow to a height of 30–40 meters. Chapalish wood is yellowish brown, hard, strong, and smooth. This wood is very valuable as it is long-lasting and durable. This wood is widely used for making doors and windows, furniture, and railway sleepers. Until the nineties, there were thousands of chapalish trees in different forests of Bangladesh. Rows of chapalish trees are used to catch the attention of tourists. The mature leaves are whole, elliptical, and ovate, while the canopy is extensive and expansive. The thick bark has prominent vertical furrows and is adorned with white dots. During March and April, the fruits of the chapalish plant begin to develop, and they reach their full maturity between June and August.

According to Zabala¹³, the species produces sufficient seed for there to be spontaneous regeneration in its native environment. During the month of Asadha-Sravana, the trees were filled with ripe Chapalisha fruits. Many families made a living by collecting this fruit. The seeds can be eaten by burning them in fire. Tastes like peanuts. Saplings and trees grow naturally from chapalisha seeds in forest areas. Ripe fruits collected in June-July rot if kept for five days¹⁴. In this condition, if the seeds are washed in water and sown, germination occurs. Seedlings take 7 to 15 days to germinate. In order to learn more about their biological activity and chemical components, only a few of them have undergone scientific evaluation. This study evaluates the potential of Artocarpus spp. in traditional medicine and scientific research. The plant has been associated with contemporary medicine since its pharmacologically relevant macromolecules have been shown to be effective. The review compiles studies on Artocarpus and assesses its ethnobotanical, ethnomedical, and ethnopharmacological characteristics¹⁵.

Table 1: Common names of Artocarpus chaplasha in sub-tropical region^14,
15.

Common Name	Country/ Language
Chaplis, Chamfol, Chambal, Cham, Pani	Bengali
Chaplash	Hindi
Lutta	Nepali
Cham, sam	Assamese
Taungpeinne	Burmese

Botanical description:

Artocarpus chama, commonly known as chaplash and abbreviated as CHP, belongs to the Moraceae family, specifically within the genus Artocarpus, which includes eight species native to India, valued for both timber and fruit production^{14, 15}. These trees are well-suited to moist, tropical forests, often thriving in dense evergreen or deciduous forest types, and are somewhat shade-tolerant, especially in their early stages. They produce fleshy fruits with large, rapidly perishable seeds, which typically ripen at the onset of the rainy season. Birds and animals consume these fruits, aiding in the natural dispersal of seeds, which germinate quickly with the rains¹⁶. Moraceae species are sometimes classified under Urticaceae due to shared botanical characteristics, including laticifers that contain milky latex and glandular hairs. Artocarpus chama exhibits actinomorphic, unisexual flowers with monoecious plants, lacking petals, and bearing small, apical flowers on diverse inflorescence types. The leaves are simple, alternate or opposite, with margins that may be entire, toothed, or lobed, and stipules are present and caducous. The wood is yellowish-brown, durable, and suitable for various uses, including furniture and boat-building¹⁷. Juvenile leaves can be large and lobed, while mature leaves are elliptic-ovate with entire or serrate margins. Flowering occurs in March-April, and the globose, tuberculate fruits ripen between June and August. Fruits contain few seeds, which lose viability quickly and are dispersed by animals, including birds and monkeys^{18, 19}. The bark is thick, grayish-brown with prominent white spots, and exudes a milky latex. The tree can grow up to 120 feet tall with a broad crown if space allows, contributing significantly to the forest ecosystem by supporting local fauna²⁰.

Geographical distribution:

This tree mostly flourishes in the Madhupur Forest, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Chittagong, and Cox's Bazar Hill Forests, as well as the Sylhet Division of Bangladesh. Chapalish can be a height of up to 30 meters and may survive for over a century under optimal circumstances. The tree is also found in the Lalmai Pahar region of Comilla, as well as in the Muktagachha, Fulbaria, Bhaluka, and Trishal upazilas of Mymensingh, and the National Botanical Garden in Mirpur, Dhaka.²¹ A Chapalish tree, over 316 years old, continues to thrive in Rangamati town.²² A centenarian resides in Lauachhara. There are forty-four trees.

Figure 1: Geological distribution of Artocarpus chama in the South Asia and South East Asia.

Artocarpus chama is located in the Sub-Himalayan area and adjacent hills, extending from Nepal to the east. It may be found at altitudes reaching 5,000 feet in Assam, Burma, and the Andaman Islands. Bangladesh, Myalunar, and Arunachal Pradesh. These trees are found in moist deciduous and evergreen woods. These trees are intermittently scattered in the humid variety of mixed deciduous Sal and evergreen forests in Bengal and Assam²³. The species is indigenous to the humid tropical forests of Burma and Chittagong. It significantly influences the deciduous, evergreen, and semi-evergreen forest types found in the Andaman Islands. The optimal conditions for its development are nocturnal temperatures ranging from 15℃ to 30℃ and an annual precipitation of 203 to 508 centimeters. Chapalish may sometimes be found on the lower slopes next to watercourses, on clayey soils with adequate drainage. The development of the plant is promoted by nutrient-rich, fertile loam and moist lateritic soils²⁴.

ETHNOMEDICINAL USE:

Artocarpus chaplasha has therapeutic potential for wound therapy. Moreover, it has shown anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities (Table 2). Additionally, it is used for the management of gastric ulcers and constipation. The bark of this plant is ground into a paste and topically applied once daily for five days to mitigate boils²⁵. A decoction obtained from the plant's roots is used to treat both diarrhoea and fever. Topical use of a powder derived from the desiccated seeds of the plant may assist in the treatment of impotence²⁶. To treat ulcers, mix coconut oil with charred leaves, ideally those that are newly burned. Individuals with asthma are advised to ingest a decoction derived from the plant's roots twice daily²⁷. Each dose must be 50 milliliters, administered over a duration of one month. The plant is an advised treatment for dermatological conditions^28,29.

Phytochemical Significance:

Artocarpus chama, a member of the Moraceae family and closely related to the jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), possesses a rich array of bioactive compounds. Given its similarity to other Artocarpus species, especially the high-yielding jackfruit, this plant exhibits potential nutritional and therapeutic benefits, attributed to its unique phytochemical profile. In South-East Asia, Artocarpus species are considered staple crops and provide a significant source of nutrients to local diets³⁰.

Flavonoids:

Flavonoids dominate Artocarpus chama's polyphenolic components. Flavonoids neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, protecting cells and preventing chronic illnesses. Related species include quercetin and kaempferol derivatives. These flavonoids contribute to the plant's therapeutic potential by exhibiting anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties³¹.

Stilbenoids:

Artocarpus species contain stilbenoids and polyphenols like grape resveratrol. These chemicals reduce cellular oxidation and inflammation, making them cardioprotective and neuroprotective. Stilbenoids in Artocarpus chama may help prevent degenerative disorders including cardiovascular disease and cancer and contribute to its historic usage in treating numerous diseases³².

Arylbenzofurons:

Arylbenzofurons are unique compounds within the Artocarpus genus that exhibit significant bioactivity. These compounds have shown potential in anti-cancer research, particularly for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Arylbenzofurons are associated with the plant's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, contributing to its therapeutic use in traditional medicine for treating infections and inflammation³³.

Terpenoids

Terpenoids in Artocarpus chama are important because they are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Terpenoids make jackfruit smell good and may be therapeutic. Terpenoids are natural insecticides that protect plants and treat bacterial infections and inflammation in people. Artocarpus chama may cure skin and inflammatory diseases because of its terpenoids³⁴.

Phenylethanoid Glycosides

Phenylethanoid glycosides, another polyphenol family, are antioxidants and neuroprotectants. These chemicals may boost Artocarpus chama's anti-aging and oxidative stress-related disease-fighting properties. They scavenge free radicals and reduce lipid oxidation, which may improve cognitive and cardiovascular health³⁵.

Steroids

Artocarpus chama may reduce inflammation and boost immunity due to its steroidal components. Similar chemicals in Artocarpus heterophyllus change cholesterol levels and may help hyperlipidemia patients. The presence of natural steroids supports Artocarpus chama's use in traditional medicine for several health issues³⁶.

Other Phytochemicals

Like jackfruit, Artocarpus chama has several compounds that boost its nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Sugars including fructose, glucose, and sucrose make it delicious and nutritious. Palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids in its seeds and other plant components boost heart health and vitality. It may also include vitamins A and B-complex and minerals like potassium and magnesium³⁷, which are essential for metabolic and cardiovascular health. Artocarpus chama seeds provide important plant-based proteins and amino acids. Jackfruit lectins like Jacalin may modulate the immune system and fight cancer, particularly in IgA-binding settings³⁸. The combination of these phytochemicals emphasizes Artocarpus chama's nutritional value and traditional medical use, urging additional study into its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties³⁹.

Figure 2: Pharmacological activity of Artocarpus species⁴⁰.

Ethnopharmacological Activity:

Antibacterial activity:

After partitioning with petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and butanol, crude methanolic extracts of Artocarpus heterophyllus stem, root bark, heartwood, leaves, fruits, and seeds yielded broad-spectrum antibacterial fractions. These extracts killed Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhi. In disc diffusion studies, root bark and fruit butanol fractions (4 mg/disc) were more effective against bacteria⁴¹. The methanolic extract yielded two isoprenyl flavones, artocarpin, and artocarpesin, which inhibited primary cariogenic bacteria at concentrations of 3.13-12.5 µg/ml and reduced plaque-forming Streptococci growth, suggesting potential for dental caries prevention⁴². Suhartati from a study found that artonin E from Artocarpus rigida bark showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, with inhibition zones of 1.2 cm and 0.9 cm, respectively, compared to the standard antibiotic kanamycin sulfate (240 µg/disc) with a zone of 2.2 cm⁴³.

Antimalarial effects:

Radioisotope-based microculture has been used to test Artocarpus species' antimalarial effects on Plasmodium falciparum, a multidrug-resistant malarial parasite. Crude extracts from Artocarpus integer aerial parts showed mild antimalarial activity, with an EC₅₀ of 6.8 μg/ml. Prenylated stilbenes, such as trans-4-(3-methyl-E-but-1-enyl)-3,5,2,4-tetrahydroxystilbene (EC₅₀ 1.7 μg/ml) and two known stilbenes (8.2 and 9.4 μg/ml), were isolated via further investigation. The findings were compared to chloroquine diphosphate, a standard having an EC₅₀ of 0.16 μg/ml⁴⁴. Further research on Artocarpus rigidus found that flavonoids from its root bark, including 7-demethylartonol E, artonin F, and cycloartobiloxanthone, had IC50 values of 7.9, 2.4, and 3.7 μg/ml, respectively, using artemisinin as a reference (IC₅₀ 1 ng/ml) Artocarpus altilis roots generated moderately active prenylated flavones, including cycloartocarpin and artocarpin (IC₅₀ values: 1.9-4.3 μg/ml). The very powerful heteroflavone C, produced by Artocarpus champeden, has an inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 1 nmol/l) greater than chloroquine (IC₅₀ 6.3 nmol/l), validating its traditional antimalarial usage⁴⁵.

Antitubercular activity:

A study by Collin and Franzblau found that Artocarpus species root, stem, and bark extracts inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra in the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA)⁴⁶. Typical anti-tubercular medicines like rifampicin, isoniazid, and kanamycin have MIC values of 0.0023, 0.1, and 2.5 µg/ml. Nine prenylated flavones, including cycloartocarpin, artocarpin, and chaplashin from Artocarpus altilis roots and stems, and morusin, cudraflavone B, cycloartobiloxanthone, artonin E, cudraflavone C, and artobiloxanthone from the roots, demonstrated antitubercular activity with MICs ranging from 3.12 to 100 µg/ml⁴⁵. Flavonoid substances like 7-demethylartonol E and artorigidusin and phenolic compounds like artonol B, artonin F, cycloartobiloxanthone, and artoindonesianin C in Artocarpus rigidus subsp. root or bark have antimycobacterial action. Artonin F had the greatest efficacy, with a MIC of 6.25 µg/ml⁴⁷. These data support the classical TB therapy using young Artocarpus elasticus leaves.

Antiviral activity:

Artocarpus lakoocha Roxburgh has been researched for its antiviral properties, notably against HSV and HIV. HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA viruses cause face, visceral, encephalitis, and genital tract infections⁴⁸. Oxyresveratrol, a major component in A. lakoocha, moderately inhibited both HSV types and HIV without cell line damage. Oxyresveratrol-rich A. lakoocha heartwood is a potential natural source for anti-HSV and anti-HIV medicines⁴⁹. Also, Artocarpus gomezianus heartwood extract showed strong anti-herpetic action, leading to the isolation of artogomezianone, a novel molecule, and oxyresveratrol, a mild HSV inhibitor. Further research showed that oxyresveratrol inhibits HSV-1 multiplication and delays lesion growth in mice, particularly when paired with acyclovir, improving HSV infection treatment⁵⁰.

Cytotoxicity:

Artocarpus species have yielded bioactive chemicals with potential anticancer effects in many investigations. Suhartati from a study found that Artocarpus rotunda root bark contains a new prenylated flavone, artoindonesianin L, and four phenolic compounds, artonins M and E, cycloartobiloxanthone, and artonin O, that are highly toxic to murine P388 leukaemia cells Artocarpus kemando prenylated flavonoids, including artonins E and O, artobiloxanthone, and cycloartobiloxanthone, were similarly cytotoxic against human oral epidermoid carcinoma (KB) cells⁵¹. Seo from a study found that artonin E and artobiloxanthone have high DNA strand scission activity, suggesting DNA-targeting potential⁵². Syah and Ko from a study identified other chemicals from Artocarpus chempeden and Artocarpus elasticus, including artoindonesianins U and V, cycloartobiloxanthone, and artonol A, which were powerful tumour cytotoxic. Artocarpus altilis and communis produced prenylated flavones and geranyl chalcone derivatives that were cytotoxic to breast and nasopharyngeal cancer cell lines⁵³. Isolespeol from A. communis caused mitochondrial apoptosis in human liposarcoma cells. Musthapa from a study found considerable cytotoxicity against murine leukaemia cells in the novel Artocarpus elasticus oxepinoflavone artoindonesianin E1. These results imply that Artocarpus species chemicals might be developed as chemotherapeutic agents, promising cancer therapy options⁵⁴.

Antiplatelet effects:

Artocarpus communis cortex flavonoids such dihydroartomunoxanthone, cyclomunomethanol, artochamins B, and artocommunol CC inhibited human platelet-rich plasma. Dihydroartomunoxanthone, artochamins B, and artocommunol CC inhibited adrenaline-induced secondary platelet aggregation. The main antiplatelet mechanism of these drugs was thromboxane inhibition. These antithrombotic chemicals may treat atherosclerosis and thrombosis because platelet aggregation is a crucial factor⁵⁵.

Antifungal activity:

Jayasinghe from a study found five chalcone chemicals in the n-butanol fraction of Artocarpus nobilis leaf methanol extract based on antifungal activity: 2,4-4-trihydroxy-3-geranylchalcone, 2,4-4-trihydroxy-3-[6-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-2(E),7-octadienyl], 2,4-4-trihydroxy-3-[2-hydroxy-7-methyl-3-methylene-6-octaenyl], 2,3,4,4-tetrahydroxy-3-geranylchalcone, and 2,3,4,4-tetrahydroxy-3-octadienyl. Compounds 1-4 and 5 showed fungicidal efficacy against Cladosporium cladosporioides at 5 µg/spot and 15 µg/spot after TLC bioautography testing⁵⁶. Chalcones 3 and 5 were unique natural products, whereas compounds 1 and 2 were Moraceae family firsts. Jackin from Artocarpus integrifolia (jackfruit) and frutackin from Artocarpus incisa were identified and characterised by Trindade from a study. The lectins suppressed Fusarium moniliforme and Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth⁵⁷.

Antirotavirus activity:

In vitro anti-rotavirus efficacy of medicinal plants, including Brazilian diarrhoea treatment Artocarpus integrifolia (jackfruit), was examined by Goncalves from research. The research tested plant extracts against simian (SA-11) and human (HCR-3) rotaviruses. Artocarpus integrifolia bark extract at 480 g/ml inhibited human and simian rotaviruses by 99.2% and 96.4%, respectively. These findings imply that Artocarpus integrifolia extracts may cure rotavirus-induced diarrhoea⁵⁸.

Antidiabetic activity:

Healthy people and those with maturity-onset diabetes have been evaluated for glucose tolerance using Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf hot-water extracts. The extracts enhanced glucose tolerance at oral dosages of 20 g/kg of the starting material. Yorubas in Western Nigeria utilize Artocarpus communis root bark decoctions and infusions to treat type 2 diabetes⁵⁹. Bioactive prenylflavonoids have been extracted from Artocarpus communis roots, stem bark, and leaves, although its root bark extract's effects on diabetes are unknown. Aqueous extract of A. communis root bark (ACE) elevated blood glucose in Wistar mice. Four groups of rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) and ACE to compare their glycemic effects. Groups B and C got STZ with ACE, whereas group D received ACE alone. The ACE therapy caused substantial hyperglycemia in group D rats and 24–72-hour hyperglycemia in groups B and C. All groups showed increased hepatic glycogen but decreased HXK and GCK activity after ACE therapy. Adewole and Ojewole from a study found that Artocarpus communis root bark extract causes acute hyperglycemia and affects Wistar rat pancreatic and hepatic metabolism⁶⁰.

Anti-inflammatory activity:

Dihydrocycloartomunin, dihydroisocycloartomunin, cycloartomunin, cyclomorusin, cudraflavone A, cyclocommunin, artonin A, B, artocarpanone, artomunoxanthone, cycloheterohyllin, and heteroflavanones A, B, and C were tested in vitro for anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting chemical release. In mast cells, dihydroisocycloartomunin suppressed beta-glucuronidase and histamine release, whereas artocarpanone reduced neutrophil lysozyme release^{61, 62}. Cycloheterohyllin, artonin B, and artocarpanone decreased superoxide anion generation in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils, whereas cyclomorusin, dihydrocycloartomunin, cudraflavone A, and cyclocommunin increased it in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, artocarpanone dramatically decreased NO generation and iNOS protein expression. Artocarpus heterophyllus fruit phenolics such artocarpesin, norartocarpetin, and oxyresveratrol also reduced inflammation. Artocarpesin lowered LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production by downregulating iNOS and COX-2 protein expression, suggesting it may cure inflammation-related illnesses⁶³.

Antiarthritic effect:

Artocarpus tonkinensis leaves and roots have been used to cure backache and rheumatic joint illnesses, including RA, a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys joints and erodes bone. The anti-inflammatory effects of Artocarpus tonkinensis leaf ethyl acetate was investigated in dark agouti rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). After being immunized with collagen type II (C II) emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant, rats received the extract intraperitoneally⁶⁴. The extract reduced arthritis severity and delayed illness development. When given after arthritis started, it helped. The extract inhibited mitogen-driven T-cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in activated lymphocytes from lymph node (LN) cell cultures in vitro. Dang et al. (2009) also identified four active flavonoid glucosides from Artocarpus tonkinensis, including artonkin-4-O-glucoside, an anti-inflammatory molecule⁶⁵. These chemicals decrease T-cell proliferation and cytokine production in a concentration-dependent manner, potentially reducing arthritis severity via immune response modulation.

Antiatherosclerotic Activity:

The WST-1 test was employed to examine the cytoprotective effects of solvent extracts from Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg on human U937 cells subjected to oxidized LDL (OxLDL). The ethyl acetate extract was cytoprotective. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the extract revealed cytoprotective substances, such as β-sitosterol and six flavonoids. Due to its cytoprotective characteristics, Artocarpus altilis may be medicinal⁶⁶.

Anthelmintic Effect:

Artocarpus lakoocha's crude extract (containing 70% THS) was tested on adult Fasciola gigantica in M-199 medium with different concentrations (250, 500, 750, and 1000 µg/ml) and triclabendazole (TCZ) as a positive control at 80 and 175 µg/ml. SEM and relative motility (RM) tests analyzed parasite changes. TCZ at 80 and 175 µg/ml decreased parasite movement in 3 hours, immobilized them in 6 hours, and caused death in 12 hours. At all dosages, the crude extract reduced motility within 3 hours. At 250 and 500 µg/ml, it reduced motility by 30-40% over 12-24 hours. At higher doses (750 and 1000 µg/ml), it caused significant decline and parasite mortality within 12-24 hours⁶⁷. The extract reduced larval migration by 75% at 250-500 µg/ml and 100% at 750-1000 µg/ml. The dorsal, anterior, and lateral parasites had the greatest tegumental damage from TCZ and the crude extract, including swelling, blebbing, rupture, desquamation, and basal lamina exposure. The crude extract damaged more at higher concentrations. These data demonstrate that Artocarpus lakoocha crude extract may elicit Fasciola gigantica tegumental damage, supporting its use as an anthelmintic in Thailand and Laos⁶⁸.

Antioxidant Activities:

The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables are increasingly recognized for avoiding chronic illnesses and improving health. Antioxidants like prenylflavones, cycloheterophyllin, and artonins A and B originated from plants. These chemicals prevent iron-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates and scavenge DPPH, peroxyl, and hydroxyl radicals but not superoxide or hydrogen peroxide. Cycloheterophyllin and artonins A and B reduce copper-catalyzed LDL oxidation also preventing lipid peroxidation. Artocarpus heterophyllus' prenylated flavonoid 5,7,40-trihydroxy-6,8-diprenylisoflavone inhibits lipid peroxidation better than genistein, and jackfruit seeds have greater antioxidant and phenolic levels than the edible components⁶⁹. Also, Artocarpus elasticus' prenylated flavone artelastin has been shown to scavenge ROS and inhibit nitric oxide production, indicating it may control inflammatory responses. Some studies show that Artocarpus odoratissimus seeds have more antioxidant activity than the meat, including DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reduction. Cyclogeracommunin and artoflavone A lower oxidative DNA damage and xanthine oxidase activity. These results imply that Artocarpus species are a good source of bioactive chemicals with antioxidant potential for nutraceuticals and functional meals. These chemicals' oxidative stress-related disease prevention efficacy may be shown via in vivo research⁷⁰.

Corneal Epithelial wound healing:

Artocarpus integrifolia lectin KM+ was investigated for neutrophil migration-induced corneal epithelial wound healing in rabbits. Both eyes had 6.0-mm corneal debridement by mechanical scraping. The control eyes received buffer, whereas the experimental eyes received 2.5 g/ml KM+ drops every 2 hours. Fluorescein-stained, photographed, and quantified treated and untreated eye epithelial wounds. After scraping, animals were euthanized at 12 hours (group 1, n = 5), 24 hours (group 2, n = 10), and 48 hours (group 3, n = 5) and their corneas were histologically examined using haematoxylin and eosin and marker immunostaining in group 1, treatment raised neutrophil count but did not heal epithelial gap. Group 2 included three control and seven treated eyes that healed completely, leaving only few neutrophils in the corneal stroma. Group 3 exhibited no morphological differences between treated and control eyes. Group 2 corneas immunostained more for corneal healing mediators such p63, c-Met, and laminin. By boosting neutrophil movement into the wound site, lectin-produced KM+ topical therapy may improve rabbit corneal epithelial wound healing⁷¹.

CONCLUSION:

Artocarpus chama fruits have been used in traditional medicine to treat boils, diarrhoea, fever, impotence, ulcers, asthma, wounds, and skin issues. Recently discovered bioactive compounds in these fruits support their significant use. High quantities of phytochemicals including flavonoids, phenolics, and antioxidants provide these fruits health advantages. Artocarpus chama fruits reduce oxidative stress and inflammation with their antioxidants. These fruits' extracts have showed antibacterial activities against various disease-causing microbes and promise cancer-fighting properties, according to early study. Besides their medicinal properties, Artocarpus chama fruits are rich in nutrients, making them good for health. The findings of this research support the traditional medicinal use of Artocarpus chama and showcase its many health benefits as a functional food. A comprehensive investigation is necessary to distinguish and categorize the bioactive substances that lead to positive effects on health. Advanced analytical techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Mass Spectrometry (MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) may be used to detect and characterize these compounds. Comprehending molecular pathways will facilitate the creation of tailored medications. Despite initial promising results, larger-scale clinical studies are necessary to validate the efficacy and safety of Artocarpus chama fruits in the treatment of various medical conditions. These investigations should include experiments, controls, and standardized extracts. Artocarpus chama must undergo thorough clinical trials before it may be considered for inclusion in evidence-based treatment. Adopting responsible and sustainable growing procedures is necessary to ensure a consistent availability of Artocarpus chama fruits while minimizing any adverse effects on the environment. Reducing environmental damage and promoting biodiversity are important to this. Artocarpus chama fruits have potential applications in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and medications. Collaborative partnerships between food and pharmaceutical sectors can improve availability and processing. Combining fruit with other medicinal plants and conventional medications can enhance study efficacy. Analyzing macro and micronutrient content is essential for understanding their nutritional value. Informative initiatives can increase awareness of health benefits and promote sustainable practices. The nutritional and medicinal potential of Artocarpus chama fruits is promising. Building a connection between past use and modern scientific methodologies is crucial for efficient research and development.

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Received on 13.12.2024 Revised on 19.04.2025

Accepted on 22.07.2025 Published on 01.10.2025

Available online from October 04, 2025

Research J. Pharmacy and Technology. 2025;18(10):5109-5118.

DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2025.00738

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.

Artocarpus Species	Origin and geographical distribution	Common names	Synonyms	Uses
Artocarpus chama Buch.-Ham.	India, Burma,Bangladesh	Chaplasha	Artocarpus melinoxylus Gagnep Artocarpus chaplasha Roxb.
Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.	Native to Western Ghats India. Introduced in South-East Asian region	Jackfruit	Artocarpus integra Artocarpus integrifolia auct. Artocarpus maxima Blanco Artocarpus philippensis Lamk Artocarpus brasiliensis Gomez Artocarpus jaca Lam.	Edible fruits, medicinal roots for fever and diarrhoea, antisyphilic and vermifuge leaves, healing agents for ulcers and wounds, and remedies for anaemia, asthma, dermatitis, dysentery, cough, and wounds made from the stems and leaves.
Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg	Native to Pacific and Tropical Asia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea	Breadfruit	Artocarpus communis J.R. Artocarpus camansi Blanco and G. Forst. Artocarpus incisa Artocarpus incisus (Thunb.) L.f.	Tonic for the liver made from fruit pulp; leaves used to cure diabetes, hypertension, and cirrhosis of the liver.
Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham.	Native to humid sub. Himalayan Regions of India, South China, South-East Asia	Monkeyjack, Lakoocha	Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb.	Chewing bark like betel nut treats skin disorders
Artocarpus chempeden Spreng.	South-East Asia, Indonesia	Chempedak		Roots in malaria fever, Seeds in diarrhea.
Artocarpus hirsutus Lam	South India	-	Artocarpus hirsuta Lam.	-
Artocarpus rotunda (Hout) Panzer	Indonesia, South Asia	-	-	-
Artocarpus nobilis Thw.	Endemic to Sri Lanka	-	-	Edible seeds and young fruits
Artocarpus odoratissimus Blanco.	Borneo, Philippines	Marang, Terap	-	Fruits edible
Artocarpus lowii King	Rare species in Malaysia	Miku	-	Sap used as an ointment and as cooking oil.
A integer (Thunb.) Merr.	Thialand, Peninsular Malaysia, Burma, Peninsular Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi lingga, Archipelago	-	Persoon Polyphema champeden Lour. Radermachia integra Thunb Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Stokes	Fruits edible.
Artocarpus gomezianus Wall. Ex Trecul.	Western part of Indonesia	Tampang burung	Artocarpus pomiformis Artocarpus integrifolius L.f. Artocarpus polyphema	-
Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. Ex Blume	South-East Asia, West Malaysia	-	-	Latex for diarrhoea, bark for inflammation and female contraception, leaves for TB.