Jackfruit

The Jackfruit or the Kathal is the National fruit of Bangladesh which belongs to the mulberry family. Jack fruit is popular in South India food. There are 100 to 500 seeds in a single jackfruit. A fully ripened fruit gives out a strong odour.

Jack fruit contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, zinc and ninacin among many other nutrients.

Jackfruit contains phytonutrients: lignans, isoflavones and saponins which have health benefits that are wide ranging. These phytonutrients have anti cancer, antihypertensive, anti- aging properties. The phytonutrients found in jack fruit, therefore, can prevent cancer cells from forming in the body, can lower blood pressure, can fight against stomach ulcers and can slow down the denegration of cells that make the skin look young and vital.

Jack fruit has many medicinal uses as listed below:

Root extract is used to treat fever and diarrhoea.

The root is a remedy for skin disease and asthma.

The wood has a sedative property.

It also helps one get over the influence of alcohol.

The roasted seeds are said to be an aphrodisiac.

The burnt residue of jack fruit leaves mixed with burnt corn and coconut shells is used to heal ulcers.

It is also a good source of vitamin B1 and B2.

Its ripe fruit is demulcent, nutrivite and laxative.

Its unripe fruit act as astringent.

Pulp or flesh surrounding the seed is aromatic, cooling & tonic.

It destroys the excessive formation of bile and wind in the body.

The juice extracted from the bark of the jackfruit tree and mango tree mixed with lime stone water, if taken cures diarrhea attended with blood and cholera.

If the buds of jackfruit is crushed and the pills thus made is sucked by keeping it in the mouth or if the juice extraced from these buds is taken then it cures throat disease.

The milk giving capacity of a cow or buffaloes increases if the barks of jackfruit tree are given to them.

Being rich in potassium, jackfruit has been found to be helpful in the lowering of blood pressure.

Jackfruit Jackfruit contains phytonutrients, with health benefits ranging from antiproves to be a very good source of vitamin C, which is known for its high antioxidant properties.

The fruit contains isoflavones, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, all of which are credited for their cancer –fighting properties.

Jackfruit is known to contain anti-ulcer properties and is also good for those suffering from indigestion.

Boasting of anti-ageing properties, the fruit can help slow down the degeneration of cells and make the skin look young and supple.

Jackfruit serves as a good supply of protections, carbohydrates and vitamins, for the human body.

It is believed that the fruit can help prevent and treat tension and nervousness.

Since it contains few calories and a very small amount of fat, jackfruit is good for those trying to lose weight.

The root of jackfruit is said to be good for the treatment of a number of skin problems.

B.Nrmala Kumari, B.Pavani

N.B.Prabhavathi Asst. Professor,

Department of pharmacology,

St.Ann’scollege of pharmacy, Naynipalli, Chirala.