Beneficial Uses of Breadfruit (Artocarpus Altilis)

The document from 2010 explores the various benefits of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), emphasizing its nutritional value, medicinal properties, and other applications. Breadfruit trees produce a significant yield of fruits that are a rich source of carbohydrates, protein, potassium, calcium, dietary fiber, vitamins C and A, and essential fatty acids. The seeds are notably high in protein and carbohydrates. Medicinally, breadfruit contains phenolic compounds that may help prevent atherosclerosis and thrombosis due to their anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet effects. Notably, an extract from breadfruit, artocarpin, has been suggested to inhibit 5α-reductase, which could be beneficial for treating androgenic alopecia. Additionally, breadfruit starch has been shown to be a potential substitute for corn starch in pharmaceutical tablet formulations, improving tablet properties. Despite its benefits, breadfruit is underutilized, and the document calls for increased awareness to boost its consumption and use.