Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Genus Artocarpus: A Review on Current Status of Knowledge

Artocarpus (Moraceae) species have been widely studied for phytochemical components and pharmacological activity. This review aims to highlight key findings on the discovery, biosynthesis, and biological properties of Artocarpus metabolites. One hundred papers over the past 50 years were critically analysed. Current trends in the research of the genus are also discussed. The ethno-medicinal benefits of Artocarpus species, mainly for inflammation, malaria, diarrhoea, diabetes, and tapeworm infection, have a strong bond between traditional and modern sources. Artocarpus crude extract, especially those from the leaves, bark, stem, and fruit, contain numerous beneficial active molecules, including flavonoids, stilbenoids, aryl benzofurans, and the lectin jacalin. To understand the flavonoid and triterpenoid mechanisms as antimalarial agents, more research on Artocarpus is required. Highly collaborative programs that integrate conventional and modern techniques will be crucial for the future applications of Artocarpus as a possible source of medicinal natural products.