The anti-cancer properties of artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit): a systematic review

Using natural resources to drive Malaysia’s innovation and research would create a sustainable impact on the economy. Artocarpus heterophyllus, locally known as jackfruit, is widely cultivated in Malaysia due to its suitability for growing in warm and moist climates. Artocarpus heterophyllus is well known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, anti- inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. However, its potential to exhibit chemoprevention effects against the development of various types of cancer is less described. Therefore, this study aimed to review the present literature on the role of Artocarpus heterophyllus in preventing or suppressing cancer growth. Relevant articles were identified through seven electronic databases based on six keywords and were included if they met the following criteria: published in English in the year 2010 onwards, described the interventions using Artocarpus heterophyllus towards human cancer cells in vitro, and compared the growth of cancer cells between treated and untreated control groups. In total, 755 relevant abstracts were screened, and 32 full-text articles were evaluated, and 10 eligible papers were further reviewed. All ten studies showed positive effects of Artocarpus heterophyllus on human cancer cells and acted dose-dependently. The most valuable part of Artocarpus heterophyllus, which contained the highest amount of anti-cancer compounds, was its seeds. Jacalin, artocarpin, and artinM were the major compounds of Artocarpus heterophyllus, associated with anti-cancer activity. Breast, lung, and colon cancer were the types of cancer cells primarily used to investigate the chemopreventive activity of Artocarpus heterophyllus. This review compiles evidence of the potential cancer chemoprevention properties of Artocarpus heterophyllus. The findings on the specific type of active compound and targeted cancer cells are beneficial to promote the utilization of Artocarpus heterophyllus as a reliable source for cancer treatment