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This Southeast Asian species is easily confused with its close
relative the chempedak (Artocarpus integer).
Both have similar gigantic, compound fruit and leathery, unlobed
leaves, but the chempedaks fruit are slightly sweeter.
The fruit may be up to 24 in (60 cm) long and weigh up to 40 lb (18
kg).
Propagation is from seed, or more commonly from root cuttings or
aerial layers (marcotts), which perpetuate desirable clones.
Medical use: Jackfruit pulp and seeds- as a cooling and nutritious
tonic, useful in overcoming the effects of alcohol; in South-East
Asia, seed starch used to relieve biliousness while the roasted are
regarded as an aphrodisiac; heated leaves placed on wounds, and the
ash of the leaves burned with maize and coconut shellsused to heal
ulcers; mixed with vinegar the latex promotes healing of abscesses,
snakebite and glandular swellings; bark made into poultice; wood has
sedative properties and its pith is said to induce abortion; root as
a remedy against skin diseases and asthma, andextract for fever and
diarrhoea.Charred and powdered leaves effective cicatrizant for
wound due to surgical operation. Root decoction cures diarrhea and
lowers fever. Milky juice when mixed with vinegar is applied on
glandular swelling for it promotes the formation or discharge of
pus.Wood bark used for fever, diarrhea; as expectorant and
lactagogue. Against boils. |
