Search Results (35)

Jackfruit seeds (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) are a viable option for supporting a sustainable protein supply. The objective was to obtain protein powder from jackfruit seeds protein concentrate (JSPC) by spray drying. A central composite design was used; the independent variables were inlet temperature (110, 115, and 120 °C) and the solids of the JSPC solution (5, 7.5, and 10%). With the desirability function, the optimal drying parameters to maximize the process yield and achieve a low moisture content were 7.5% solids in the JSPC solution and an inlet temperature of 115 °C, resulting in a process yield of 71.51 ± 1.21%. Moisture (5.33 ± 0.11%), water activity (0.15 ± 0.02), bulk density (0.40 ± 0.01 g/mL), and color (L*: 70.56 ± 0.38, a*: 7.80 ± 0.11 and b*: 15.18 ± 0.15) were measured; these parameters are within the allowed ranges for stable food powders. Hydrosolubility (82.46 ± 1.68%), foaming capacity (48.33 ± 1.66%), and emulsifying activity (105.74 ± 10.20 m²/g) were evaluated. Glass transition temperature (129.49 °C) of the JSPC powder enables the establishment of optimal storage and processing conditions for the protein. JSPC powder could be applied to the elaboration of food products with nutritional and functional value. Full article

Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) is widely distributed in subtropical and tropical regions, and some phytochemicals isolated from this species have demonstrated anti-proliferative effects. However, its impact on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HPV-related cervical cancer models remains unclear. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and anticancer activity of an ethanolic extract from A. heterophyllus leaves (AHEE) in the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and in the HPV-16⁺ murine cancer cell line TC-1. Phytochemical screening and spectroscopic analyses (UV-Vis, IR, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR) revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, steroids, coumarins, and flavone-type flavonoids, with a total phenolic content of 3.34 µg GAE/mg and flavonoid content of 0.44 mg QE/g extract. In 2D cultures, AHEE reduced cell viability by 49% in TC-1 and 24% in MDA-MB-231 at 300 µg/mL, inhibited colony formation and migration in TC-1, and impaired survival but not migration in MDA-MB-231. In 3D cultures, 250 µg/mL inhibited proliferation, migration, and anchorage-independent growth in both cell lines. Furthermore, the combination of AHEE with one-fifth of the IC₅₀ of doxorubicin or cisplatin produces an effect comparable to that observed with the full IC₅₀ of these drugs. These findings suggest that AHEE possesses anticancer activity with cell-type-specific effects and highlight its potential as an adjuvant therapy. Further studies are warranted to elucidate its mechanisms of action. Full article

Fruit wastes have been considered as environmental pollution. Jackfruit is a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, meaning that its use in animal feed could contribute to waste reduction. The objective of this research was to evaluate the different parts of jackfruit (seed, pulp, and peel) as an agro-industrial waste on the productive parameters, carcass traits, and meat quality of rabbits. For this study, 144 thirty-five-day-old rabbits were randomly divided into four treatments, control (C), 2.5% pulp powder (PY), 2.5% seed powder (SY), and 2.5% peel powder (CY), with six repetitions and 6 rabbits for each repetition. The fattening period was 30 days. The best feed conversion ratios were found in the C, PY, and CY groups (p < 0.05). The highest chilled carcass yield was observed in the PY group (p < 0.05). Similar results were observed for intestinal morphology in all treatments (p > 0.05). The meat color obtained from the PY group had higher whiteness, redness, and chroma values (p < 0.05). Higher taste and general acceptability values for meat were observed in the groups using jackfruit (SY, PY, and CY). It is concluded that the addition of jackfruit peel powders can be used in rabbit feed, as they improve the final weight, feed conversion, carcass yield, and meat texture, while the sensory analysis demonstrates that the meat is well accepted by consumers. Full article

The sustainability of agricultural production and the conservation of tropical ecosystems face significant challenges due to processes such as climate change and soil degradation. This study evaluated the impacts of three biofertilizers—biol (T02), vermicompost (T03), and bokashi (T04)—on soil quality and the vegetative development of two typical plants, Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and Yaca (Artocarpus heterophyllus), cultivated in the Asháninka locality in the Central Peruvian Jungle. Using a completely randomized experimental design, it was generally found that treatments T04 and, to a lesser extent, T03 improved the soil quality and consequently enhanced the vegetative development of Mahogany and Yaca. Compared with the untreated controls (T01), these biofertilizers generated less dense and more porous soils and increased the water retention, organic matter, pH, and the availability of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. They also promoted greater biodiversity. These qualities, in turn, stimulated the vegetative development of Mahogany and Yaca, whose leaves showed considerable content of chlorophyll A and B and total chlorophyll. Thus, T03 and especially T04 proved to be effective biofertilizers for the treatment of tropical soils, promoting efficient plant growth and development in species such as Mahogany and Yaca. These findings highlight the great potential of the biofertilizers T03 and T04 in achieving sustainable agricultural production, as well as for the conservation and improvement of tropical forests. Full article

Jackfruit residues represent 70% of the total by-products generated from the processing of the fruit. The seeds, which are composed of proteins, fibers, and starch, are widely used in human nutrition; however, its potential in animal nutrition should be further investigated. Thus, the objective was to study the protein enrichment of jackfruit seeds by semi-solid fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and applying an experimental design to verify the effects of yeast concentration (1, 3, and 5%) and process temperature (30, 35, and 40 °C) on the protein increase. Physical and chemical analysis of the substrate was performed at intervals of 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. A decrease in water content and water activity was observed during the fermentation time. The total soluble solid content also declined due to the consumption of carbohydrates by yeast. After 96 h of the process, the crude protein content of the fermented substrate increased approximately 2.5 times, corresponding to a protein increase of 357%, with the use of 5% of yeast at 40 °C. Through semi-solid fermentation, the protein content and the concentration of mineral nutrients in the jackfruit seeds increased, making it an alternative product for animal feed with high added value. Full article

Human activities intensely transform landscapes, resulting in significant changes in the abundance of native plant species and even leading to their local extinction. The fragmentation of native orchid habitats and populations in countries recognized as global biodiversity hotspots is a matter of grave concern. This issue is exacerbated by the extensive infrastructure projects currently underway in many biodiversity hotspot areas of the world. The southwestern state of Kerala in India is a prominent hotspot for orchids, both in India and globally, owing to its exceptionally high density of native orchid species. Roadside trees in Kerala provide a sanctuary for a diverse range of species, including native orchids, which constitute one of the major groups. This study undertook a preliminary assessment of the diversity of trees and native orchids in two northern districts of Kerala, specifically, Kannur and Wayanad. The removal of trees in Kerala for road building directly affects the populations of many native orchids, some of which are endemic to the southern Western Ghats regions in Kerala. In the Kannur district, Mangifera indica and Artocarpus heterophyllus were the dominant trees in terms of hosting the greatest number of individual orchids. The endemic tree Pterocarpus marsupium from Wayanad was the dominant tree, which hosted the greatest number of species of orchids, including four that are endemic. This paper explores the potential opportunities of rescuing orchids and planting them in a safe and protected urban environment. The thematic question is whether native orchids, particularly endemic species, can be preserved from local extinction and used for conservation translocation. Could this method of introducing native orchids to urban environments enhance conservation efforts while also fostering a stronger connection between people and nature? Over 17,000 plants, representing 22 native orchid species, were collected, of which 16 species were endemic. Six months after planting, all but three of the endemic species successfully survived in the urban biological park. Among the surviving orchids, all species except four managed to bloom. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first endeavor of its kind to plant a substantial number of endemic rescued orchids within an urban landscape to reduce local extinction and enhance the connectivity of people with native biodiversity. This resource aims to enhance our understanding of the resilience of endemic orchids, which originate from highland regions, as they adapt to a lowland urban environment in the coming decades. Full article

Changes in physicochemical parameters, fruit softening enzymes and cell wall polysaccharides at four different maturation stages were investigated in two jackfruit genotypes (‘Accession 242’, ‘Accession 341’). For the first three maturity stages, fruit were harvested at 90, 110, and 130 days after flowering (Stage I, II and III, respectively), while Stage IV was determined based on the presence of a dull hollow tapping sound. The fruit edible portion and seed percentage increased, whilst the core and rag percentage decreased with advancement in fruit maturation and ripening. The fruit harvested at Stage IV had comparatively higher soluble solids content (SSC), ascorbic acid and flavonoids, along with lower titratable acidity (TA) and phenolics, than other maturity stages. Bulb firmness was higher at Stage I in both genotypes, along with higher total pectin, protopectin and cellulose compared to other maturity stages. The activity of cell wall hydrolases was higher during later maturity stages. Fruit harvested at Stage IV had higher edible portions, carotenoids, flavonoids and SSC, as well as better colour attributes, while those harvested at Stage I exhibited higher phenolics, TA, pectin and cellulose. These findings could serve as a baseline for future research related to the intended use and maturity standardisation of jackfruit. Full article

The increasing frequency and severity of drought, driven by global climate change, has emerged as a critical factor constraining the growth of landscaping trees in urban ecosystems. The local or non-local status of tree species is an important driver of plant function traits, which regulate plant performance. However, the differential impact of varying drought intensities on the functional traits of both non-local and local trees remains poorly understood. This study investigated the responses of leaf and root traits of seven typical tropical landscaping tree seedlings (three local species and four non-local species) to simulated drought conditions in a year-long greenhouse experiment. The results showed that drought significantly increased the specific leaf area, leaf thickness, and root exudate rate, while reducing root nitrogen content and leaf dry matter content, with differences observed between local and non-local species. The non-local species exhibited pronounced fluctuations in leaf and root traits between control and drought conditions. Local species tended to enhance the relationship between leaves and roots under drought, while non-local species showed a weakening of this relationship. Principal component analysis revealed that local species adopted a more conservative strategy under control conditions and a more acquisitive strategy under drought, while root strategies remained stable across conditions. The subordination function method in fuzzy mathematics identified Terminalia neotaliala (non-local) as the most drought-resistant species and Artocarpus heterophyllus (non-local) as the least drought-resistant species. Non-local species demonstrated greater drought resistance in leaf traits compared to local species, but the opposite was observed for root traits. These results underscore the importance of understanding the species-specific responses of local and non-local trees to drought stress. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing effective screening and management protocols for drought-resistant landscaping tree species. Full article

This study aims to obtain protein fractions, such as albumin, globulin, prolamin, and glutelin, from jackfruit leaf flour and protein concentrate (LPC). The protein fractions were characterised based on their protein content, amino acid profile, hydrosolubility, emulsifying, foaming, and thermal properties. The flour and LPC are mainly composed of prolamin and glutelin, respectively. The glutelin fractions presented a higher protein content and amino acid profile, featuring elevated leucine, valine, and glutamic acid levels. The glutelin fraction of LPC exhibited the highest hydrosolubility (27.7–88.6%), while globulin fractions displayed the lowest values (0.0–25.9%). The prolamin fraction of LPC showed higher foaming capacity (113.3%) and foaming stability (95.55%). The better emulsifying activity index (53.2 m²/g) and emulsion stability index (82 min) were observed in the glutelin fraction (LPC). The globulin (flour and LPC) and prolamin (flour) fractions had the highest glass transition, denaturation temperatures, and low enthalpy values. Therefore, the functional and thermal properties depend on amino acid composition and protein content. The glutelin and prolamin fractions of LPC could be used as emulsifying and foaming (respectively) agents based on vegetable proteins. LPC protein fractionation proved instrumental in obtaining proteins with superior functional properties compared to flour ones. Full article

(1) Background: Jackfruit leaves (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) are rich in proteins but are under-utilized in the food industry due to their poor sensory properties and low solubility. High-intensity ultrasound (HIU) can enhance protein solubility by disrupting internal interactions and altering protein structures, making them more suitable for industrial applications. (2) Methods: This study aimed to modify the structure of jackfruit leaf proteins using HIU at different powers (600, 840, and 1080 W) and treatment times (10, 15, and 20 min). This research also characterized the amino acid composition and the techno-functional and antioxidant properties of the modified proteins. (3) Results: The HIU treatments significantly improved the foaming capacity and enhanced the emulsion stability within the proteins treated at 1080 W for 15 min, which showed a monomodal size distribution profile. Additionally, the modified proteins exhibited a higher antioxidant capacity compared to the native protein. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that structurally modified proteins from jackfruit leaves could be directly utilized in the formulation of emulsions or as foam stabilizers, offering added benefits to consumers due to their significant antioxidant properties. Full article

Jackfruit, primarily cultivated in Nayarit, Mexico, has four notable genotypes: “Agüitada”, “Rumina”, “Licenciada”, and “Karlita”, which require thorough characterization. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive characterization of these genotypes through an integration of morphological, physiological, physicochemical, phytochemical, and DNA fingerprinting analyses. Measurements were taken from physiological maturity to senescence. SSR and SRAP markers were employed for DNA fingerprinting, and a complete randomized design followed by multivariate analysis was used to observe variable relationships. The results revealed that “Rumina” had the largest leaf size, while “Karlita” had the largest fruit size and the highest respiration rate (117.27 mL of CO₂·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹). “Licenciada” showed the highest ethylene production (265.45 µL·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹). “Agüitada” and “Licenciada” were associated with orange bulbs, whereas “Rumina” and “Karlita” were associated with yellow ones. Additionally, “Agüitada” demonstrated higher levels of soluble phenols and carotenoids, indicating greater antioxidant capacity. The Jaccard index suggested moderate genetic diversity among the genotypes, and the dendrogram revealed two genetic clusters. “Licenciada” emerged as a promising genotype, combining high genetic diversity with desirable physicochemical traits. This study highlights the need to broaden future genetic analyses to include a wider range of jackfruit genotypes from various regions, offering a more comprehensive understanding of genetic diversity. Full article

A polysaccharide from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (jackfruit) pulp (JFP-Ps) is known for its excellent bioactivities. However, its impact on small intestinal barrier function is still largely unexplored. The study aimed to examine the protection effect of JFP-Ps against dextran sodium sulfate-induced enteritis and its underlying mechanism. This research revealed that JFP-Ps mitigated small intestinal tissue damage by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in the small intestine. JFP-Ps diminished oxidative stress by bolstering the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reducing the concentration of malondialdehyde in the small intestine. In addition, JFP-Ps may restore the mechanical barrier and inhibit intestinal structure damage by augmenting the expression of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) receptors (GPR41/43) and up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin). In conclusion, JFP-Ps may positively influence intestinal health by relieving oxidative stress in the small intestine, improving mechanical barrier function, activating the SCFA-GPR41/GPR43 axis, and inhibiting TLR4/MAPK pathway activation. The results augment our comprehension of the bioactivities of JFP-Ps, corroborating its great potential as a functional food. Full article

In recent years, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (jackfruit) polysaccharides (namely JFP-Ps) have attracted much attention due to their multiple biological activities. This study aimed to explore the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of JFP-Ps on cyclophosphamide (Cp)-induced liver damage. The protective effect of JFP-Ps was evaluated using HE staining, antioxidant testing, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot and ultra-performance liquid chromatography equipped with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) metabolomics analysis. The results showed that Cp caused pathological liver damage, activated oxidative stress and downregulated cytokine expression, while JFP-Ps treatment was found to exert antioxidant effects and play immune regulatory roles through mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-κB (MAPK/NF-κB) related inflammation and cell apoptosis pathways to protect the Cp-induced liver injury. Metabolomic results showed that the liver-protective effects of JFP-Ps were mainly related to aminoacyl transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) biosynthesis, sphingolipid metabolism, purine metabolism and the citrate cycle. These results indicate that JFP-Ps have great potential application in alleviating liver injury. Full article

An in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model was applied to investigate the effect of digestion on the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (jackfruit) pulp. The total phenol content (TPC) was determined using Folin–Ciocalteu method, and the antioxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Phenolic compounds were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization, followed by quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS). The results showed that TPC was significantly higher after gastric digestion. Thirty phenolic compounds (hydroxybenzoic acids and derivatives, hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives, and flavonoids) were identified. The antioxidant activities of the digested samples varied with the TPC, and there was a correlation between antioxidant activity and TPC. The present study implies that gastrointestinal digestion may improve TPC and increase the amount of free phenolic compounds, mainly related to changes in pH value and digestive enzymes. Full article

Pectinases are enzymes used in several industrial processes. Seven agroindustrial wastes—jackfruit seed meal (Artocarpus heterophyllus), cocoa seed peel (Theobroma cacao), cocoa husks (Theobroma cacao), passion fruit husks (Passiflora edulis), mangosteen husks (Garcinia mangostana), malt residue (Hordeum vulgare) and the peach palm waste (Bactris gasipaes Kunth.)—were evaluated to produce a crude extract containing pectinase activity by Penicillium rolfsii CCMB 714. The jackfruit seed meal was chosen as the best substrate for solid-state fermentation, which was optimized with 4 mL of water as a wetting agent for 2 days at 35 °C and with a 0.5% nitrogen source, whereby the pectinase production increased by 44% (362.09 U/g). The obtained crude extract was characterized and applied to wastes saccharification and orange juice clarification. The pectinase showed better activity at a pH of 3.0 to 5.0 and 55 °C, it stably maintained over 80% of activity at 30–50 °C for up to 60 min and 1 mM CuSO₄ increased the pectinase activity by 17%. The saccharification of agroindustrial wastes (cocoa husks, mangosteen husks and passion fruit husks) resulted in 126.55 µmol/mL of reducing sugars from passion fruit husks, which represents an increase of 126% after optimization (45 °C for 22 h). For the clarification of orange juice, it was possible to reduce the absorbance of the juice by 55%. These results elucidate the potential of the low-cost pectinase solution from P. rolfsii CCMB 714 cultivated in jackfruit seed meal for both the enzymatic pretreatment of plant biomass and the application in beverage industries. Full article