Conclusions
Since antiquity jackfruit, a tree indigenous to the rainforests of the Western Ghats is an important source of nutritious food especially during the summer when food is scarce. Experimental studies performed in the past suggest that jackfruit possesses diverse medicinal uses including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticariogenic, antifungal, antineoplastic and hypoglycemic effects, inhibits melanin biosynthesis, possesses wound healing properties, and causes a transient decrease in the sexual performance. The observed pharmacological properties may be attributed to the presence of various phytochemicals.
The leaves are observed to be excellent adsorbents of the industrial dye methyleneblue. In milieu of the increased effluents being released in to environment and it affecting the living systems, these observations assume great significance. Jackfruit leaves could be an excellent bioadsorbent and could be utilized to remove dyes from the effluents. Emphasis should be given to optimize the effects for industrial scale as this could lead to prevention of the environmental pollution and its effects on both biotic and abiotic factors. Laboratory studies should also be performed to understand the bioadsorbent capacity of the leaves against other dyes and most importantly with the metal effluents like lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury etc. that are highly dangerous. These studies if extended to reclamation will also be of use in recycling the dyes and metals for judicious usage and prevention of environmental pollution.
When compared to other tropical fruits like orange, banana, mango, pineapple papaya and ber, jackfruit pulp and seeds quantitatively contains more protein, calcium, iron and thiamine and are a good source for these essential nutrients. Regular consumption during the harsh summer season will provide the required RDA/AI at least in part. The pulps also contain biologically important neutraceuticals and its presence may have partly been responsible for the myriad beneficial effects.