Comprehensive comparative assessment of the quantity and quality of constituents among the three species of Artocarpus

Abstract

This study conducted a comprehensive comparative assessment of the quantity and quality of phytochemical constituents present in three economically and nutritionally important species of the genus Artocarpus: Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit), Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit), and Artocarpus camansi (breadnut). Leaf and stem samples of the three species were collected and analyzed for selected phytochemical constituents, including tannins, phenols, alkaloids, and hydrogen cyanide, using standard analytical procedures. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis to determine variations among species. The results revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the concentrations of tannins, phenols, alkaloids, and hydrogen cyanide in both leaves and stems across the three species. Nevertheless, A. heterophyllus recorded the highest leaf tannin (7.66±0.58%), leaf alkaloid (4.26±0.73%), and leaf hydrogen cyanide (3.13±0.65 µg/g) contents. A. altilis exhibited the highest stem tannin (13.66±0.51%), stem alkaloid (3.52±1.29%), and both leaf and stem phenol contents of 42.11±1.33% and 21.53±1.29%, respectively. A. camansi showed the highest stem hydrogen cyanide value (2.56±0.41 µg/g). The generally comparable phytochemical profiles observed among the species indicate close biochemical relationships and suggest their potential as valuable sources of bioactive compounds. The low hydrogen cyanide levels further support their suitability for nutritional, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications