Jackfruit (Panasa (Atibarahphala))

About

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a large, tropical fruit known for its distinctive aroma and flavor. It is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory dishes. Ayurveda recognizes its various properties depending on its stage of ripeness.

Properties

Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antimicrobial activity, Blood sugar regulation

Dosage

Unripe Fruit Decoction: 30–50 ml twice daily; Ripe Bulb Powder: 5–10g once daily; Seed Flour: 3–6g with warm water; Leaf/Bark Extract Tincture: 10–20 drops twice daily (1:5 hydroalcoholic fluid extract); Fresh Ripe Fruit: 100–200 g daily; Unripe Pods: Up to 150 g per meal; Seed Powder: 3–6 g twice daily; Leaf Decoction: 1 cup twice daily (10–15 g dried leaves boiled in 300 ml water for 10 minutes); Bark Decoction: 40-50 ml; Root and Leaf Decoction: 40-50 ml

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Madhura (sweet), Kashaya (astringent - unripe)
• Virya: ["Shita (cooling - ripe)","Ushna (heating - unripe)"]
• Vipaka: ["Madhura (sweet)"]

Benefits

• Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
• Pittahara (alleviates Pitta)
• Kaphakara (increases Kapha - in excess)
• Aphrodisiac
• Balya (strengthening)
• Stambhana (constipative - unripe)

Traditional uses

• Kshata (wounds)
• Daha (burning sensation)
• Trishna (excessive thirst)
• Durbalya (weakness)
• Prameha (diabetes management - unripe)

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Decoction: Boil sliced unripe jackfruit bulbs in water until half the volume remains. Also, bark of jackfruit can be made into a decoction along with other herbs like Bhunimba and Cumin.
• Powder: Ripe bulbs can be dried and powdered. Seeds can be roasted, boiled, and ground into flour.
• Tincture: Prepare a 1:5 hydroalcoholic fluid extract from leaves or bark.
• Poultice: Grind seeds or bark into a paste and apply topically.
• Fresh: Ripe bulbs can be consumed fresh. Unripe pods can be cooked as a vegetable.
• Other Methods: Jackfruit can be cooked in various dishes like curries, salads and desserts. The seeds can be added to cooked dishes or boiled with sugar to make candies.
• Topical Application: Latex from the leaves can be applied over mouth ulcers. Leaves can be heated with sesame oil and applied for Bell's palsy and trigeminal neuralgia.

Contraindications

• Digestive Issues: Jackfruit is heavy to digest and should be avoided in cases of indigestion and other abdominal diseases.
• Excessive Mucus: It should be avoided in conditions with excessive mucus.
• Weak Digestion: People with weak digestive fire should consume it in moderation.
• Diabetes: Ripe jackfruit contains high sugar content and should not be consumed in excess by diabetics. Jackfruit might lower blood sugar levels and may cause blood sugar to drop too low if taken along with diabetes medications.
• Pregnancy: Overconsumption may cause digestive discomfort during pregnancy.
• Allergies: Individuals with allergies to birch pollen or latex may also be allergic to jackfruit.
• Surgery: Jackfruit might cause bleeding and too much drowsiness if combined with medications used during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop taking jackfruit at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• Cold and Damp Conditions: In winter, jackfruit may provoke mucus and lung congestion and can aggravate cold damp arthritis in the joints.
• Medications: Jackfruit may interact with certain medications, including: Antidiabetes drugs, Sedatives (CNS depressants), Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet drugs.
• Raw Consumption: The immature fruit contains trypsin inhibitors, which can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if ingested raw. Cooking destroys these inhibitors.

Side effects

• Potential allergic reactions, especially to latex.
• GI upset from excess tannins.
• Excess intake of the fruit can cause increased intestinal movement and diarrhea.
• Raw seeds may cause bloating.
• May increase Kapha dosha if overeaten.
• Can be heavy to digest, possibly causing bloating, cramps, or loose stools, especially for those with a sensitive stomach.
• High potassium content may be harmful for people with chronic kidney disease.
• Pollen allergy.
• Can cause mucus and lung congestion.

Interactions

• Possible additive hypoglycemic effect with diabetes drugs. Monitor blood sugar levels closely if taken with diabetes medications.
• Fiber may alter absorption of oral medications; space intake by 2 hours.
• Sedative medications: Jackfruit seeds might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing, and taking it with sedative medications might increase these effects.
• Anticoagulants: Jackfruit latex might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding when taken with medications that slow blood clotting.
• Inotropic herbs (that affect heart contractile strength) may interact with digoxin.

Active compounds

• Polyphenols (flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids)
• Jacalin
• Lignans
• Isoflavones
• Saponins

Clinical evidence

Clinical trials suggest that green jackfruit may improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with studies showing reduced plasma glucose levels and improved HbA1c after 12 weeks. A pilot trial showed non-significant results for allergic rhinitis symptom relief using jackfruit seed extract compared to placebo. Further research is needed to validate these findings.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
• Pittahara (alleviates Pitta)
• Kaphakara (increases Kapha - in excess)
• Aphrodisiac
• Balya (strengthening)
• Stambhana (constipative - unripe)

Classical clinical indications

• Kshata (wounds)
• Daha (burning sensation)
• Trishna (excessive thirst)
• Durbalya (weakness)
• Prameha (diabetes management - unripe)

Frequently asked questions