Background

• Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a traditional starch-rich crop belonging to the Moraceae family. The tree, native to the Malay Peninsula and western Pacific islands, is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. The term "breadfruit" is derived from the Greek words artos (bread) and karpos (fruit). When cooked or baked, the fruit gives off a fragrance similar to fresh baked bread, hence the name.
• Breadfruit may lower blood pressure, and it has also been studied in the treatment of tapeworm infection. It may also be used for diabetes, sore eyes, leg pain and tingling, enlarged spleen, skin infections, boils, burns, broken bones, arthritis, and decreased urination. Leaf extracts of the breadfruit tree have been used to treat toothaches and diarrhea. However, well-designed clinical trials are needed before conclusions can be made regarding the effectiveness of breadfruit for any condition.

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