Background Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Jackfruit tree) is one of the most ancient fruits indigenous to Western Ghats of India. They are large edible summer fruits and are good source of nutritional and antioxidant components which hold their potential for nutraceutical development. Main body The present review attempts to document reports on the chemical and pharmacological investigations carried out with jackfruit. Research shows that the fruit contains a huge amount of phytochemicals such

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... s phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins which exhibit antioxidant properties. Conclusions Diversity of secondary metabolites present in the jackfruit shows that it is a functionally, nutritionally, and medicinally important fruit. Detailed studies are essential for awareness among people for the proper use of jackfruit as a functional food and utilize the medicinal uses of jackfruit.