Breadfruit, scientifically classified as a tree, has various parts like roots, leaves, and latex that are traditionally used for medicinal purposes. When taken orally, the root and leaves of breadfruit are believed to alleviate a range of ailments including arthritis, asthma, back pain, diabetes, fever, gout, high blood pressure, liver disease, and toothaches. Similarly, the latex of breadfruit is consumed to treat diarrhea and stomach pain.
Topically, breadfruit root and leaves are used for treating skin conditions like boils and burns, ear infections, herpes, other skin infections, eye soreness or fatigue, and thrush. The latex is also applied directly to the skin for aiding in the healing of broken bones, sprains, and sciatica.
Apart from its medicinal uses, the seeds and fruit of the breadfruit tree are commonly consumed as food. Regarding its mechanism of action, breadfruit is thought to have a hypotensive effect, potentially reducing blood pressure by slowing down the heart rate and decreasing the strength of heart muscle contractions. This multifaceted plant not only provides nutritional benefits through its edible parts but also offers various therapeutic applications through its other components.