Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.
Aliases：Jiāng Jūn Mù (General’s Tree); Mì Dōng Guā (Honey Wax Gourd); Shù Bō Luó (Tree Pineapple); Bō Luó Mì (Jackfruit).
Mù Bō Luó (Jackfruit) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is a plant of the Moraceae family, and its fruit, seeds, latex, and leaves are all used medicinally. The latex is used for treating red and swollen boils, among other conditions; the seeds are used to benefit qi and promote lactation for postpartum hypogalactia (scanty breast milk). Its fruit is a common tropical fruit. It is a medicinal and edible plant in traditional medicine.
Efficacy & Actions
Fruit: Promotes fluid production, relieves restlessness, alleviates alcohol intoxication, and awakens the spleen. Seed: Benefits qi and promotes lactation. Latex: Reduces swelling, disperses nodules, astringes, and relieves itching. Leaf: Invigorates blood circulation, reduces swelling, detoxifies, and promotes wound healing.
Indications
Fruit: Used for stomach yin deficiency with dry mouth and thirst; it may also be used for excessive heat damaging body fluids with restlessness, fever, and thirst. Seed: Used for postpartum spleen deficiency with qi weakness, scanty milk, or blocked lactation. Latex: Used for boils and sores with redness and swelling, acute lymphadenitis, and eczema. Leaf: Used for traumatic injuries, sores and boils, and eczema.
Modern Pharmacology
Current pharmacological research on Mù Bō Luó (Jackfruit) is mostly focused on the nutritional and active components of its fruit and seeds. Modern pharmacological studies on its traditional medicinal parts (such as the latex) are relatively limited.
Ingredients
Fruit: Contains sugars, organic acids, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, bromelain, and others. Seed: Rich in starch. Latex: Its specific chemical constituents are not yet clearly defined.
Usage & Dosage
Fruit: Oral administration, mostly consumed fresh as raw fruit, 50–100g. Seed: Oral administration, decocted in water, 60–120g. Alternatively, 60–120g may be stewed with meat. Latex: Topical application, appropriate amount, applied fresh to the affected area. Leaf: Topical application, appropriate amount, ground into powder for sprinkling, or mixed for external application.
Contraindications
Fruit: Should not be consumed in excess. It is recommended not to exceed 300g per serving, otherwise it may cause symptoms of excessive internal heat (上火). Should not be eaten together with honey, as it may produce gas and lead to abdominal distension and diarrhea. Pregnant women: Use with caution. The latex has blood-promoting properties, so pregnant women should use it with caution.
Selected Formulas
For Postpartum Hypogalactia or Blocked Lactation (Empirical Formula): Take 60–120g of jackfruit seeds (Bō Luó Mì Rén), stew them with meat, or decoct them in water and drink the liquid while also consuming the seeds.
Daily Consumption
Fresh consumption: The fruit of Jackfruit can be eaten fresh as a fruit. The pulp can also be made into dried fruit, jam, juice, and other products. Cooking: The seeds are rich in starch and can be cooked for consumption. Medicinal diet: The seeds can be stewed together with meat, which is often used for postpartum recovery and nourishment.
Medicinal Parts
Fruit, seeds, latex, and leaves.
Selection & Storage
Fresh fruit: Peeled pulp should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. Seal well to prevent odor absorption from other foods. Seeds: May be stored fresh or after drying in the sun. Leaves: Harvested in summer and autumn, dried in the sun, and stored.
