Oil of jack fruit seeds can prevent lung, cervical cancer

Visakhapatnam: A research scholar of Andhra University, after a five and half years work, succeeded in isolating a compound from the oil extracted from jack fruit seeds to prevent lung and cervical cancers.

The biochemistry scholar N Sirisha selected five different species of jack fruit (Artocarpus) seeds in Kaviti and Sompeta in Srikakulam district and began her work to isolate Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) of jack fruit seeds.

“I extracted the oil from jack fruit seeds. In the seeds, fat content is very less but I extracted it using soxhalation technique and collected oil for experimental analysis. During the lipid, photochemical, antioxidant analyses, I could notice the oil’s antimicrobial property and isolated the compound,” she said, sharing her experiences in her research with The Hans India.  

“Fatty acid profile plays a vital role in biological properties and they are useful for further advanced research. The seed oil contains a healthy mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids when compared with other seed oils,” she added.

With the successful output she selected one of the species Artocarpus integer which shows highest activity of anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. She further continued research for A5 49 and Hela cancer cell lines activities.

“The Artocarpus integer showed cytotoxic effect on cancer cell lines and my research supports the traditional usage of Artocarpus integer seed oil of fatty methyl ester compounds recommended for the use as therapeutic drug,” she said.

With the guidance of the Prof TRaghava Rao, I have done enough research to prove that seed oil prevents the cancers for which I got PhD degree. I wish to continue research further, if the government provides necessary support,” Sirisha said.