African Breadfruit (Treculia africana) in sub-Saharan Africa: Nutritional Value, Underutilisation, and Biotechnological Prospects, A Review
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Abstract
African breadfruit (Treculia africana) is indigenous to the humid forests of West and Central Africa, producing large composite fruits whose numerous edible seeds have sustained forest-belt communities, yet the species remains one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most neglected food plants. This review synthesises literature on T. africana retrieved from six electronic databases (2001-2024) across four dimensions: nutritional and phytochemical composition, pharmacological activity of its bioactive constituents, structural drivers of its underutilisation, and its genetic characterisation and biotechnological improvement prospects. The seeds are carbohydrate-rich (43-81%) and moderately proteinous (up to 23% after processing), with appreciable potassium, phosphorus, and iron, and a lysine content that complements cereal-based diets. Among different processing methods, dehulling was found to significantly reduce saponin content (up to 80%), phytate (71%), and tannin (52%). Research has also confirmed that extracts from different parts like seeds, leaves, bark, and roots display antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antitumor activities. Among bioactive constituents, citral, geraniol, chlorogenic acid, and α-mangostin stand out; but, further experiments are needed to validate their effects. This article highlights that little research has been done on genomics resources and molecular markers of T. africana, in contrast to Artocarpus altilis, its relative, which has an assembled genome and validated SSR markers. Established biotechnological tools, molecular markers (SSR, SNP), tissue culture, and genome editing offer a clear pathway to characterise diversity, conserve germplasm, and accelerate domestication. Deploying these alongside standardised nutritional trials and value-chain development is essential to transform T. africana into a formally integrated, food security crop for sub-Saharan Africa.
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