Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit) and Pandanus tectorius (screw pine) are two cultural icons of Oceania. Fruits of both species are rich in carbohydrates, and contain proteins, vitamins and minerals. Endowed with triterpenes, flavonoids, stilbenes, arylbenzofurans and sterols as chemical constituents, fruits of A. altilis possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-hyperglycemic properties. With phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids, fruits of P. tectorius possess antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, α-glucosidase inhibitory and antidiarrheal properties. In comparison, more bioactivities have been reported in other plant parts such as leaves, bark, wood and root of these two species. Nevertheless, the scientific evidence is convincing that the regular consumption of fruits of A. altilis and P. tectorius by the islanders of the Pacific does have both nutritive
and medicinal values.
Key words: breadfruit, screw pine, phytochemistry, pharmacology
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