Almost all parts—fruit, leaves, bark and seeds—of the Jamun (Syzygium cumini; syn. Eugenia jambolana) plant have been used for food, traditional medicine and other applications for centuries. The Jamun fruit has a sweet and tangy delicious taste, is purple in color with a pink pulp, and has been referred to by many names, including Java, Black and Malabar Plum. Many Hindu consider them “Fruit of the Gods”. They are mostly consumed fresh, but also processed into jams, juices, nectars, syrup, wine, etc.
The Jamun tree is has dark green glossy leaves (pink when they are newly growing) and can rapidly reach up to between 50-100 feet in height. It is native to India and Southeast Asia, but has been introduced to many areas around the world and now considered invasive in many regions.
Although Jamun is famous for its use for blood sugar balance, it is several other traditional uses including supporting metabolic, upper respiratory and digestive health.
The seed kernels are richest in phytochemicals; especially the alkaloids, such as jambosine, antimellin, and glycoside Jambolin. These alkaloids have been found to block the conversion of starch to sugars; thereby reducing the volume of sugar in the urine. It is this mechanism to moderate the conversion of sugars that is often used to explain its traditional use. The fruits are also known to have a low glycemic index.
In Ayurvedic philosophy, Jamun is considered to pacify Kapha and Pitta doshas, while aggravating the Vata. Jamun has also long been utilized in many traditional medicine systems from the regions it grows, including Unani, Aboriginal Australian, Thai, Philippine, Burmese, and Malay traditional medicinal systems.
In a recent preclinical study, Jamun bark extract was found to have significantly reduced Advanced Glycation End (AGE)-products, reversed glycation and exhibited antioxidant activity. Through scientific investigation, the fruits and seed kernals have several activities, including antimicrobial, blood sugar balancing, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, promoting regular stool formation, antioxidant, radio-protective, lipid and blood sugar balancing activities.
Photo by Ghanashyam003
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.