Jamun is an evergreen tall tree which is indigenous to India. Its Latin name is Syzygium cumini. It is also known as jambuphal, raj jambul, nandi and surabhi patra. It requires dry weather at the time of flowering and fruit setting whereas the early rains are beneficial for better growth, development and ripening of fruit. Its fruit is also called Indian blackberry and is a popular seasonal fruit in India. Its deep purple colour and striking sweet, sour taste is one of the reasons the fruit is relished by everyone. The fruit is often oblong and has a deep purple to bluish colour. The pulp of the fruit is grey or pink and has a seed in the centre. In addition to its taste, it is also is loaded with nutrients that collectively work toward improving health.

Nearly 3/4th of the fruit is edible. Glucose and fructose are major sugars found in a ripe jamun. The fruit is laden with a large number of minerals and provides fewer calories compared to other fruits. A medium-sized jamun provides about 3-4 calories. The seed of the fruit is also rich in proteins, carbohydrates and traces of calcium. It is also a source of iron and vitamin C. It also provides folate and vitamin B, carotene, magnesium, potassium, anti-oxidants and fibre.

It is detoxifying appetizer. It prevents excessive urination and perspiration and thus acts as thirst retardant. The ripe fruit is digestive, carminative, coolant and liver stimulant, and blood-purifying. The leaves of jamun tree possess anti-bacterial properties and are used to make medicines to strengthen teeth and gums. Ash of the leaves is an essential ingredient of many toothpastes.

In addition to its nutritional advantages, Jamun provides a variety of health benefits. It has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic, Unani and Chinese medicine for various ailments like diabetes, diarrhoea, liver problems, urinary problems etc. Major health benefits of jamun are as follows:

1. Good for Diabetics:

Jamun is known to be an effective treatment

Ayurvedic Energetics

Taste: Astringent, sweet & sour

Property: Light & dry

Post digestive effect: Sweet

Potency: Cold

Pacify: Kapha & pitta

Aggravates: Vata

for diabetes. Powder of dried seeds provides beneficial changes in sugar levels. Extracts of bark, leaves and seeds are used in combination with herbs to reduce levels of blood sugar. Research indicates that Jamun seeds which are rich in alkaloids and have hypoglycemic properties and thus effective in reducing high blood sugar.

2. Improves immunity:

The fruit contains very high amounts of Vit. C, which is very good antioxidant and thus it helps boost the immunity. It also contains Vit. B6 and carotene which further strengthen the immune system. The darker fruit contains more anthocyanins pigment thus has strong anti-oxidant property which prevents from free radicals harmful effects, premature aging and infections.

3. Helps treat Anaemia:

According to a study, the fruit, being rich in Vitamin C and iron, helps increase haemoglobin count and treat anaemia caused due to iron deficiency and deficiency of vitamin C.

4. Good for Heart:

Jamun is extremely beneficial to prevent heart disease. The fruit is laden with potassium. 100 gram of jamun contains about 55 mg of potassium. This sufficient amount of jamun is beneficial in diseases like heart, high blood pressure, and stroke. Fruit contains nutrients like ellagic acid/ellagitannins, anthocyanins and anthocyanidins that possess potent anti-inflammatory property. These compounds are also powerful antioxidants that prevent oxidation of cholesterol and plaque formation that contributes to heart disease.

5. Oral health:

Leaves of the plant have anti-bacterial properties which makes them an ingredient in many medicines for treating oral health problems. Application of paste of leaves or powder of dried leaves can prevent gum infections. The decoction of the bark is used to wash mouth and beneficial for mouth ulceration due to its astringent effect.

6. Jamun for skin health:

Jamun seeds are used as an effective agent to treat acne. Crush the jamun seeds and mix cow milk to it. Apply the paste before going to bed and wash it in the morning. Regular application of this paste is helpful in treating acne. The problem of oily skin is controlled with the mix of jamun pulp, barley flour, amla juice and rose water. Use this mix as face mask and wash when it gets dry. Jamun seed powder and turmeric is mixed with jamun juice and applied on skin to get rid of blemishes and light scars.

7. Cancer prevention:

This fruit has several bioactive phytochemicals that include polyphenols, which contain anthocyanin, known to fight cancer cells. Individuals who undergo chemotherapy or radiation sessions benefit significantly from jamun juice consumption. Anthocyanins, flavonoids, ellagic acid and gallic acid present in jambul have the capacity to prevent carcinogenesis in organs. According to a study the fruit extract has properties to inhibit radiation induced generation of free radicals that can cause cancer.

8. Cures Digestive Disorders:

Jamun has cooling property thus very beneficial for curing digestive disorders. Jamun juice with powder of its leaves is an excellent treatment for ulcerative colitis. Chewing and eating of jamun leaves are good in treating of diarrhoea and ulcers. Jamun fruit powder is very effective in chronic diarrhea and dysentery. Leaves are given for relieving emesis.

Energy: 62 kcal

Protein: 0.70 g

Water: 84.75 g

Dietary fibres: 0.6 g

Fat: 0.23 g

Carbohydrate: 14 g

Oxalic Acid: 89 mg

Minerals Magnesium: 35 mg

Phosphorus: 15.6 mg

Calcium: 15 mg

Iron: 0.30 mg

Electrolytes Potassium: 55 mg

Sodium: 26.20 mg

Vitamins Thiamine (B1): 0.019 mg

Riboflavin (B2): 0.009 mg

Niacin (B3): 0.245 mg

Vitamin B6: 0.038 mg

Carotene: 48 mg

Vitamin C: 18 mg

Folic acid: 3 mg

Asstt. Prof. Deptt of Panchkarma

Drparv1@gmail.com