Syzygium cumini Jambu Jamun

Plant Profile
Herb descriptions
Botany
Binomial nomenclature
Syzygium cumini
Scientific Name and Description
Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels
Herb Family
Plant type
Tree

Plant Synonyms

Plant Synonyms
Calyptranthes jambolana MOON.
Eugenia jambolana LAM.
Syzygium jambolana DC.
Syzygium jambolanum DC.
Calyptranthes caryophyllifolia Willd.
Calyptranthes cumini (L.) Pers.
Calyptranthes cuminodora Stokes
Calyptranthes jambolana (Lam.) Willd.
Calyptranthes jambolifera Stokes
Calyptranthes oneillii Lundell
Caryophyllus corticosus Stokes
Caryophyllus jambos Stokes
Eugenia brachiata Roxb.
Eugenia calyptrata Roxb. ex Wight & Arn.
Eugenia caryophyllifolia Lam.
Eugenia cumini (L.) Druce
Eugenia djouat Perrier
Eugenia fruticosa (DC.) Roxb.
Eugenia jambolana Lam.
Eugenia jambolifera Roxb. ex Wight & Arn.
Eugenia obovata Poir.
Eugenia obtusifolia Roxb.
Eugenia odorata Wight
Eugenia tenuis Duthie
Eugenia tsoi Merr. & Chun
Jambolifera chinensis Spreng.
Jambolifera coromandelica Houtt.
Jambolifera pedunculata Houtt.
Myrtus corticosa Spreng.
Myrtus cumini L.
Myrtus obovata (Poir.) Spreng.
Syzygium brachiatum (Roxb.) Miq.
Syzygium caryophyllifolium (Lam.) DC.
Syzygium fruticosum DC.
Syzygium jambolanum (Lam.) DC.
Syzygium obovatum (Poir.) DC.
Syzygium obtusifolium (Roxb.) Kostel.
Syzygium pseudojambolana Miq.
Syzygium tenue (Duthie) N.P.Balakr.

Plant Names - Common - Regional - Vernacular

Sanskrit brahaspati, jambava, jambavam, jambu, jambuh, jambula, kakajambu, mahajambu, mahaphala, mahaskandha, meghamodini, meghavarna, nilaphala, nilaprala, phalendra, raja-jambuh, rajajambu, rajaphala, rajasha, rajphala, shukapriya, shyamala, surabhipriya, svetajambu
Marathi Jambhul जांभूळ Jambhul,jam, jaman, jambul, rajale, rajjambula, thorajambula
Tamil Navalpazham நாவல் பழம் Navalpazham, - areconitamaram, arugadam, arukatam, caccanam, calappakam, campal, campam, campu, campu#, campu, campukam#, cankirakiyaccam, catavam, catta, cattuvalam, cattuvam, cempu, cempu, cempukaruci, cirivilvam, curapipattirai, curapipattirai, curuci, inippunavvalmaram, itampakam, itampakamaram, kananuceti, kananucetimaram, karunaval, karunkatikam, karunkatikamaram, katampaccevikam, kavarkalimaram, kavarkulikam, komar, kottainagam, kottainakam, kottainaval, koyapalam, koyapapalam, naaval, naga, naga maram, nagai, nagap-pazham, nagum, nairuri, nakai, nakam, nakamaram, nakappalamaram, nalaval, nampu, nampuli, nampulimaram, narinaval2, narinavval2, narruti1, narunaruvili, nateyinvati, nattunaval, nava, nava-mara, naval, naval pattai, navamaram, navartol, navel, navval, neratam, neratamaram, neredam, neredom, neretam, neretu, nerotam, nerotu, netan, netanmaram, nilacampu, nilacampumaram, nirali, niritam, palavamarkkam, pattiracam, pulippunavval, pupalamaram, sambal, sambavi, sambu takkolam, takkolam, tennokalam, tennokalamaram, tevaninal, tittippunaval, tittippunavvalmaram, turavam, turavam, turkolum, vatacankinati, viritam
Telugu Jamuni జామూన్ Jamuni, - ala naredu, all neredu, goyya-pandu, jam-pandu, jama, jamba, jambu, jambu naredu, jambuvu, jinna, nageaydu, nairuri, nanedu, naradi, naredoo, naredu, narer, nareyr, nasedu, neradi, neradu, nerdi, neredi, neredu, neredu-pandu, nerudu, niradu, pedda naeredu, peddaneredu, raacahnaeredu, raasanaeredu, racaneredu, rachaneredu, rasaneredu, rattsaneredu
English jambolan, java plum
Hindi amrut, bahojaman, jam, jaman, jamba, jambava, jambhal, jambu, jambua, jambus, jamniphalani, jamnoa, jamun, kalajaman, kathaman, lal sufrium, lalsufrium, mokni, pairman, phalanda, phalenda, phalinda, pharenda,Jamun जामुन Jamun
Kannada dulle nerale, goujalau mara, jama-phala, jambu naerale, jambunerale, jambuva, jumnerale, naayinaerale, naerale, naeralu, naerilu, nainerale, nairul, nankajamburo, narala, nayinerale, neeraala mara, neeralay, neeram, neral, nerale, nerale mara, nerale-hannu, nerali, neralu, nerel, nerilu, nerlu, nerolu, nerula, nirale, nirole, perala-hannu, shebe-hannu
Malayalam gnaval, na-valin-pazham, naga, naivil, nara, naval, naval-pazham, navil, niral, njara, njaval, palamper, perin-njara, perinnaral, perinnjara
Tibetan dza mbu, dzam-bu, ka ka dz mbu
Urdu jaman, jamun, poast jamun
Common names Malabar plum, Java plum, black plum, jamun, jaman, jambul, jambolan
Plants Medicinal Value
Medicinal Systems
Ayurved
Unani
Siddha
Homoeopathy
Tibetan
Folk
Phytoconstituents

The unique combination of phenolics and glycosides (ellagic acid and jamboline) halts the diastatic conversion of starch into sugar and assists in stopping diabetic complications (neuropathy and cataracts); thus, the seed has antidiabetic potential (Helmstädter, 2008; Sood et al., 2018). There are many studies depicting the benefits of consuming JS powder during cancer treatment, and these benefits are attributed to the presence of anthocyanins (0.54%) and other phytochemicals (jambosine, gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin and related tannins, quercetin) (Kannan & Puraikalan, 2015; Sagrawat et al., 2006). Seeds have been pharmacologically demonstrated to possess gastroprotective and cardioprotective properties and antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anticancer, and antidiarrheal effects (Chaturvedi et al., 2007; El-Shenawy, 2011; Kasthuri et al., 2017; Sharma et al., 2008; Stephen, 2012).

Food Bioscience Volume 50, Part B, December 2022, 102109
Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) seed bioactives and its biological activities: A review

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2022.102109


Herb usable parts
Stem
Bark
Flowers
Fruits
Seeds
Whole plant
Ethnopharmacology use

Syzygium cumini L. Jamun Myrtaceae Diabetes, bronchitis, asthma, dysentery, ulcers, sore throat

 Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. Myrtaceae Naval Tree Fruits Powder Antidiabetic and Anticholesterol

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Tree Whole plant Diarrhoea; astringent; menstrual disorders; cold; bronchitis; asthma; dysentery; blood impurities; ulcers; indigestion; blood pressure; stomachache; diabetes; epistaxis; liver disease; snakebite; spleen enlargement; urine retention; sore throat; mouth ulcer; toothache; anthelmintic General; women Ayyanar 2013, Bosco and Arumugam 2012, Chopda and Mahajan 2009, Dey and De 2012, Gairola et al. 2013, Jain 2004, Samy et al. 2008, SM and Vidyasagar 2013


It helps in managing diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels and is also beneficial for digestive health. Jamun is rich in antioxidants and supports heart health. Its astringent properties make it useful in treating various skin conditions and promoting oral health.


The seeds are claimed to contain alkaloid, jambosine, and glycoside jambolin or antimellin, which halts the diastatic conversion of starch into sugar.

Food and Nutrition Sciences > Vol.3 No.8, August 2012
Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.)): A Review of Its Food and Medicinal Uses 

The furthermost application of the kernels is as potent anti-diabetic agents in various herbal formulations as the kernels are rich in alkaloids, especially, jambolin, antimellin, jambosins, and glycoside, which can effectively reduce or even can stop the diastatic of starch to sugars conversion and restrict the sugar volume in the urine (Ayyanar and Subash-Babu, 2012).


The most popular applications of the bark powder are for treating sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, dysentery, thirst, and ulcers, and acts as a good blood purifier (Sidana et al., 2017).


Oral health

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of Jamun for maintaining oral hygiene. The astringent and antibacterial properties of Jamun help in reducing gum inflammation and preventing infections. Chewing Jamun leaves or using a decoction of the bark can help in treating mouth ulcers and bad breath. Regular consumption of Jamun also strengthens teeth and gums.

Skin benefits

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Jamun make it beneficial for skin health. It helps in reducing acne, blemishes, and signs of aging by fighting off free radicals and reducing inflammation. The vitamin C content in Jamun promotes collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and giving a youthful appearance. Applying Jamun pulp or juice topically can also help in treating various skin conditions.

Weight management

Jamun is a low-calorie fruit, making it an excellent addition to a weight management diet. Its high fibre content provides a feeling of fullness, reducing overall calorie intake. Additionally, the berry’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels helps in controlling cravings and preventing overeating. Including Jamun in your diet can aid in healthy weight loss and maintenance.

Heart health

The potassium content in Jamun plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health. Potassium helps in regulating blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium in the body. This reduces the risk of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidants in Jamun also help in reducing cholesterol levels, preventing plaque formation in arteries, and ensuring smooth blood flow.

Liver function

Jamun is known for its hepatoprotective properties. It aids in detoxifying the liver and promoting its proper functioning. The antioxidants in Jamun help in neutralising toxins and protecting liver cells from damage. Regular consumption of Jamun can improve liver health, aiding in better digestion, metabolism, and overall detoxification processes.

Immunity booster

The high vitamin C content in Jamun makes it a potent immunity booster. Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. The berry’s antibacterial and antiviral properties further contribute to a stronger immune system, helping the body ward off common illnesses and infections.

Anti-ageing properties

Jamun's anti-ageing properties are attributed to its rich content of antioxidants, including vitamin C and polyphenols. These compounds combat free radicals, which are responsible for cell damage and aging. Regular consumption of Jamun helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, promoting healthier and more youthful skin. Additionally, its astringent properties tighten the skin, enhancing its overall texture and appearance.

Ayurvedic perspective

In Ayurveda, Jamun is classified as Kashaya Rasa or astringent and has a cooling effect on the body. It is believed to balance the Kapha and Pitta doshas, which are responsible for various bodily functions. By balancing these doshas, Jamun helps in maintaining overall health and preventing diseases. Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend Jamun for treating digestive disorders, skin problems, respiratory issues, and metabolic imbalances.

Is Jamun good for diabetics?

Jamun, or Indian blackberry, is highly regarded for its benefits to diabetics. It contains compounds like jamboline and jambosine that help regulate blood sugar levels. The low glycemic index of jamun prevents rapid spikes in blood sugar, making it an ideal fruit for managing diabetes. Additionally, jamun seeds are often used in traditional remedies to control diabetes symptoms.

Source: Jamun: Why is this desi berry considered ‘Amrit’ in Ayurveda 

Story by TOI Lifestyle Desk


References

Literature

Literature
Ayyanar 2013
Bosco and Arumugam 2012
Chopda and Mahajan 2009
Dey and De 2012
Gairola et al. 2013
Jain 2004
Samy et al. 2008
SM and Vidyasagar 2013
The Flora of the Gulf of Mannar Author - P. Daniel & P. Umamaheswari
Flora of Madhya Pradesh Vol I Author - D.M.Verma, N.P.Balakrishnan, R.D.Dixit
Flora of Bankura District(West Bengal) Author - Sanyal M.N.
Flora of Rajasthan Vol. 1 Author - B.V.Shetty & V.Singh
FLORA OF TRIPURA STATE VOL1 Author - D.B. DEB
Flora of Jowai Vol.I Author - N.P.Balakrishnan
A Contribution to the Flora of Namdapha Arunachal Pradesh Author - A S Chauhan, K P Singh, D K Singh
Flora of Himachal Pradesh Vol I Author - H.J.chowdhery & B.M.Wadhwa
FOREST FLORA OF MEGHALAYA VOL 1 Author - HARIDASAN K & RAO R R
FLORA OF KARNATAKA VOL-2 Author - C.J SALDHANA
Flora of Maharashtra State (Dicotyledons) Volume 2 Author - N.P.Singh, P.Lakshminarasimhan, S.Karthikeyan & P.V. Prasanna
Flora of Majuli Author - M.Islam
THE FLORA OF THE TAMILNADU CARNATIC-VOL I Author - K.M. MATTHEW
Flora of Srikakulam District (Andhra Pradesh) Author - Rolla Seshagiri Rao, S.Hara Sriramulu
The Flora of Orissa Vol II Author - Saxena H.O.,Brahmam M.
Flora of Tons Valley (Uttaranchal) Author - T.S.Rana, Bhaskar Datt & R.R.Rao
Published 11 February 2019 http://dx.doi.org/10.32859/era.18.4.1-112
Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT)
The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Department of AYUSH
Kshirsagar et al., 2019
Kannan & Puraikalan, 2015
Sagrawat et al., 2006
Sidana et al., 2017
Sah and Verma, 2011

Citations

Herb citations

Syzygium cumini. (2024, July 2). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syzygium_cumini

Anita Fajriyani, Anisah Fitriyani, Ridha Alisthipa Sephia, & Hidayah, H. (2023). The Potential of Jamblang Root or Java Plum (Syzygium cumini) in Medicinal Uses: A Systematic Review . Eureka Herba Indonesia, 4(2), 216-220. https://doi.org/10.37275/ehi.v4i2.71

S. Swami, N. Thakor, M. Patil and P. Haldankar, "Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.)): A Review of Its Food and Medicinal Uses," Food and Nutrition Sciences, Vol. 3 No. 8, 2012, pp. 1100-1117. doi: 10.4236/fns.2012.38146.

Industrial Crops and Products
Volume 191, Part A, January 2023, 115873
Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels): The conventional underutilized multifunctional plant-an exotic gleam into its food and functional significance

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115873