Indian blackberry, Jambul or Jamun is scientifically known as Eugenia jambolana Lam. is very effective in controlling diabetes. The plant is native to India but nowadays can grow in all the continents from Asia to Africa and South America. Indian blackberry is a large tree and fruits once in a year. The fruits taste from sweet to sour and therefore are used for the preparation of various food items like jam, jellies and health drinks.
Common name
Black Plum
Java Plum
Jamun
Medicinal benefits
Jamun or Jambolan fruits especially the seeds are very effective against diabetes mellitus. Other than this Jambolan is also used against a certain form of allergies, viral infections, inflammations and gastric ulcers (1).
1.Antidiabetic
Antidiabetic nature of Jamun seeds is mainly because of the compounds alkaloid jambosine, glycoside Jamboline or antimallins. It was studied that these compounds stop the starch conversion into sugar thus helps in regulating the sugar level of the body (2).
2. Controls Blood pressure
Another feature of seeds is that they help in controlling the blood pressure. The powdered seeds when consumed with water helps to lower the blood pressure. The seeds contain ellagic acid which helps in lowering the pressure up to approximately 34.6% (3).
3. Antioxidants
Seeds are also rich flavonoids, phenolics which are known for its antioxidant property thus consuming seed powder helps in protecting the body against many free radical-related diseases (2).
5. Healthy stomach
Jamun fruits and seeds cure stomach related problems. The fruits and seeds also have the potential to cure diarrhea, dysentery, enteric disorders and other digestive related complains (2).
6. Antifungal and antibacterial properties
The seeds of Jamun also possess antifungal and antibacterial activity against various microorganisms namely Klebsiella pneumonia, E. coli. Many fungal strains like Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp., Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum. These microorganisms cause various skin, respiratory and UTI related problems (4).
7. Rich in Vitamins
The fruits are rich in vitamins like Vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and folic acid. Therefore there is no doubt that consuming the fruits of Jamun is equally important and is one of the wisest ways to stay healthy and active.
8. Fights cold
Seeds are very effective against common cold, cough, throat infections. Therefore consuming seeds helps in staying healthy in all seasons.
9. Other medicinal importance
Seeds and fruits have anti-allergy property also heal skin rashes, astringent and diuretic properties. The seeds and fruits help in protecting against radiation and also have chemopreventive effects (5).
Side effects of Jamun
There is almost no side effect of consuming Jamun. But if you are suffering from low blood pressure then consuming too many Jamun fruits or seed powder causes some health-related problems.
In short
Eating Jamun or taking Jamun seed powder with water helps in reduction of two major lifestyle-related problems namely diabetes and high blood pressure. Try to consume fresh dried seed powder rather than old powder as fresh seeds are more effective.
How to consume Jamun seeds
Jamun seeds are well known for its antidiabetic nature. Best way to consume by dissolving 1 tablespoon of sun-dried ground Jamun seeds daily empty stomach in one glass water.
References
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-705.4011
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2FS2221-1691(12)60050-1
- Morton J. Fruits of warm climates. Miami: Julia Morton Winterville North Carolina; p. 1987.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2003.12.012
- DOI: 10.4236/fns.2012.38146