Jamun

HABITAT

Jamun tree is evergreen plant grows up to 30 m in height and has a girth of around 3.6 m. The jamun tree grows in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the India and found in Indian Subcontinent. Jamun tree is widely distributed forest tree found in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Australia.

INTRODUCTION

Jamun is a popular indigenous fruit of India. It has got A valuable place in Ayurvedic medicines. It is believed to be a boon for diabetic patients. he Jamun tree is revered by Buddhists; in Indian mythology, Lord Rama subsisted on Jamun fruit during his 14-day exile in the forest. This lore earned the fruit the nickname “fruit of the Gods.” The Jamun tree lives for over 100 years.

The rich, dark colour of the berry is the result of anthocyanins in the skin. This phytonutrient provides antioxidants as well. Jamun also contains vitamins A and C, folic acid, potassium, zinc, and iron, among others.

BENEFITS

Diabetes Management: Ayurveda suggests Jamun as a highly effective fruit while fighting against diabetes. The seeds of the fruit have active ingredients called jamboline and jambosine that slow down the rate of sugar released into the blood and increases the insulin levels in the body. It converts starch into energy and reduces the symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination and thrusting. Jamun for diabetes is a natural way of managing diabetes. It is not only preventing diabetes but also postpone the onset of diabetes.

Healthy Heart: Jamun is laden with high amounts of potassium. It is extremely beneficial in keeping heart related ailments at a bay. Regular consumption of Jamun prevents hardening of arteries which leads to atherosclerosis, reduces the various symptoms of high blood pressure thereby controlling hypertension and prevents strokes and cardiac arrests.

Weight Loss: Being low on calories and high on fibre, makes Jamun an ideal fruit in all weight loss diets and recipes. It improves digestion and the pharmacological properties help in minimizing water retention besides boosting body metabolism, satiating your hunger and gives a feeling of fullness.

Radiant Skin: It detoxifies and purifies the blood and gives you a healthy, glowing skin from inside. The high index of Vitamin -C blesses you with a blemish free radiant skin.

Shields against Infections: The biochemical compounds present in jamun has been used since ancient times to battle germs and shield the body against various infections. Due to its strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties, jamun extracts and formulations are not only used for removing bacteria or germs from the body but also used for treating and healing wounds. The bio-active ingredients also help in reducing general debility, weakness, and fatigue and improve the vitality of the body.

Aids in Digestion: The excellent carminative and digestive properties of this incredible fruit make it a one-stop solution for all digestive woes. The anti-flatulent property reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing flatulence, constipation, bloating and abdominal distension. The antacid property of jamun extract prevents the formation of excessive acids in the stomach thereby treating indigestion, ulcer, gastritis and promoting better absorption of nutrients in the body.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Jamun seeds contain substances called jambosine and jamboline. Both these are believed to slow down the process of converting starch into sugar. This means there are lesser chances of a sudden spike in blood sugar levels when the starch in food is metabolised. Type 2 diabetics have low levels of insulin available to act on blood glucose; this could be because either the production of insulin in the pancreas is low, or due to a fast degradation of the insulin that has been produced. Jamun seeds ensure a greater availability of insulin by either increasing its secretion or preventing it from degrading fast. Jambosine in Jamun is an alkaloid which is in high regard due to its ability to keep sugar conversion in check.

CLINICAL STUDIES & REFERENCES

Siddiqui MS, Sharma B, Ram G. Anti–hyperglycaemic and anti–hyperlipemia effects of Syzygium cumini seed in alloxan induced diabetes mellitus in Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus). Med Aromat Plants. 2014;3(4):166.
Ayya N, Nalwade V, Khan, TN. Effect of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) seed powder supplementation on blood glucose level of type–II diabetic subject. Food Sci Res J. 2015;6(2):353–356.
Bopp A, De Bona KS, Bellé LP, et al. Syzygium cumini inhibits adenosine deaminase activity and reduces glucose levels in hyperglycemic patients. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2009;23(4):501–507.
Sharma AK, Bharti S, Kumar R, et al. Syzygium cumini ameliorates insulin resistance and β–cell dysfunction via modulation of PPAR, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and TNF–α in type 2 diabetic rats. J Pharmacol Sci. 2012;119(3):205–213.
Behera SR, Sekkizhar M, Babu S. Hepatoprotective activity of Aqueous Extract of Syzygium cumini Seed on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes in Rats. International Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine. 2014;4(2):1470-1477.