Introduction
Jamun (syzygium cumini) is an important indigenous minor fruit of commercial value. Tree is tall, evergreen, also grown for shade and windbreak. Jamun or Black plum is known to be associated with many health and medicinal benefits. Black plum is known to relieve stomach pain, carminative, anti-scorbutic and diuretic. Jamun vinegar is good to reduce enlargement of spleen, diarrhea, and urine retention problems. Jamun’s polyphenolic compounds are effective against cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, asthma and arthritis. Various digestive disorders i.e. flatulence, bowel spasm, stomach disorders, dysentery are cured by jamun. It is also eaten as tonic to increase sexual activity. Jamun is known by different names such as jambul, jambas, jamun, jambolan, rajaman, kala jamun, neredu, naval, nerale, jamali, java plum, black plum and black berry.
Uses
Jamun fruit is usually shaken with salt before eating which has spicy flavour. It is also used in making beverages, jellies, jam, squash, wine, vinegar and pickles. Jamun squash is a refreshing drink in summers. Jamun syrup is beneficial in diarrhoea. Juice of Jamun and mango if mixed in equal quantity is good in quenching thirst of diabetic patients. Jamun wine is prepared, particularly in Goa. The vinegar prepared from the slightly unripe fruit is stomachic, carminative and diuretic, apart from having cooling and digestive properties. Smaller fruits are used in beverage industry for being rich in acidity, tannins and anthocyanins. Its seed can be used as a concentrate for animals because it is rich in protein, carbohydrates, and calcium.
Nutritional value
The fruit possesses considerable nutritive value. It is a good source of iron, apart from the usual contents, e.g, minerals, protein etc. The nutritive value of this fruit is given below.
Besides, the black plum has many vital nutrients. The nutrition values and nutritional properties of jamun are as follows: Jamun fruit is loaded with sugars like glucose and fructose along with lesser calories. The 100 grams of the fruit contain nutrients: calcium (15 mg), iron (1.41 mg), magnesium (35 mg), phosphorous (15 mg), sodium (26.2 mg), vitamin C (18 mg), thiamine (0.019 mg), riboflavin (0.009 mg), niacin (0.245 mg), vitamin B6 (0.038 mg), calories (62 k cal), carbohydrate (14 gm), carotene (48 ug), folic acid (3 mg), fiber (0.6 gm), fat (0.23 gm), protein (0.995 gm), water (84.75 gm).
Health Benefits of Jamun Fruit
1. Jamun for diabetes treatment
Jamun fruit and jamun seed are good for diabetes patient. Black plum has anti-diabetic features. Seed extract in liquid or powdery form are given to patients with diabetes mellirus or glycosuiria. In many cases blood sugar level drops quickly. Dried alcoholic extract of Jamun seeds reduces blood sugar and glycosuria. Seeds contain an alkaloid, jambosine and glycoside jambolin or antimellin which halts the conversion of starch into sugar. Seed extract lowers blood pressure by 34.6 per cent.
2. Jamun to increase haemoglobin
Jamun has an adequate amount of iron and vitamin C. Presence of iron in the black plum is good to increase the haemoglobin count. Jamun iron content acts as blood purifying agent. Since, it is the medium of purifying blood; it is good for skin and beauty. Iron content is beneficial in menses where the lady faces blood loss. People suffering from anemia and jaundice should take jamun because of its high iron content.
3. Jamun for healthy heart
Jamun is extremely beneficial to keep heart disease at bay. Black plum is laden with potassium. 100 gram of jamun contains about 55 mg of potassium. This sufficient amount of jamun is beneficial to diseases like heart, high blood pressure, and stroke. Regular eating of jamun helps to prevent hardening of arteries.
4. Jamun for ulcers
The eating of jamun leaves is good in treating of digestive related disorders. Chewing and eating of jamun leaves are good in treating of diarrhoea and ulcers. Jamun leaves have great significance in ayurvedic medicine. Jamun is good in prevention of liver diseases such as necrosis and fibrosis. Due to presence of bio-chemical and phytochemical substance like polyphenol, the black plum acts like as anti-cancer substance. Jamun solves acidity when it is taken along with roasted cumin powder and black salt.
5. Jamun for oral health
Black plum leaves are antibacterial properties and are used for strengthening teeth and gum. Leaves are astringent, considered good for throat problems. Decoction of the bark is used to wash mouth and beneficial for mouth ulceration due to its astringent effect. It is good for mouth as well as for teeth due to its acidity. Gargling of its bark helps in prevention of gums bleeding (gingivitis). Jamun leaves powder, which is obtained after drying and burning it, used as teeth powder and helpful in checking gum infection and bleeding.
6. Jamun for beauty and fair skin
Jamun seeds are used as an effective agent to treat acne. Jamun seeds are crushed and mix with cow milk. The paste should be applied before going to bed and wash it in the morning. Regular application of these ingredients is helpful in curing and treating of acne. 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. To control dark spots from face, the paste of jamun seed powder, lemon powder, gram flour, few drops of almond oil and rose water, is prepared. Jamun cures leucoderma after stimulating the melanin.
Dr. H.D. Talang, Scientist (Horticulture) ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema