JAM

Common name:
Jamun, Kalajam, Black Plum, Indian Blackberry, Damson Plum, Jambolan, Java Plum, Jambolan Plum,
Portuguese Plum, Malabar Plum, Purple Plum, Jambu, Jambul, Jamun, Jambas, Kala jamun, Rajaman, Neredu,
Naval, Jamali, Nerale, Black plum, Java plum, Black berry
Scientific name: Syzygium cumini
Distribution:
The more restricted native distribution as described by Morton (1987) is accepted in this datasheet, who
argued that other countries recorded as native, e.g. Himalayan Asia, south China, South East Asian islands,
East Africa, eastern Australia, etc. (USDA-ARS, 2008) are actually due to introduction in pre-history. S.
cumini is thus here accepted as only native to India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
Description:
Black plum is a large and evergreen tree which is much branched and grows from 5 to 20 meters tall having
trunk diameter of 60 to 90 cm, terete branches, scaly bark and canopy spread of 10 meters. Leaves are
coriaceous, opposite, elliptic oblong measuring 5 to 15 cm long by 2.5 to 8 cm wide, narrow, acuminate.
Petioles are 1 to 2.5 cm long. The fragrant flowers occur in clusters and are axillary on flowering branches.
Flowers are pinkish or white which measures 12 mm wide. Calyx is copular measuring 4 to 6 mm wide and 8
mm long. Petals are caduceous, slightly rounded, coherent and white to rose pink. Flowers are replaced by an
ovoid to ellipsoid fruit which measures 2 to 2.5 cm long. Fruits are green which turns to pale greenish to white
to deep purplish to black when ripe. Pulp is astringent, juicy, white to pale lavender in color with one large and
green seed.
Parts used: Fruit, seed
Chemical constituents:
Stem Bark: Stem bark of Syzygium cumini contain betulinic acid, ß-sitosterol, friedeanol, epi-friedeanol and
eugenin. It also contains ß-sitosterol-D-glucoside, Kamepferol-3-0- glucoside, quercetin, myricetin, astragalin,
and gallic acid.
Fruit: Fruit of Syzygium cumini contains malic acid and a small quantity of oxalic acid as its acid constituent.
Gallic acid and tannins present in the fruit account for its astringency. The presence of Cyanidine and
diglycoside (Fig. 3) imparts purple color to the fruit. It further contains glucose, fructose, mannose, and
galactose as the principal sugar moieties. The mineral constituents are also reported to present which includes
Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cu and vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid etc.
Seed: It contains a glucoside jamboline, a new phenolic substance, a trace pale yellow essential oil,
chlorophyll, fat, resin, gallic acid, ferulic acid guaicol, resorcinol, dimethyl ether and corilaginin. The seeds are
fairly rich in the protein, and calcium.
Leaves: They contain gallitanins, essential oil (terpenes, 1-limonene and dipentene), monoterpenoid terpinene,
terpenolene, borbeneol, terpineol and eugenol, complicated mixture of polyphenol such as gallic acid,
methylgallate, kaempferol, ellagic acid, ellagitannin, nilocitin, myrecetin 3-0-D- glucaronopyranoside, 3-0-ß
D-glucuronopyranoside and two flavanol glycosides such as mearsetin 2-0-(4”-0-acetyl)-a-L
rhamnopyranoside, and myricetin 4”-0-acetyl”-2-0-gallate.
Flowers: They contain kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, isoquercetin (quercetin-3- glucoside), myricetin- 3 -
L - arabinoside, quercetin-3-D-galactoside, dihydromyricetin, oleanolic acid, acetyl oleanolic acid, eugenol-
triterpenoid A and eugenol-triterpenoid B.
Roots: Roots of syzygium cumini contain myricetin 3-o-glucoside and the new flavanoid myricetin 3-o-
robinoside.
Therapeutic properties and uses:
Diabetes Treatment
Black Plum has anti-diabetic properties and is medically proven in ayurvedic medicine too. As Black Plum is
rich in vitamin, antioxidants, fiber and has a low Glycemic Index which helps to control or lower blood sugar.
If you have type-2 diabetes then do not hesitate to eat this fruit. The extract of this fruit helps to regulate the
insulin level. Diabetes-related symptoms like excessive thirst and frequent urination can also be treated with
the help of this fruit.
Heart Diseases Treatment
This fruit is very benefited for the people who are prone to heart diseases. Since this fruit is also rich in
potassium, it protects the heart from strokes and other heart diseases like arteriosclerosis. It prevents the
accumulation of cholesterol in the body. The seed of this fruit is very useful as it helps to lower blood pressure
and it has a type of glucose known as jamboline which controls the conversion of starch into sugar and thus
helps to improve the immune system of your body.
Weight Loss
Black Plum has many health benefits. Since this fruit is low in calories, it is a great snack to maintain your
weight. If you want to lose your weight then you must eat this fruit, especially during breakfast.
Boosts Immunity Power And Healthy Fruit For Women
Black Plum helps to purify your blood and for women, it is extremely useful because it cures your menstrual
problem and reduces cramps during your periods. It also regulates your menstrual cycle. If your immunity
power is decreasing, then this fruit is highly recommended to increase your immunity power.
Cures Dental And Skin Related Problems
Since the fruit is also rich in vitamin C, it is useful for treating problems related to skin such as acne, dark spot,
and oily skin.
Make a paste out of this fruit and apply as a fruit mask on your face and then see the results. You can also mix
the juice with honey and apply it on the skin. You will have an acne free and glowing skin. It helps to soothe
your skin and makes your skin look younger. It also treats your dental problems and keeps your teeth and
gums strong. It is also used as a mouth wash and removes bad breath. In ancient culture, the leaves of this fruit
are burnt to form ashes. Those ashes are then applied on teeth to strengthen them and prevents gums from
bleeding.
Many Antibacterial Properties
The leaves of black plum also used or healing wounds. It has antibacterial properties which help to prevent
bacterial infections.
Its juice helps to cure urinary tract infection and gastrointestinal infection. The vinegar derived from this fruit
can be used to treat swellings in the liver. You can even apply little vinegar on our forehead to get relief from
migraine. The bark of this fruit helps to treat worm infections and respiratory disorders.
Prevents Cancer And Good For Bones
Research has also shown that black plum helps to prevent cancer and tumor. It helps to reduce the growth or
spreading of cancer-causing cells.
Extract the juice from the leaf of this fruit and drink it twice daily to overcome from kidney stones. The juice
also helps in maintaining blood circulation in your body. People who are suffering from jaundice can also eat
them. Rich in Calcium so it also helps to strengthen your bones.
Other Medicinal Uses
Major health problems such as asthma, piles can be cured by eating a black plum. As black plum is water
content fruit, it helps to hydrate our body if you are suffering from dehydration. Extract the juice from the leaf
of this fruit and drink it twice daily to overcome from kidney stones. The juice also helps in maintaining blood
circulation in your body. People who are suffering from jaundice can also eat them. Rich in Calcium so it also
helps to strengthen your bones. Do you get mouth ulcers? Apply the fruit pulp on the ulcer. Your ulcers will
vanish quickly. It also helps to improve your mood swings. In case if you are feeling tired or fatigue have 2-3
black plum fruits.
Ways to Consume Black Plum:
 You can add this fruit in your fruit salad.
 You can consume it in the form of vinegar or juice.
 Make black plum milkshakes and smoothies
 Mix one spoon of Jamun powder with water and drink it.
 You can also make ice-creams with it.
Side Effects of Black Plum:
 Overconsumption of black plum can cause digestive disorders or it can also cause fever or body aches.
It can cause cough and congestion in the chest.
 Precaution to be taken while eating this fruit. Never eat this fruit on an empty stomach. Have this fruit
with your meal. You can eat it with rock salt or black salt. Pick the fresh ones from the market and
always wash this fruit before eating eat otherwise you will be prone to viral infections. Don’t drink
milk immediately after eating this fruit, it can cause acidity.
 Pregnant women can recommend their doctors before eating this fruit.
 Black Plum is a seasonal fruit and is affordable. It is antiallergic and antimicrobial.
Reference: https://nupathe.com/blog/health-benefits-of-black-plum/
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/52426
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/black-plum/
http://ijpsr.com/bft-article/morphology-pytochemistry-and-pharmacology-of-syzygium-cumini-linn-an-
overview/?view=fulltext