Talk:Jambu: Difference between revisions

From Charak Samhita
Jump to navigation Jump to search
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
Dridhabala (talk | contribs)
218 edits
No edit summary
Dridhabala (talk | contribs)
218 edits
No edit summary
 
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
Syzygium cumini (L.) SKEELS
{{#seo:
 
|title=Charak Samhita
|titlemode=append
|keywords=Jambu, Syzygium cumini, Jamun, Jaman, Charak Samhita, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new edition, caraka samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda,
|description=Jambu (Syzygium cumini (L.) SKEELS) is traditionally recognized in Ayurveda for its profound role in managing prameha (diabetes) and bleeding disorders, backed by modern scientific research.
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image_alt=charak samhita
|type=article
}}
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syzygium_cumini Syzygium cumini (L.) SKEELS]
{{Infobox
{{Infobox
|title = Jambu
|title = Jambu
Line 6: Line 14:
|data1 = Herb database/Jambu
|data1 = Herb database/Jambu
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Syzygium cumini (L.) SKEELS
|data2 = [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syzygium_cumini Syzygium cumini (L.) SKEELS]
|label3 = Family
|label3 = Family
|data3 = Myrtaceae
|data3 = Myrtaceae
Line 12: Line 20:
|data4 = Available
|data4 = Available
|label5 = Contributors
|label5 = Contributors
|data5 = --
|data5 = [[Team Dravyaguna]]
|label6 = Year of publication  
|label6 = Year of publication  
|data6 =  2024
|data6 =  2026
|label7 = Publisher  
|label7 = Publisher  
|data7 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|data7 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
Line 20: Line 28:
|data8  = Awaited
|data8  = Awaited
}}
}}
'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syzygium_cumini Syzygium cumini (L.) SKEELS]''', popularly known as '''Jambu''' (Jamun or Jaman), is a large evergreen tropical tree native to the Indian subcontinent and neighboring regions of Southeast Asia. It is highly revered in [[Ayurveda]] for its astringent properties, prominent role in metabolic disorders such as [[Prameha]], and valuable fruit and bark pharmacognosy.


==English name ==  
==English name ==  
 
Jamun, Java plum
Jaman


==Therapeutic use==
==Therapeutic use==
 
* '''Jambu (Seed):''' Madhumeha, Udakameha (obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus)
Jambu (Seed) – Madhumeha, Udakameha (obstinate urinary disorders including dianetes mellitus)
* '''Jambu (Stem bark):''' Atisara (Diarrhoea), Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)<ref name="API">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2:26</ref>
Jambu (Stem bark) – Atisara (Diarrhoea), Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2:26</ref>


==Other varieties / Botanical names==
==Other varieties / Botanical names==
* Calyptranthes caryophyllifolia Willd.
* Calyptranthes caryophyllifolia Willd.
* Calyptranthes cumini (L.) Pers.
* Calyptranthes cumini (L.) Pers.
Line 68: Line 75:
* Syzygium tenue (Duthie) N.P.Balakr
* Syzygium tenue (Duthie) N.P.Balakr


==Identification Characters==
== Identification Characters & Botanical Profile ==
 
* '''Mahaskandha''' – Jambu plant has very big and strong trunk.
* '''Mahaskandha''' – Jambu plant has very big and strong trunk.
* '''Nilanjanacchada''' – Leaves of Jambu are bluish in colour.
* '''Nilanjanacchada''' – Leaves of Jambu are bluish in colour.
Line 78: Line 84:
* '''Maharasa''' – Fruit is juicy.
* '''Maharasa''' – Fruit is juicy.


==Types==
In traditional medicine, Jambu is categorized as having an astringent profile that pacifies [[pitta]] and [[kapha]], while potentially aggravating [[vata]] when used in excess. Its historical indications span metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal flux, and dermal healing.


===Bhavaprakasha Nighantu- 2===
== Types ==
# Raja jambu
=== Bhavaprakasha Nighantu ===
# Ksudra jambu
# Raja Jambu
# Ksudra Jambu


===Raja Nighantu2- 4===
=== Raja Nighantu ===
# Jambu
# Jambu
# Maha jambu
# Maha Jambu
# Kaka jambu
# Kaka Jambu
# Bhumi jambu
# Bhumi Jambu


== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
Jambu, Mahaphala, Phalendra
Jambu, Mahaphala, Phalendra


==dditional Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu==
== Additional Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu==
 
* '''Raja Jambu''' – Nandi, Surabhi patra, Maha Jambu
Raja jambu – Nandi, Surabhi patra, Maha jambu
* '''Ksudra Jambu''' – Sukshma patra, Nadeyi, Jala Jambu
Ksudra jambu – Sukshma patra, Nadeyi, Jala jambu


== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==  
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==  
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Properties  
|+ Properties  
Line 115: Line 119:
|-
|-
| 5 || Actions ([[karma]]) || Pacify [[kapha]] and [[pitta]], aggravates [[vata]]
| 5 || Actions ([[karma]]) || Pacify [[kapha]] and [[pitta]], aggravates [[vata]]
|}
|}


== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==  
== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==  
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Herbs and their activities
|+ Herbs and their activities
Line 125: Line 127:
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity  
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity  
|-
|-
| 1 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 2/28 || Grahiyavagu(gruel for constipation).
| 1 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 2/28 || Grahiyavagu (gruel for constipation).
|-
|-
| 2 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(28) || Chhardinigrahana (anti emetic) mahakashaya
| 2 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(28) || Chhardinigrahana (anti emetic) mahakashaya
|-
|-
| 3 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(32) || Purishvirajaniya(faecal de – pigmenter) mahakashaya
| 3 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(32) || Purishvirajaniya (faecal de – pigmenter) mahakashaya
|-
|-
| 4 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(33) || Mootrasangrahaniya(anti – diuretic) mahakashaya
| 4 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(33) || Mootrasangrahaniya (anti – diuretic) mahakashaya
|-
|-
|5 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]25/40 ||Aggravating vata dosha as per agrya sangraha (from the collections of best food articles, factors and drugs in various conditions.
| 5 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40 || Aggravating vata dosha as per agrya sangraha.
|-
|-
|6 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/140 ||Phala Varga(class of fruits)
| 6 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/140 || Phala Varga (class of fruits)
|-
|-
|7 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]26/84 ||Viruddha ahara (as an example of incompatible substance with milk)
| 7 ||Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 26/84 || Viruddha ahara (as an example of incompatible substance with milk)
|-
|-
|8 ||Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]]2/4 ||Nidana of Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
| 8 ||Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]] 2/4 || Nidana of Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
|-
|-
|9 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/258 ||As an ingredient of Chandanadhya taila.
| 9 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/258 || As an ingredient of Chandanadhya taila.
|-
|-
|10 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/10 ||Vibhinna aakriti of arsha (resemblance of different shapes of haemorrhoids)
| 10 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/10 || Vibhinna aakriti of arsha (resemblance of different shapes of haemorrhoids)
|-
|-
|11 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/139 ||As an ingredient of Kiratadhya churna (Pittaja Grahani chiktsa)
| 11 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/139 || As an ingredient of Kiratadhya churna (Pittaja Grahani chiktsa)
|-
|-
|12 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/54 ||As a yoga dravya in treatment of pittaj atisara.  
| 12 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/54 || As a yoga dravya in treatment of pittaj atisara.  
|-
|-
|13 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/110 ||As a yoga dravya  
| 13 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/110 || As a yoga dravya  
|-
|-
|14 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 20/30 ||As a pana yoga in Pittaja chhardi.
| 14 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 20/30 || As a pana yoga in Pittaja chhardi.
|-
|-
|15 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 20/38 ||As an ingredient of Kaphaja chhardihara yoga.
| 15 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 20/38 || As an ingredient of Kaphaja chhardihara yoga.
|-
|-
|16 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/35 ||For lepa(external application) prayoga
| 16 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/35 || For lepa (external application) prayoga
|-
|-
|17 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 25/113 ||Used for tvak janana(healing of skin).
| 17 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 25/113 || Used for tvak janana (healing of skin).
|-
|-
|18 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/76 ||Apathya(unwholesome)in Ashmari(renal stone).
| 18 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/76 || Apathya (unwholesome) in Ashmari (renal stone).
|-
|-
|19 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/272 ||As an ingredient of Mahaneela taila.
| 19 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/272 || As an ingredient of Mahaneela taila.
|-
|-
|20 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/79 ||As an ingredient of Dhatakyadi taila.
| 20 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/79 || As an ingredient of Dhatakyadi taila.
|-
|-
|21 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/82 ||For Yoni prakshalana(vaginal douche).
| 21 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/82 || For Yoni prakshalana (vaginal douche).
|-
|-
|22 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/90 ||As an ingredient of Pushyanuga churna.
| 22 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/90 || As an ingredient of Pushyanuga churna.
|-
|-
|23 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/108 ||Used in the treatment of Vipluta.
| 23 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/108 || Used in the treatment of Vipluta.
|-
|-
|24 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/122 ||Used in the treatment of Pichhila yoni(sliminess of genital tract).
| 24 ||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/122 || Used in the treatment of Pichhila yoni (sliminess of genital tract).
|}
|}


==Dose==
==Dose==
*Jambu (seed) – 3 – 6 gm of the drug in powder form.
* '''Jambu (seed):''' 3–6 gm of the drug in powder form.
*Jambu (stem bark) – 10 – 20 gm of the drug for decoction.<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2:26</ref>
* '''Jambu (stem bark):''' 10–20 gm of the drug for decoction.<ref name="API"/>
 
==Important Formulations==
As per A.P.I.<ref name="API"/>
* Pushyanuga Churna
* Ushirasava
 
== Current availability==
Available
* '''In India –''' Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Assam
* '''Out of India –'''
* '''Southeast Asia –''' Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam
* '''Australia –''' Particularly in the state of Queensland
* '''Pacific Islands –''' Fiji and Hawaii
* '''South America –''' Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela
* '''Africa –''' Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
 
== Phytochemical Composition ==
The therapeutic versatility of ''Syzygium cumini'' arises from its secondary metabolite profile across the seeds, bark, and fruit:
* '''Anthocyanins:''' Anthocyanins responsible for the deep purple pigmentation are present in the fruit peel; their chemical nature, stability and bioefficacies have been characterized.<ref name="Veigas2007"/>
* '''Flavonoids & Phenolic Compounds:''' Fruit contains anthocyanin 3,5-diglucosides, dihydromyricetin diglucosides, myricetin glucoside and a galloyl-glucose ester.<ref name="Faria2011"/>
* '''Glycosides & Alkaloids:''' The plant is rich in anthocyanins, glucoside, ellagic acid, isoquercetin, kaempferol and myricetin, and the seeds are reported to contain the alkaloid jambosine and the glycoside jambolin (antimellin), claimed to halt the conversion of starch into sugar.<ref name="Ayyanar2012"/>


==Important formulations==
== Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
As per A.P.I.<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2:26</ref>
=== Anti-Diabetic and Hypoglycemic Potential ===
Jambu seed is classically indicated in Madhumeha and is among the plants most often recommended as adjuvant therapy in type 2 diabetes.
* '''Mechanism:''' Not established; mechanistic data come mainly from animal and in vitro studies.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' A review of 125 years of research found about 100 case reports from the pre-insulin era and many animal studies reporting some reduction of type 2 diabetes symptoms; however, a state-of-the-art clinical study is still missing, so efficacy in humans is not established.<ref name="Helmstadter2008"/>


*Jambu (seed) – Pushyanuga Churna
=== Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Action ===
*Jambu (stem bark) - Ushirasava
Polyphenols and anthocyanins in the fruit are considered responsible for antioxidant protection.
* '''Mechanism:''' Scavenging of free radicals; the activity of the fruit skin may come partly from antioxidant vitamins, phenolics or tannins and anthocyanins.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' In vitro assays of fruit skin extract (hydroxyl radical, superoxide, DPPH scavenging, lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity) demonstrated antioxidant activity.<ref name="Banerjee2005"/>


=== Gastroprotective Efficacy ===
The bark has prominent astringent properties and is classically used in Atisara; experimental evidence cited here concerns gastric mucosal protection.
* '''Mechanism:''' Tannins reduced free-radical concentration in the stomach after gastric injury.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' In rats with HCl/ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage, tannins (13.4% quantified) extracted from the bark significantly decreased gastric mucosal damage (p<0.01) on microscopic examination, indicating gastroprotective and anti-ulcerogenic effects.<ref name="Ramirez2003"/>


=== Anti-inflammatory Properties ===
Jambu bark has shown anti-inflammatory activity in experimental models.
* '''Mechanism:''' Probably inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis, related to the high tannin content of the bark extract (proposed, not proven).
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' The ethanolic extract of stem bark showed anti-inflammatory activity in rat models of experimentally induced inflammation.<ref name="Muruganandan2001"/>


 
=== Antimicrobial Properties ===
== Current availability==  
* '''Mechanism:''' Not established.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Seed extracts of ''Syzygium jambolanum'' were reported to have antibacterial and antifungal activity in vitro.<ref name="Chandrasekaran2004"/>


Available
== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
* '''Toxicity Profile:''' In rodents, an oral hydroalcoholic leaf extract caused no deaths up to 6 g/kg in mice and 2 g/kg in rats, and daily oral doses of 0.05–0.25 g/kg for up to 180 days caused no deaths or behavioural changes and normal organ histology; some biochemical changes occurred, and male rats at the highest dose did not gain weight from the 15th week. Intraperitoneal administration was toxic (LD50 0.489 g/kg in mice). These data are from leaf extract; equivalent data for seed and bark were not found.<ref name="Silva2012"/>
* '''Precautions:''' Classical texts describe Jambu as Vata-aggravating (Su. 25/40) and unwholesome in Ashmari (Chi. 26/76); see the Charak Samhita reference table above.
* '''Standard Therapeutic Dosage:'''
** *Seed Powder:* 3–6 g (see Dose above).
** *Stem Bark Decoction:* 10–20 g (see Dose above).


*In India – Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Assam
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
*Out of India –  
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
*Southest Asia – Malaysia, Thailand, Phillippines, Myannmar, Vietnam
|+ Therapeutic Applications of ''Syzygium cumini''
*Australia – Particularly in the state of Queensland
! Indication / Application
*Pacific Islands – Fiji and Hawaii
! Active Biomolecules
*South America – Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela
! Primary Pharmacological Action
*Africa – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
|-
| '''Diabetes Mellitus (Madhumeha)'''
| Seed constituents (jambolin, reported)
| Hypoglycemic (historical reports, animal studies; clinical evidence lacking)
|-
| '''Gastric Mucosal Injury (Atisara – classical use)'''
| Bark tannins
| Astringent, gastroprotective (animal)
|-
| '''Oxidative Stress'''
| Anthocyanins, phenolics
| Free radical scavenger (in vitro)
|-
| '''Inflammation'''
| Bark tannins
| Anti-inflammatory (animal)
|-
| '''Microbial Infections'''
| Seed extract constituents
| Antibacterial, antifungal (in vitro)
|}


== Current researches ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="API">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2:26</ref>
<ref name="Veigas2007">{{cite journal |last1=Veigas |first1=J.M. |display-authors=etal |year=2007 |title=Chemical nature, stability and bioefficacies of anthocyanins from fruit peel of Syzygium cumini Skeels |journal=Food Chemistry |volume=105 |issue=2 |pages=619–627}}</ref>
<ref name="Faria2011">{{cite journal |last1=Faria |first1=A.F. |last2=Marques |first2=M.C. |last3=Mercadante |first3=A.Z. |year=2011 |title=Identification of bioactive compounds from jambolão (Syzygium cumini) and antioxidant capacity evaluation in different pH conditions |journal=Food Chemistry |volume=126 |issue=4 |pages=1571–1578 |doi=10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.12.007}}</ref>
<ref name="Ayyanar2012">{{cite journal |last1=Ayyanar |first1=M. |last2=Subash-Babu |first2=P. |year=2012 |title=Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels: A review of its phytochemical constituents and traditional uses |journal=Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine |volume=2 |issue=3 |pages=240–246 |pmid=23569906}}</ref>
<ref name="Helmstadter2008">{{cite journal |last1=Helmstädter |first1=A. |year=2008 |title=Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae) against diabetes – 125 years of research |journal=Die Pharmazie |volume=63 |issue=2 |pages=91–101 |doi=10.1691/ph.2008.7335}}</ref>
<ref name="Banerjee2005">{{cite journal |last1=Banerjee |first1=A. |last2=Dasgupta |first2=N. |last3=De |first3=B. |year=2005 |title=In vitro study of antioxidant activity of Syzygium cumini fruit |journal=Food Chemistry |volume=90 |issue=4 |pages=727–733}}</ref>
<ref name="Ramirez2003">{{cite journal |last1=Ramirez |first1=R.O. |last2=Roa |first2=C.C. Jr. |year=2003 |title=The gastroprotective effect of tannins extracted from duhat (Syzygium cumini Skeels) bark on HCl/ethanol induced gastric mucosal injury in Sprague-Dawley rats |journal=Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation |volume=29 |issue=3–4 |pages=253–261 |doi=10.3233/CHM-2003-599}}</ref>
<ref name="Muruganandan2001">{{cite journal |last1=Muruganandan |first1=S. |last2=Srinivasan |first2=K. |last3=Chandra |first3=S. |last4=Tandan |first4=S.K. |last5=Lal |first5=J. |last6=Raviprakash |first6=V. |year=2001 |title=Anti-inflammatory activity of Syzygium cumini bark |journal=Fitoterapia |volume=72 |issue=4 |pages=369–375}}</ref>
<ref name="Chandrasekaran2004">{{cite journal |last1=Chandrasekaran |first1=M. |last2=Venkatesalu |first2=V. |year=2004 |title=Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Syzygium jambolanum seeds |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=91 |issue=1 |pages=105–108}}</ref>
<ref name="Silva2012">{{cite journal |last1=Silva |first1=S.N. |last2=Abreu |first2=I.C. |last3=Silva |first3=G.F.C. |display-authors=etal |year=2012 |title=The toxicity evaluation of Syzygium cumini leaves in rodents |journal=Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia |url=https://www.scielo.br/j/rbfar/a/HcPwvtg7N5Yvgh578z4cbLq/}}</ref>
}}


[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
[[Index.php?title=Category:Database of herbs and minerals| Herbs]]
  This article is under development ..

Latest revision as of 06:35, 9 October 2026

Syzygium cumini (L.) SKEELS

Jambu
Section/Chapter Herb database/Jambu
Botanical name(s) Syzygium cumini (L.) SKEELS
Family Myrtaceae
Availability Available
Contributors Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

Syzygium cumini (L.) SKEELS, popularly known as Jambu (Jamun or Jaman), is a large evergreen tropical tree native to the Indian subcontinent and neighboring regions of Southeast Asia. It is highly revered in Ayurveda for its astringent properties, prominent role in metabolic disorders such as Prameha, and valuable fruit and bark pharmacognosy.

English name

Jamun, Java plum

Therapeutic use

  • Jambu (Seed): Madhumeha, Udakameha (obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus)
  • Jambu (Stem bark): Atisara (Diarrhoea), Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)[1]

Other varieties / Botanical names

  • 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

Identification Characters & Botanical Profile

  • Mahaskandha – Jambu plant has very big and strong trunk.
  • Nilanjanacchada – Leaves of Jambu are bluish in colour.
  • Surabhipatra – Leaves have aroma.
  • Meghamodini – Fruiting season of Jambu is Varsa ritu.
  • Mahaphala – Fruit is relatively big.
  • Nilaphala – Fruit of Jambu is bluish purple in colour.
  • Maharasa – Fruit is juicy.

In traditional medicine, Jambu is categorized as having an astringent profile that pacifies pitta and kapha, while potentially aggravating vata when used in excess. Its historical indications span metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal flux, and dermal healing.

Types

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

  1. Raja Jambu
  2. Ksudra Jambu

Raja Nighantu

  1. Jambu
  2. Maha Jambu
  3. Kaka Jambu
  4. Bhumi Jambu

Synonyms in Charak Samhita

Jambu, Mahaphala, Phalendra

Additional Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

  • Raja Jambu – Nandi, Surabhi patra, Maha Jambu
  • Ksudra Jambu – Sukshma patra, Nadeyi, Jala Jambu

Ayurvedic pharmacological properties

Properties
Sr.no. Pharmacological criteria Properties
1 Taste (rasa) Astringent (kashaya), Sweet (madhura), Sour (amla)
2 Potency (veerya) Cold (sheeta)
3 Post digestion effect (vipaka) Pungent (katu)
4 Qualities (guna) Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
5 Actions (karma) Pacify kapha and pitta, aggravates vata

Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions

Herbs and their activities
Sr.no. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity
1 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/28 Grahiyavagu (gruel for constipation).
2 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(28) Chhardinigrahana (anti emetic) mahakashaya
3 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(32) Purishvirajaniya (faecal de – pigmenter) mahakashaya
4 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(33) Mootrasangrahaniya (anti – diuretic) mahakashaya
5 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40 Aggravating vata dosha as per agrya sangraha.
6 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/140 Phala Varga (class of fruits)
7 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 26/84 Viruddha ahara (as an example of incompatible substance with milk)
8 Cha.Sa.Nidana Sthana 2/4 Nidana of Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
9 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/258 As an ingredient of Chandanadhya taila.
10 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/10 Vibhinna aakriti of arsha (resemblance of different shapes of haemorrhoids)
11 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/139 As an ingredient of Kiratadhya churna (Pittaja Grahani chiktsa)
12 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/54 As a yoga dravya in treatment of pittaj atisara.
13 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/110 As a yoga dravya
14 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/30 As a pana yoga in Pittaja chhardi.
15 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/38 As an ingredient of Kaphaja chhardihara yoga.
16 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 22/35 For lepa (external application) prayoga
17 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/113 Used for tvak janana (healing of skin).
18 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/76 Apathya (unwholesome) in Ashmari (renal stone).
19 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/272 As an ingredient of Mahaneela taila.
20 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/79 As an ingredient of Dhatakyadi taila.
21 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/82 For Yoni prakshalana (vaginal douche).
22 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/90 As an ingredient of Pushyanuga churna.
23 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/108 Used in the treatment of Vipluta.
24 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/122 Used in the treatment of Pichhila yoni (sliminess of genital tract).

Dose

  • Jambu (seed): 3–6 gm of the drug in powder form.
  • Jambu (stem bark): 10–20 gm of the drug for decoction.[1]

Important Formulations

As per A.P.I.[1]

  • Pushyanuga Churna
  • Ushirasava

Current availability

Available

  • In India – Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Assam
  • Out of India –
  • Southeast Asia – Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam
  • Australia – Particularly in the state of Queensland
  • Pacific Islands – Fiji and Hawaii
  • South America – Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela
  • Africa – Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda

Phytochemical Composition

The therapeutic versatility of Syzygium cumini arises from its secondary metabolite profile across the seeds, bark, and fruit:

  • Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins responsible for the deep purple pigmentation are present in the fruit peel; their chemical nature, stability and bioefficacies have been characterized.[2]
  • Flavonoids & Phenolic Compounds: Fruit contains anthocyanin 3,5-diglucosides, dihydromyricetin diglucosides, myricetin glucoside and a galloyl-glucose ester.[3]
  • Glycosides & Alkaloids: The plant is rich in anthocyanins, glucoside, ellagic acid, isoquercetin, kaempferol and myricetin, and the seeds are reported to contain the alkaloid jambosine and the glycoside jambolin (antimellin), claimed to halt the conversion of starch into sugar.[4]

Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy

Anti-Diabetic and Hypoglycemic Potential

Jambu seed is classically indicated in Madhumeha and is among the plants most often recommended as adjuvant therapy in type 2 diabetes.

  • Mechanism: Not established; mechanistic data come mainly from animal and in vitro studies.
  • Scientific Evidence: A review of 125 years of research found about 100 case reports from the pre-insulin era and many animal studies reporting some reduction of type 2 diabetes symptoms; however, a state-of-the-art clinical study is still missing, so efficacy in humans is not established.[5]

Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Action

Polyphenols and anthocyanins in the fruit are considered responsible for antioxidant protection.

  • Mechanism: Scavenging of free radicals; the activity of the fruit skin may come partly from antioxidant vitamins, phenolics or tannins and anthocyanins.
  • Scientific Evidence: In vitro assays of fruit skin extract (hydroxyl radical, superoxide, DPPH scavenging, lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity) demonstrated antioxidant activity.[6]

Gastroprotective Efficacy

The bark has prominent astringent properties and is classically used in Atisara; experimental evidence cited here concerns gastric mucosal protection.

  • Mechanism: Tannins reduced free-radical concentration in the stomach after gastric injury.
  • Scientific Evidence: In rats with HCl/ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage, tannins (13.4% quantified) extracted from the bark significantly decreased gastric mucosal damage (p<0.01) on microscopic examination, indicating gastroprotective and anti-ulcerogenic effects.[7]

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Jambu bark has shown anti-inflammatory activity in experimental models.

  • Mechanism: Probably inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis, related to the high tannin content of the bark extract (proposed, not proven).
  • Scientific Evidence: The ethanolic extract of stem bark showed anti-inflammatory activity in rat models of experimentally induced inflammation.[8]

Antimicrobial Properties

  • Mechanism: Not established.
  • Scientific Evidence: Seed extracts of Syzygium jambolanum were reported to have antibacterial and antifungal activity in vitro.[9]

Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage

  • Toxicity Profile: In rodents, an oral hydroalcoholic leaf extract caused no deaths up to 6 g/kg in mice and 2 g/kg in rats, and daily oral doses of 0.05–0.25 g/kg for up to 180 days caused no deaths or behavioural changes and normal organ histology; some biochemical changes occurred, and male rats at the highest dose did not gain weight from the 15th week. Intraperitoneal administration was toxic (LD50 0.489 g/kg in mice). These data are from leaf extract; equivalent data for seed and bark were not found.[10]
  • Precautions: Classical texts describe Jambu as Vata-aggravating (Su. 25/40) and unwholesome in Ashmari (Chi. 26/76); see the Charak Samhita reference table above.
  • Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
    • *Seed Powder:* 3–6 g (see Dose above).
    • *Stem Bark Decoction:* 10–20 g (see Dose above).

Summary of Therapeutic Profile

Therapeutic Applications of Syzygium cumini
Indication / Application Active Biomolecules Primary Pharmacological Action
Diabetes Mellitus (Madhumeha) Seed constituents (jambolin, reported) Hypoglycemic (historical reports, animal studies; clinical evidence lacking)
Gastric Mucosal Injury (Atisara – classical use) Bark tannins Astringent, gastroprotective (animal)
Oxidative Stress Anthocyanins, phenolics Free radical scavenger (in vitro)
Inflammation Bark tannins Anti-inflammatory (animal)
Microbial Infections Seed extract constituents Antibacterial, antifungal (in vitro)

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2:26
  2. ↑ Veigas, J.M.; et al. (2007). "Chemical nature, stability and bioefficacies of anthocyanins from fruit peel of Syzygium cumini Skeels". Food Chemistry. 105 (2): 619–627. 
  3. ↑ Faria, A.F.; Marques, M.C.; Mercadante, A.Z. (2011). "Identification of bioactive compounds from jambolão (Syzygium cumini) and antioxidant capacity evaluation in different pH conditions". Food Chemistry. 126 (4): 1571–1578. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.12.007. 
  4. ↑ Ayyanar, M.; Subash-Babu, P. (2012). "Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels: A review of its phytochemical constituents and traditional uses". Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2 (3): 240–246. PMID 23569906. 
  5. ↑ Helmstädter, A. (2008). "Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae) against diabetes – 125 years of research". Die Pharmazie. 63 (2): 91–101. doi:10.1691/ph.2008.7335. 
  6. ↑ Banerjee, A.; Dasgupta, N.; De, B. (2005). "In vitro study of antioxidant activity of Syzygium cumini fruit". Food Chemistry. 90 (4): 727–733. 
  7. ↑ Ramirez, R.O.; Roa, C.C. Jr. (2003). "The gastroprotective effect of tannins extracted from duhat (Syzygium cumini Skeels) bark on HCl/ethanol induced gastric mucosal injury in Sprague-Dawley rats". Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation. 29 (3–4): 253–261. doi:10.3233/CHM-2003-599. 
  8. ↑ Muruganandan, S.; Srinivasan, K.; Chandra, S.; Tandan, S.K.; Lal, J.; Raviprakash, V. (2001). "Anti-inflammatory activity of Syzygium cumini bark". Fitoterapia. 72 (4): 369–375. 
  9. ↑ Chandrasekaran, M.; Venkatesalu, V. (2004). "Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Syzygium jambolanum seeds". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 91 (1): 105–108. 
  10. ↑ Silva, S.N.; Abreu, I.C.; Silva, G.F.C.; et al. (2012). "The toxicity evaluation of Syzygium cumini leaves in rodents". Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. 

Herbs

Retrieved from "https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Talk:Jambu&oldid=45802"