SYZYGIUM CUMINI (JAMUN) ITS MEDICINAL USES

SYZYGIUM CUMINI (JAMUN) ITS MEDICINAL USES

Subodh Kumar * and Bachchu Singh

Department of Ilmul Advia, Department of Ilaj bit Tadabeer, State Takmeelut-Tib College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.

ABSTRACT: Syzygium cumini is a smooth and famous tree, about 8 to 15 meters high with white branchlets and reddish young shoots. Leaves are opposite, shiny and leathery, oblong-ovate to elliptic or obovate-elliptic, 6 to 12 centimeters long, the tip is broad and shortly pointed. In Unani, the kernel (Khasta-e-Jamun) is used for the treatment. A lot of pharmacological work has been scientifically carried out on various parts of Syzygium cumini but some other traditionally important therapeutically uses are also remaining to proof till now scientifically. It has astringent, carminative, stomachic, diuretic, antidiabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, radioprotective, gastro-protective, antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, cardio-protective properties, etc. The various chemical constituents present in Seeds yield glycosides, a trace of pale yellow essential oil, fat, resin, albumin, chlorophyll, an alkaloid- jambosine, gallic acid, 1-galloylglucose, 3-galloylglucose, quercetin, and elements such as zinc, chromium, vanadium, potassium and sodium.

Keywords: Syzygium cumini, Mizaj, (Khasta-e-Jamun, Diabetes, Badal, Studies

INTRODUCTION: Syzygium cumini is a smooth and famous tree, about 8 to 15 meters high with white branchlets and reddish young shoots. Leaves are opposite, shiny and leathery, oblong-ovate to elliptic or obovate-elliptic, 6 to 12 centimeters long, the tip is broad and shortly pointed. Panicles are borne mostly from the branchlets below the leaves, often being axillary or terminal, about 4 to 6 centimeters long. Flowers are small, numerous, scented, pink or nearly white, in clusters, without stalks, borne in crowded fascicles on the ends of the branchlets.

The calyx is funnel-shaped, about 4 millimeters long and 4-toothed. Petals cohere and fall all. Stamens are numerous and about as long as the calyx.

Fruit is oval to elliptic, 1.5 to 3.5 centimeters long, dark purple or nearly black, luscious, fleshy and edible with a sweet, astringent taste; containing a single large seed.

Origin and Distribution: Widely distributed throughout India- Sub-Himalayan tract, Assam, Burma to Malaya and Peninsular India. Found throughout the Philippines, planted and in many regions spontaneous. It also occurs in the Indo-Malayan region, generally ^{1, 2, 3, 5, 13, 15, 16, 17}.

Taxonomical Classification: Botanical classification of Syzygium cumini Kingdom: Plantae, Class: Angiosperms, Order: Myrtales, Family: Myrtaceae, Genus: Syzygium Species: cumimi ^{5, 13}.

Vernacular Name: ^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}

Hindi:              Jaman, Jamun

Sanskrit:          Jamboo, Raj jamboo

Bangali:           Kalajaam

Unani:             Jaman

Eng:                 Jamol, Jambul, Java Plum

Latin:               SyzygiumcuminiL.

Botanical Name: Syzygium cumini L.

Unani Description of Syzygium cumini L: ^{1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14} It is very famous and big size tree in India. The fruits of this plant are edible. The seeds of the fruits called kernel (Khasta-e-Jamun), which is used in diabetes and leaves & barks are also used in Unani system of medicine.

Parts used (Azja-e-Mustemil): Leaves, bark, fruits, kernel (Khasta-e-Jamun).

Temperament (Mizaj): Cold &Dry in 2^nd.

Action (A’afal): Muqawwi-e-Medawa Jigar Har (Tonic for Hot Stomach & Liver), Moharrik Ishtha (Appetizer stimulant), Qabiz (Constipant), Musakin-e-Hararat (Analgesic).

Action (Istemal): Taqwiyat-e-Medawa Jigar, Mushtahi (Appetizer), Ishal-e-Safrawiwa Damwi ko band kartahai, Ziabetees (Diabetes).

Main Action (Naf-e-Kkas): HabisIshal, Muqawwi-e-Meda (Tonic for Stomach).

Side Effect (MuzirAsrat): Nfakh (Dispersion) aur Der-e-Hazm (Delay in digestion).

Antidote (Musleh): Kalimirch (Piper nigrum) and Namak (Sodium chloride).

Substitute (Badal): Chhota Bade ka Badal hai (Small is a substitute of bigger).

Compound formulations (Murakkab): Sirka (vinegar)

History: Widely distributed in cultivation in all over India. It is also found throughout the Philippines, planted and in many regions spontaneous. Probably of prehistoric introduction from Malaya. Also occurs in the Indo-Malayan region generally.

Folkloric: ^{1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12}

• In the Philippines, a decoction of the bark is given internally for dysentery. Bark decoction is also used as anemia.
• Diarrhea: Liberal amounts of the fleshy portion of the fruit. Decoction of the bark is used as a gargle or mouthwash for gingivitis and mouth ulcerations.
• Fresh juice of the bark given with goat's milk for diarrhea in children. Bark decoction as an astringent wash for wounds.
• Ripe fruit is astringent and considered an efficient remedy for diabetes. Decoction of leaves and bark is also used for the same purpose, but the ripe fruit is considered the best.
• Pulverized dried seeds are also used for diabetes: powdered seeds and root-bark are used for diarrhea.
• In India, seeds are used for diabetes. The bark is used for diarrhea, dysentery and spongy gums. A poultice of leaves is used for skin complaints. Powdered seeds are also used for menorrhagia.
• In Unani medicine, seeds used as liver tonic enrich the blood, strengthen the teeth and gums, and as a lotion to remove ringworm of the head. Fruit is used as astringent in bilious diarrhea, a gargle for sore throat and a lotion in tinea-capitis.
• Vinegar is prepared from the juice of the ripe fruit used as stomachic, carminative, and diuretic. Juice of leaves, alone or with other astringents, used for dysentery. The bark is used for sore throats, indigestion, appetite loss, leucorrhea, bronchitis, asthma, ulcers and dysentery.
• In Brazil, leaves and fruits are used to treat infectious diseases, diabetes and stomachaches.

Ethno-pharmacological Uses: One of the most popular fruits in the Philippines. Ripe fruit is eaten outright. Juice can be made into wine; used in the manufacture of red wine. Fruit is a good source of calcium and a fair source of iron. In Malaya, vinegar is made from the juice of the unripe fruit ^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 23}.

Chemical Constituents: Seeds yield glycosides, a trace of pale yellow essential oil, fat, resin, albumin, chlorophyll, an alkaloid- jambosine, gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin and related tannin,3,6-hexahydroxydiphenoylglucose and its isomer 4,6- hexahydroxydiphenoylglucose, 1-galloylglucose, 3-galloylglucose, quercetin and elements such as zinc, chromium, vanadium, potassium, and sodium. Unsaponifiable matter of seed fat contains β-sitosterol. Phytochemical screening of the seeds yielded alkaloids, proteins and amino acids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, saponins, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids. The study of seeds yielded neither alkaloid nor enzyme but an abundance of starch and tannin. Proximate analysis showed: Moisture 8.0, starch (diatase) 41.4, crude fiber 2.3, pentosans 2.1, protein 6.3, ash 2.9, dextrin 2.1 and tannin 6.0 ^{35, 38, 42, 59, 61}.

Pharmacological Action: Syzygium cumini is considered astringent, carminative, stomachic, diuretic, antidiabetic, and anti-diarrheal. Studies have shown antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, radio protective, gastro-protective, antioxidant, CNS depressant, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, antibacterial, cardio-protective properties.

Studies Prove:

• Antioxidant / Tannins / Fruits:Study isolated tannins from the fruit of Syzygium cumini and suggests the use of the fruit as a significant source of natural antioxidants.
• Antioxidant / FruitStudy showed a significant correlation between extract concentration and percentage of free radical inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Authors suggest the antioxidant property of the fruit skin of Syzygium cumini may come in part from the antioxidant vitamins, phenolics, tannins, and anthocyanins present in the fruit ¹⁵.
• Anti-Diabetes / Bark: The animal study of aqueous extract from Syzygium cumini bark showed stimulation of development of insulin-positive cells from the pancreatic duct epithelial cells.
• Anti-Diabetic / α-Glucosidase / Seed Kernels: Study of Syzygium cumini seed kernel extracts in vitro and in Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats showed inhibition of a-glucosidase as a possible mechanism for its antidiabetic effect ¹⁷.
• Phytochemicals: Investigation on a Tropical Plant, Syzygium cumini from South India: Phytochemicals screening of extracts of Syzygium cumini seed revealed alkaloids, amino acids, phytosterols, saponins, steroids, tannins, and triterpenoids. These phytochemicals probably explain the plant's medicinal properties ¹⁸.
• Anti-inflammatory / Seeds: The study on SC extracts established the anti-inflammatory activity of the Syzygium cumini seeds ¹⁹.
• Radioprotective:The study evaluated the influence of a seed extract of Syzygium cumini (Jamun) on mice exposed to different doses of GAMMA.-radiation: SCE treatment protected mice against radiation sickness and mortality against all doses and showed an increased survival ²⁰.
• Gastroprotective: The gastroprotective effect of tannins extracted from duhat (Syzygium cumini Skeels) bark on HCl/ethanol induced gastric mucosal injury in Sprague-Dawley rats: The study suggests the tannins extracted from SC have gastroprotective and anti-ulcerogenic effects ²¹.
• Red Wine Source:A study prepared a red wine from the anthocyanin-rich fruit of Syzygium cumini through fermentation using wine yeast ²².
• Depressant Central Nervous System Activity:An animal study of seed extract of Syzygium cumini showed the dose-dependent depressant effect of locomotion attributed to the presence of saponins ²⁴.
• α-Amylase Inhibition / Anti-Hyperglycemic / Seeds:Study of 11 medicinal plants showed Syzygium cumini seeds with strong inhibition of a-amylase activity. Crude ethanolic and aqueous extracts reduced glycaemia of diabetic rats. The bark showed anti-hyperglycemic activity on oral glucose tolerance testing. Seed extract yielded betulinic acid and 3,5,7,4'-tetrahydroxy flavanone. The compound showed high a-amylase inhibitor activity, but the inhibitory activity of the individuals compounds needs further testing and verification ²⁵.
• Anti-cervical Cancer: Study of cumini extract showed inhibition of growth and induction of apoptosis in HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent manner ²⁶.
• Anti-Allergic:Study of on the aqueous leaf extract of Syzygium cumini showed the main components to be hydrolyzable tannins and flavonoids. Results showed inhibition of paw edema, edema induced by histamine, prevention of mast cell degranulation, and consequent histamine release in Wistar rat peritoneal mast cells. The findings demonstrate an anti-allergic effect; the anti-edematogenic effect is attributed to inhibition of mast cell degranulation ²⁷.
• Prophylactic Anti-Septic Effect:The study concluded that treatment with jambolanum has a potent prophylactic anti-septic effect, not due to a direct microbicidal effect but rather associated with recruitment of activated neutrophils to the infectious site and to a diminished anti-inflammatory response ²⁸.
• Antibacterial / Glucoamylase Inhibitor / Anti-Diabetic / Seeds:Study of ethanol extract of seeds of Syzygium cumini showed moderate to good antibacterial activity against coli, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. It also showed to be a potent inhibitor of glucoamylase and suggests a hypoglycemic function in type-2 diabetes that may be independent of functioning B-cells ²⁹.
• Cardio Protective: Study of a methanolic extract of Syzygium cumini seeds on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats confirmed a cardioprotective effect ³⁰.
• Radio Protective: A study demonstrated Syzygium cumini (jamun) extract protected mice against radiation-induced DNA damage, and inhibition of radiation-induced free radical formation may be one of the mechanisms of radioprotection ³¹.
• Randomized, Double-blind, Double-Dummy, Controlled Diabetic Trial / No Anti-hyperglycemic Effect: Results showed a significant reduction in patients treated with glyburide, with no changes in those treated with Syzgium cumini The tea and extracts prepared from leaves of S. cumini were shown to be pharmacologically inert, showing no anti-hyperglycemic effect ³².
• Anti-Vibrio Cholera Activity: The study investigated the ethanol extract of leaf of Syzgium cumini against Vibrio cholerae serogroups Ogawa and Inaba. The EEL effectively inhibited the growth of both serogroups with the fragmentation of genomic DNA. Results showed potential growth inhibitory activity against multi-drug resistant Vibrios and suggest a potential for effective candidates to combat cholera ³³.
• Fruit-Pulp Activity against Fluoride-Induced Toxicity:The study evaluated the ameliorative effect of Syzygium cumini fruit extract in male albino mice against fluoride exposure. Results showed revitalization of steroid genesis and spermatogenesis, with ameliorative potentials in male sex-related toxicology, with spermatogonia and interstitial tissue reclamation after jambul extract treatment ³⁴.
• Antioxidant Study / Fruit Pulp, Kernel, Seed Coat: Syzygium cumini (Jamun) pulp ethanol extract (PEE), kernel ethanol extract (KEE), and seed coat ethanol extract (SCEE) showed a high degree of phenolic enrichment. An alcoholic extract was evaluated for antioxidant potential against DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, peroxide radicals, and lipid peroxidation ³⁵.
• Diuretic / Bark: The study evaluated the diuretic activity of various extracts of bark of cumini in Wistar albino rats. Results showed that methanol and aqueous extracts possess diuretic activity as evidenced by an increase in total urine output, significant increase in excretion of sodium and potassium ³⁶.
• Anti-Diabetic / Mycaminose / Seed: Study of isolated compound mycaminose and AE and ME of cumini seeds against STZ-induced diabetic rats showed antidiabetic effects with a significant reduction (p<0.05) in blood glucose³⁷.
• Immuno-modulatory / Seeds: Mastan et al., suggested the methanolic extract of seeds possesses promising immuno-modulatory activity. In a haemagglutination reaction and delayed-type hypersensitivity response in rats induced by Sheep RBC, there was a significant dose-dependent increase in total WBC, neutrophils, and lymphocytes ³⁸.
• Biosorbent / Leaves: The study reports the adsorption capabilities of cumini leaves for crystal violet and eosin B using the batch adsorption method. Adsorption of crystal violet was endothermic while that of Eosin B was exothermic, both spontaneous at all temperatures ³⁹.
• Anti-Breast Cancer / Fruit Pulp: The study evaluated various concentrations of methanolic extract of fruit pulp for in-vitro cytotoxicity activity against MCF-7 cells using MTT assay. Cell viability was inhibited to different extents by different concentrations of the extract ⁴³.
• Antimicrobial Cancer / Fruit Pulp: Study of various extracts of stems and leaves showed antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria. A maximum zone of inhibition was seen against routellaplantikola. It also showed maximum inhibition against fungal strains Penicillum chrysogenum and minimum inhibition against Candida albicans ⁴⁴.
• Cuminoside / Cardioprotective / Anti-diabetic / Seeds: The study evaluated the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of cumini seeds in normal and NIDDM in rats. The study isolated an active principle, Cuminoside, which caused a significant reduction in FBS in diabetic rats, a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL, ALT, AST, and LDH, together with improvement in HDL levels. Results suggest cuminoside has cardioprotective potential and Antidiabetic activity.
• Protection Against Diabetes Induced Ulcerogenic Stimuli / Seeds: The study evaluated the protective effect of jambolana alone and combined with Acarbose in T2D rats exposed to models that caused ulcerogenic stimuli. Results suggest the concurrent administration of S. cumini and Acarbose at low doses may have prevented the development of diabetes-induced ulcerogenic stimuli by decreasing gastric oxidative stress and providing a direct gastroprotective action. The low dose combination may have provided a synergistic ulcer protective effect ⁴⁵.
• Anti-Inflammatory / Leaves: A study of methanol extract of leaves showed the SC leaf had remarkable acute (carrageenan, histamine, and serotonin-induced rat paw edema) and chronic (cotton pellet induced rat granuloma) anti-inflammatory actions in the tested rodent models.
• Anti-inflammatory Activity: The study evaluated an ethanol extract of leaves for anti-inflammatory activity and bioactive compounds. Bioactive compound tannins at 100 µg/ml concentration showed 99.50% inhibition of heat-induced protein denaturation compared with standard aspirin at 89.26%. In HRBC membrane stabilization activity, tannins at 1 mg/ml showed 82.94% protection of HRBC membrane, compared to standard diclofenac at 70.41% ⁴⁶.
• Effect of Prolonged Treatment with cumini on Salivary Glands: The study evaluated prolonged treatment with S. umini sheet aqueous extract on the structure of cells responsible for a secretory process in parotid submandibular salivary glands of spontaneously diabetic mice. Results showed structural alterations in the salivary glands of mice with nuclear and cytoplasmic atrophy, and occurrence of inflammatory cells and elevated blood sugar levels ⁴⁷.
• Antihypertensive / Leaves: The study evaluated the in vivo potential antihypertensive effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Syzygium cumini leaves in normotensive Wistar rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and in vitro effect on vascular reactivity of resistance arteries. Results showed a reduction of blood pressure and heart rate of SHR, probably due to the inhibition of arterial tone and extracellular calcium influx ⁴⁸.
• Antidiabetic activity of Syzygium cumini and its isolated compound against streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats ⁴⁹.
• Platelet Effect / Protection from Oxidative Damage / Leaves: The study evaluated the in-vitro effects of cumini incubation on platelets from patients with diabetes to test its efficacy as potential adjuvant therapy. Results showed in Sc activity counteracts oxidative damage by improving platelet function through augmented membrane fluidity and Na+/K+ ATPase activity and functionally enhancing the antioxidant system by increasing NO levels, SOD, and TAC. SC supplementation may have a preventive and protective effect in oxidative damage progression associated with diabetes mellitus and its complications ⁵⁰.
• Protective Against Mitochondrial Dysfunction: The study evaluated various extracts of cumini and Bauhinia forficata on oxidative and mitochondrial parameters in-vitro, as well as protective activities against toxic agents. The major chemical constituent of S. cumini was rutin. S. cumini reduced DPPH radical more than B. forficata, and showed iron chelating activity. Both partially prevented lipid peroxidation. S. cumini was effective against mitochondrial swelling induced by Ca²⁺. Results suggest S. cumini might represent a therapeutic option for the treatment of diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction ⁵¹.
• Chemopreventive / Anti-carcinogenic / DMBA-Induced Skin Papillomagenesis: The study evaluated the protective effect of cumini seed extract against peroxidative damage contributing to skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice. Results suggest an anti-carcinogenic impact during DMBA-induced skin papilloma genesis that is mediated through alteration of antioxidant status ⁵².
• Radioprotection / Seeds: Study the effect of a seed extract of cumini in normal and tumor-bearing mice against gamma radiation-induced cellular damage in biological tissues. Results suggest the seed extract has protective effects against radiation-induced cellular damage and biological alterations, which may be attributed to the scavenging of free radicals and antioxidant properties. The author suggests the seed extract may be used in combination with radiation to protect against oxidative stress and mitigate the side effects of radiation to normal tissues ⁵³.
• Biosorbent / Seed: Study reports on a very low-cost biosobent from cumini seeds for the treatment of hexavalent chromium from contaminated waters ⁵⁴.
• Antibacterial / Dental Caries / Leaves: The study investigated the in vitro antibacterial activity of leaves of cumini against Streptococcus viridans, S. mutans, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and B. subtilis. Aqueous, methanolic, hexane, and EA extract of leaves exhibited antimicrobial activity against dental caries causing strains. Results suggest a potential phytomedicine source to cure dental caries ⁵⁵.
• Hepato-protection / Seed: Study of an aqueous extract of cumini’s seed powder on hepato-protection in STZ-induced diabetic rats showed a dose-dependent protective effect ⁵⁶.
• Sustained Release Matrix Tablets / Anti-Diabetic: Study reports on the formulation of Metformin HCl sustained release matrix tablets using cumini as a release rate retarding agent, which is also antidiabetic by means of wet granulation method. The antidiabetic activity was evaluated with the alloxan model of experimental rats. Results suggest that the S. cumini extract acted as a good release rate retarding agent and showed promising additive Antidiabetic activity with Metformin ⁵⁷.
• Nephroprotective / Seed: The study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of an aqueous extract of cumini seed in diabetic Wistar albino rats. High-dose seed extract and standard oral hypoglycemic drugs showed a significant decrease in creatinine and urea levels. The seed powder extract showed a significant Nephroprotective effect ⁵⁸.
• Staining Capability / Seed: The study evaluated the staining capability of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from cumini, C. blumei, S. pallida and B. vulgaris as dyestuffs on different fungal species. Results showed the extracts can be alternative biological stains to Lactophenol cotton blue in staining Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum ⁵⁹.
• Antioxidant / Leaf Gall Extracts: The study evaluated leaf gall extracts for antioxidant activity using DPPH, nitric oxide scavenging, hydroxyl scavenging and FRAP methods. In all methods, the methanolic extract showed a higher antioxidant potential than standard ascorbic acid. The antioxidant activity correlated with the high content of total polyphenols/flavonoids of the methanol extract ⁶¹.
• Anti-Leishmanial Activity / α-Pinene / Essential Oil: The study evaluated the effects of essential oil and its major component α-pinene on Leishmania amazonensis. A study showed α-pinene was effective against amazonensis promastigote forms, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 1.7 µg/mL. The anti-leishmanial effects were mediated by immuno-modulatory activity as evidenced by an increased in phagocytic and lysosomal activities.
• Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles / Antimicrobial Leaves: Study reports on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Syzygium cumini leaf extract. The synthesized nanoparticles showed effective antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacterial species ⁶⁰.
• Anti-diarrheal Activity / Seed: The study evaluated the anti-diarrheal activity of aqueous extract of cumini’s seeds in mice in a castor oil-induced diarrhea model and charcoal meal test. Results showed the extract exhibited a significant and dose-dependent anti-diarrheal effect attributed to anti-motility and anti-secretory effect ⁶².
• Anti-Hyperglycemic / Anti-Hyperlipidemic / Seeds: Study of cumini seed extract showed anti-hyperlipidemic and hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. SC significantly (p<0.05) reduced serum glucose, TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, and increased HDL. LD₅₀ was found to be 1000 mg/kg. No toxic symptoms were observed at 150 and 250 mg/kg doses ⁶³.
• Homeopathic Tincture in Diabetes: Study evaluated the remedial effects of homeopathic mother tincture of Syzygium jambolanum on metabolic disorders of STZ-induced diabetic male albino rat. The homeopathic tincture of jambolanum showed the therapeutic effect on metabolic disorders and oxidative injuries in STZ-induced diabetic rats ⁶⁴.
• Comparative Antioxidant Activity: The study evaluated methanolic extracts of seeds, leaves, fruit pulp of cumini. Results showed the total phenolic and flavonoid content in leaves is higher than in the pulp and seed extracts. A linear correlation was shown between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity ⁶⁵.
• Antidiabetic / Seeds: Various active constituents in the seeds of cumini help control glucose homeostasis through its effects of different pathways of the hyperglycemic process viz., insulin-mimetic and insulinotropic effect. It acts as an antidiabetic by stimulating insulin release from beta cells or by lowering glucose absorption in the intestine, hepatic glucose production and boosting insulin sensitivity by enhancing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization, activation of nuclear PPAR-y ⁶⁶.
• α-Amylase Inhibitors / Seeds: Aqueous extract of cumini seeds and Psidium guajava leaves showed higher inhibition against porcine pancreatic a-amylase among medicinal plants studies. LC=MS study of seed extract of S. cumini yielded betulinic acid and 3,5,7,4'-tetrahydroxy flavanone. The inhibition was non-competitive in nature ⁶⁷.
• Improvement in Metabolic and Ovarian Parameters in Obese Female Rats with Malfunctioning of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis: The study evaluated the effects of a hydroethanolic extract of cumini leaves in female reproductive impairments in an obese model of neonatal L-monosodium glutamate injection. Results showed the reversibility of the reproductive dysfunctions seen in MSG female rats through ethnopharmacological treatment. It expands the use of HRESc as a prominent tool to treat metabolic and reproductive disorders. The study also provided novel evidence that without a functioning hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, metabolic improvement is ineffective for estrous activity but critical for ovarian follicle health ⁶⁸.
• Protective Effects of Polyphenols Rich Extract on Oxidative Stress-Induced Diabetes / Leaves: The study evaluated the antidiabetic effects of a novel polyphenol-rich extract (PESc) from leaves of cumini in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes. Results showed in-vitro and in-vivo antioxidant activities of PESc obtained from leaves. Results suggest myricetin, quercetin and gallic acid compose a Phyto complex with poorly understood synergistic mechanisms. Results suggest the potential use of the novel polyphenol-enriched extract from leaves as a source of Antidiabetic products ⁶⁹.
• Effect of Season on UZV Absorbing Property / Sunscreen Potential / Leaves: The study evaluated the effect of season on the UV absorbing property of cumini leaves collected in summer, winter, autumn, and rainy seasons. Results showed the acetone extract of leaves of the rainy season had maximum UV absorbing property. The polyphenol content of the leaves was also high during the rainy season. The study suggests the acetone extract of S. cumini leaves of the rainy season may be used as an anti-solar agent in the preparation of sunscreen lotions ⁷⁰.
• Effect of Seed Powder on Pancreatic Islets of Alloxan Diabetic Rats: Study of an ethanolic extract of seed powder of cumini increased body weight and decreased blood sugar level in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. The extract feeding showed definite improvement in the histopathology of islets. Significantly, the drop in blood sugar to normal levels after extract feeding was not elevated when the extract was discontinued for 15 days. Results suggest the effect may be curative rather than palliative. Improvements in islet histopathology and glycogen localization suggest the same ⁷¹.
• Antioxidant / Leaves: The study investigated the antioxidant activity of various Syzygium cumini leaf extracts using DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays.
• Results showed the ethyl acetate fraction showed stronger antioxidant activity than others. HPLC data showed the leaf extracts contained phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid and catechin, which are responsible for their antioxidant activity. There was a significant linear relationship between antioxidant potency, free radical scavenging ability and the content of phenolic compounds in the leaf extracts ⁷².
• Antibacterial / Antioxidant / Neuroprotective / Stem: The study evaluated the antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, and neuro-protective ability of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of stem of cumini. Results showed antibacterial activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of stems; the alcoholic extract showed maximum activity against B. amyloliquefaciens and S. aureus. A methanolic extract showed a higher level of antioxidant activity compared to the aqueous extract. The neuroprotective activity was observed on rat pheochromocytoma (PC)-12 cell line by giving neurotoxic shock using 6-hydroxydopamine. The ethanolic extract showed a maximum number of viable cells, i.e., 75% compared to aqueous extract at 50% ⁷³.
• Elimination of Deleterious Effects of DMBA-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis / Seed: The study evaluated the inhibition of tumor incidence by hydroalcoholic extract of cumini seed in mice on a two-stage process of skin carcinogenesis induced by a single application of DMBA. A significant improvement in impairment was seen in measures of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, among others. Results suggest possible chemopreventive properties against DMBA induced skin carcinogenesis in mice ⁷⁴.
• Anti-Hyperlipidemic / Seeds: High cholesterol diet-fed diabetic rats exhibited a significant increase in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and high-density lipoprotein. Treatment with seed extract significantly decreased TC, LDL, VLDL, atherogenic index and significantly increased the HDL, HDL ratio in Hyperlipidemic rats. The anti-hyper-lipidemic activity may be due to the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins (gallic acid and ellagic acid), and triterpenoids ⁷⁵.
• Vasorelaxant Effect Mediated by Inhibition of Calcium Channels / Leaves: The study evaluated the ability of hexane extract and chloroform fraction of SC leaves in promoting vasorelaxation on resistance artery rings. Results suggest cumini acts as a vasorelaxant agent and interferes with vascular smooth muscle cell responsiveness, probably acting on regulation of intracellular Ca2+ levels through voltage-operated calcium channels ⁷⁶.
• Anti-Inflammatory on Chemotaxis of Human Neutrophils: Study evaluated an aqueous seed extract of cumini for anti-inflammatory properties using neutrophils chemotaxis as a model system. Results showed significant inhibition of neutrophils chemotaxis towards a bacteria-derived chemoattractant (f-met-leu-phe). Results suggest the seed extract has the potential to elicit anti-inflammatory effects ⁷⁷.
• Thrombolytic / Seeds: The study evaluated the thrombolytic potential of an ethanol seed extract of Syzygium cumini. The ethanol seed extract exerted 34% clot lysis from clotted blood in thrombolytic activity test compared to standard streptokinase and control at 79% and 3%, respectively ⁷⁸.

Availability:   Wild-crafted, Seasonal fruiting, Extracts and tinctures in the cyber market.

CONCLUSION: Syzygium cumini is an easily available plant. The fruits being a lot of potent pharmacological activities. The plant belongs to the family Myrtaceae, which has given us many important medicinal plants like S. caryphyllifolium, S. jambolana, S. obovatum, S. obtusifolium, S. cumini etc. Hence, it was not wrong to state that still a lot has to be worked upon this important plant. Apart from this, old traditional texts like Unani, Ayurveda, mention the protective role of Syzygium cumini on important body organs like kidney, digestive etc, many of which are scientifically proven. It contains almost all the properties of pharmaceutical care designed like Astringent, carminative, stomachic, diuretic, antidiabetic, anti-diarrheal. Studies have shown antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, radioprotective, gastro-protective, antioxidant, CNS depressant, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, antibacterial, cardio-protective etc. In developing countries like India, one must fully explore this important medicinal plant which might provide us some critical “leads” in the near future.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Nil

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Nil

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    Kumar S and Singh B: Syzygium cumini (Jamun) its medicinal uses. Int J Pharmacognosy 2021; 8(9): 361-72. doi link: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.IJP.8(9).361-72.

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