JAMUN AN UNDER-EXPLOITED INDIGENOUS FRUIT TREE OF INDIA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Jamun (Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium cuminii Skeels) is an important, large, evergreen beautiful tree of the myrtaceae family. Jamun is commonly known as java plum, black plum, jambul and Indian blackberry. It is widely consumed as fresh fruit which has considerable good nutritive value. It has high therapeutic and pharmacological properties because of constituent like tannins, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, fattyacids, phenols, minerals, carbohydrates and vitamins. The tests on animals have proved for hypoglycaemic, diuretics, analgesic, antiinflammatory, antiplaque, antimicrobial, antidiarrhoel, antioxidant, gastro-protective and astringency. However, the pharmacological trials using seeds of Syzygium cuminii have been reported in the previous studies but other parts of the tree also have good potential which need to be explored. Jamun fruit is good source of iron along with minerals, sugars and other phytochemicals. The fruits have sub-acid spicy flavour and commonly used as dessert. Apart from eating as fresh, it can also be used for the preparation of delicious beverages, jelly, jam, squash, wine, vinegar and pickles.