Jambul Herb Information – Drug Interactions, Uses and Benefits

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Jambul Herb Information – Drug Interactions, Uses and Benefits

20 November 2008

Written by: steve Posted under Herbal Medicines

Taxonomic class

Myrtaceae

Common Trade Names

Jambul Seed

Common Forms

Available as decoctions or a tea made from the seeds or dried leaves. Source

The drug is extracted from the fruits, seeds, and leaves of Syzygium cuminii, a 50′ to 80′ tree with edible berries that is native to India and Sri Lanka.

Chemical Components

The seeds of S. cuminii contain gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, 3,6Âhexahydroxydiphenoyl-glucose, 3-galloyl glucose, and quercetin.

Actions

Jambul seeds have been claimed to have antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory effects. In some South American countries, tea made from the leaves is used by diabetics for its antihyperglycemic effects. One study found no effect of jambul seed tea on postprandial blood glucose levels when compared with water in normal rats and rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.

The anti-inflammatory effects of jambul seed extract have been evaluated. Jambul seed extract was found to significantly reduce paw edema, although less effectively than phenylbutazone . An extract of jambul seeds was found to have neuropsychopharmacologic effects in mice; the animals became quieter and less active, with less spontaneous mobility. Loss of motor coordination and tone, decreased body temperature, and antagonism of amphetamine toxicity were also noted .

Reported uses

Jambul seeds and extracts are thought to be useful in treating diarrhea and dysentery and in lowering blood glucose levels. Although the seeds have some anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, the extent of these properties has yet to be defined. Evidence for the therapeutic properties of jambul is anecdotal.

Teixeria and colleagues studied the effects of jambolan tea prepared from S. cumini in 30 nondiabetic patients after completing the original work in rats. In accordance with the results or the lack thereof found in rats, these investigators failed to find any hypoglycemic effect in humans after a glucose tolerance test and concluded that jambolan cannot be recommended as an antihyperglycemic agent.

Dosage

No consensus exists. In most cases, tea is prepared from the seeds or leaves of the tree.

Adverse Reactions

None reported.

Interactions

CNS depressants: May cause altered behavior. Avoid administration with jambul.

Contraindications And Precautions

No specific contraindications. Avoid using jambul in patients who are hypersensitive to this plant or related species and in pregnant or breastÂfeeding patients.

Special Considerations

Advise the patient to consult a health care provider before using herbal preparations because a treatment that has been clinically re searched and proved effective may be available.

Monitor the patient for changes in blood pressure or blood glucose levels.

Urge the patient to report changes in behavior or coordination.

Advise pregnant or breast-feeding patients to avoid using jambul.

Points of interest

In Porto Alegre, a southern city of Brazil, a related species, Syzygium jambos, has also been used for treating diabetes. S. jambos, like S. cumini, is usually consumed in the form of a tea.

Commentary

Although jambul has been claimed to be effective for several medical conditions (diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery), there is little clinical evidence of its efficacy. In fact, animal and human clinical trials have failed to identify any significant hypoglycemic properties. Some studies have found extracts of jambul seeds and leaves to have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and neuropsychopharmacologic effects in animals. Further study on the active constituents of the seeds and leaves is warranted to determine the true pharmacologic properties of this plant.