Jambu Beeja
Syzygium cumini
Jambu Beeja (Syzygium cumini) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Active compounds including jamboline, ellagitannins, and gallic acid. Gallic acid has moderate bioavailability (~30%). Ellagitannins are converted to ellagic acid and subsequently to urolithins by gut microbiota.
| Botanical name | Syzygium cumini |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Also known as | Jambu Beeja, JambuBeeja |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3183840 · Wikidata Q232571 · NCBI Taxonomy 260142 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Jambu Beeja |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Kashaya | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (seed kernel powder), Tablet, Capsule, Kwath (decoction)
Standard Dosage: 3-6g seed kernel powder twice daily with water before meals; 500mg-1g standardized extract
Bioavailability: Syzygium cumini seed kernel (Jambu-Beeja specifically refers to the seed/seed kernel). Active compounds including jamboline, ellagitannins, and gallic acid. Gallic acid has moderate bioavailability (~30%). Ellagitannins are converted to ellagic acid and subsequently to urolithins by gut microbiota. Seed kernel fractions show better blood glucose-lowering activity than whole seed preparations, suggesting higher concentration of active principles.
Optimal Timing: 30 minutes before meals with water for blood sugar management
Standardized Extract: Seed kernel aqueous extract standardized to minimum 15% tannins (gallic acid equivalent); hydroalcoholic extract standardized to 1% ellagic acid
Shelf Life: 2 years (powder); 3 years (standardized extract capsule/tablet)
Storage: Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from moisture. Airtight containers essential due to hygroscopic nature of tannins.
Marker Compounds: Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Jamboline, Corilagin, 3,6-HHDP glucose, Chebulagic acid
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous extraction of de-coated seed kernels
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40) of seed kernels
- Ethanol extraction for tannin-rich fraction
- Spray-drying for stable powder extract
Synergistic Combinations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses1
- 2021. Ethnomedicinal Plants for the Management of Diabetes Worldwide: A Systematic ReviewCurrent medicinal chemistry. PMID 33475054 · doi:10.2174/0929867328666210121123037
Other clinical studies and reviews11
- 2025. Targeting diabetes with flavonoids from Indonesian medicinal plants: a review on mechanisms and drug discoveryNaunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology. PMID 40202673 · doi:10.1007/s00210-025-04139-2
- 2024. Family Myrtaceae: The treasure hidden in the complex/diverse compositionCritical reviews in food science and nutrition. PMID 36748791 · doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2173720
- 2023. Exploring the Chemical and Biological Potential of Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) Leaves: A Comprehensive ReviewChemistry & biodiversity. PMID 37667613 · doi:10.1002/cbdv.202300479
- 2022. Astounding Health Benefits of Jamun (Syzygium cumini) toward Metabolic SyndromeMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 36364010 · doi:10.3390/molecules27217184
- 2022. Indian Indigenous Fruits as Radioprotective Agents: Past, Present and FutureAnti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry. PMID 34229590 · doi:10.2174/1871520621666210706124315
- 2018. Bioactive compounds and pharmacological and food applications of Syzygium cumini - a reviewFood & function. PMID 30379170 · doi:10.1039/c8fo00654g
- 2013. Pharmacological potentials of Syzygium cumini: a reviewJournal of the science of food and agriculture. PMID 23460190 · doi:10.1002/jsfa.6111
- 2013. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels., a novel therapeutic agent for diabetes: folk medicinal and pharmacological evidencesComplementary therapies in medicine. PMID 23642956 · doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.03.004
- 2013. Scientific validation of the antidiabetic effects of Syzygium jambolanum DC (black plum), a traditional medicinal plant of IndiaJournal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). PMID 23030429 · doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0752
- 2010. Syzygium cumini extract decrease adenosine deaminase, 5'nucleotidase activities and oxidative damage in platelets of diabetic patientsCellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. PMID 21063110 · doi:10.1159/000322340
- 2009. Syzygium cumini inhibits adenosine deaminase activity and reduces glucose levels in hyperglycemic patientsFundamental & clinical pharmacology. PMID 19709327 · doi:10.1111/j.1472-8206.2009.00700.x
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