The bark and powdered seeds of black plum or jamun are useful in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentry and dyspepsia
Black berry (Syzgium cumini linn) is always appreciated for the colour, flavour and taste of its fruit. It is very large tropical tree that belongs to Myrtaceae family and known by synonyms jambolan or black plum (Eugenia jambolan linn).When sucked, it changes the colour of the tongue to purple due to its coloring properties.
Coloured jelly is prepared adding a commercial jelling agent with the fruit flash.
Extensive work on its pharmacological properties is being carried out in India and elsewhere. Although whole plant is used for medicinal purpose, stem bark and leaves are extensively used plant parts.
The extracts of the bark, seeds and leaves are used for the treatment of diabetes.
The leaves have antibacterial properties and used for strengthening teeth and gums.
Oral administration of dried alcoholic extracts of the seeds to diabetic patients was found to reduce the level of blood sugar and glycosuria in trials conducted at CDRI, lucknow.
The bark of black berry tree is astringent, digestive, diuretic, anthelmintic and is considered useful for throat problems.
A decoction of the bark and powdered seeds is believed to be very useful in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentry and dyspepsia.
The fruit is also considered to be stomachic, carminative, anti scorbutic and diuretic.
Vinegar made from this fruit is administered in cases of enlargement of spleen, chronic diarrhoea and urine retention.
For ringworm treatment, water diluted juice is used as lotion.
A decoction of bark is used in cases of asthma and bronchitis and are gargled or used as mouthwash for the astringent effect on mouth ulcerations, spongy gums and stomatitis.
It is also grown in Philippines, Myanmar and Afghanistan. The tree was also introduced to Florida, USA in 1911 by the USDA, and is also now commonly planted in Suriname. In Brazil, where it was introduced from India during Portuguese colonisation, it has dispersed spontaneously in the wild in some places.
It is used to make cheap furniture and village dwellings.
Ripe jamun fruit is fermented to fabricate excellent quality wine.
The paste of jamun leaves is very good to dry the wounds.
To get relief from vomiting and its burning sensation, one can take extracts of soft mango and jamun leaves mixed in honey two times a day.
