Eugenia jambolana. Lam. (EJ) is a plant belonging to Myrtaceace family.
Most of the plant parts of Eugenia jambolana are used in traditional system of medicine
in India. According to Ayurvedic scriptures, its bark is acrid, sweet, digestive and
astringent to the bowels. It is also anthelmintic and is good for sore throat, bronchitis,
asthma, thirst, biliousness, dysentery, blood impurities and to cure ulcers. Its
antidiabetic activity has been demonstrated both experimentally and clinically. In
addition, EJ has been demonstrated to exhibit several pharmacological properties
including anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, radioprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer,
antibacterial, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-depressant, nephroprotective and
chemopreventive activities. The health benefits of Eugenia jambolana are mainly
attributed to the various phytoconstituents, such as tannins, alkaloids, steroids,
flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acids, phenols, minerals, carbohydrates and vitamins
present in the fruit. This chapter discusses the pharmacological and phytochemical
properties of this plant.
Keywords: Eugenia jambolana, pharmacology, phytochemistry.
