Abstract

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.