Jamun, also known as Indian blackberry, is a fruit that brings back memories for many of us. As kids, we loved its sweet-tart taste and the way it stained our tongues deep purple. In Indian homes, jamun is more than just a seasonal treat; it is often seen as a natural remedy, especially for people with diabetes. For generations, families have believed that jamun can help manage blood sugar levels. But does science agree with this traditional wisdom? To find out, we spoke with
According to Dr Mahesh Chavan, Jamun (Syzygium cumini), also known as Indian blackberry, has long been valued in traditional Indian medicine for its potential benefits in managing blood sugar levels. Scientific studies and clinical observations increasingly support its role as a complementary aid for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The magic of jamun lies not just in its juicy pulp, but also in its seeds and leaves. According to him, “The fruit, seeds, and leaves of the Jamun tree contain bioactive compounds such as jamboline, ellagic acid, and anthocyanins, which have demonstrated hypoglycemic effects.” These natural chemicals help lower blood sugar in several ways. They may boost the action of insulin, reduce how much sugar the body absorbs from food, and help control the enzymes that break down carbohydrates.
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If you have diabetes, you may be tempted to try jamun or jamun seed powder as a natural remedy. Dr Chavan advises, “For individuals with diabetes, integrating Jamun under medical supervision may contribute to better glycemic control, particularly when combined with evidence-based lifestyle and pharmacological interventions.”
This means jamun can be a helpful addition to your diabetes care plan, but it should not replace your doctor’s advice, medicines, or healthy habits. Always talk to your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement or herbal remedy to your routine.
Several small studies have looked at jamun’s effect on diabetes. Dr Chavan notes, “Jamun seed powder, in particular, has shown promise in reducing fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in multiple small-scale studies. Additionally, Jamun’s low glycemic index makes it a suitable fruit option for people managing diabetes.”
A low glycemic index means that jamun does not cause a sharp spike in blood sugar after eating. This makes it a safer fruit choice for people who need to watch their glucose levels. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry found that jamun seed extract helped lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Jamun can be enjoyed fresh when in season. Some people use jamun seed powder, which is made by drying and grinding the seeds. This powder can be mixed with water or added to foods. However, Dr Chavan warns that more research is needed to decide the right amount and the best way to use it.
The expert further adds, “While promising, Jamun should not be considered a standalone treatment. It may serve as a beneficial adjunct to standard medical care, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and prescribed medications. Further large-scale clinical trials are needed to standardise dosage and assess long-term efficacy and safety.”
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Jamun is a beloved fruit with a long history in Indian tradition and medicine. Modern science is beginning to back up its reputation for helping with blood sugar control, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. The fruit, seeds, and leaves contain natural compounds that may support healthy glucose levels. Still, jamun is not a cure and should be used along with regular medical care. If you want to try jamun for diabetes, do so under the guidance of your doctor for the best results.
