Jambul. Syzygium jambolanum.

Synonyms—Eugenia Jambolana, Java Plum, Jamboo.

PREPARATIONS—

Jambul seeds in powdered form. Dose, three to ten grains, two or three times a day.

Fluid extract jambul seed, miscible with water. Dose, five to ten minims.

Physiological Action—The exact influence of this agent upon the system is not well known. It is a stomachic astringent and carminative, a remedy of value in diarrheas. It is non-toxic and non-irritant.

In the diarrheas of children the juice of the fresh bark and leaves is used by the native physicians, though all parts of the plant are astringent. In the preparation of astringent injections and gargles the bark is quite active. The root and seeds have the same influence.

The taste is at first bitter, afterwards distinctly pungent, and decidedly astringent. Experiments have been conducted to determine the influence of jambul upon diastatic fermentation. It is proven to have an inhibitory influence. A fixed amount of malt extract converted 22.4 grains of starch into sugar. Jambul was added, and only 6.3 grains were converted under exactly similar circumstances. This experiment was suggested by the characteristic influence of the agent when taken by diabetic patients.

According to Morse, the agent augments the vaso-motor and reflex functions of the spinal cord by augmenting the blood pressure of the renal arterioles. It diminishes the quantity and density of saccharine urine. It increases peristaltic action of the intestines, and causes deeper and more frequent inspiratory movements. Wounds and ulcers, or syphilitic sores in diabetics, cicatrize rapidly, and heal during the administration of this agent.

Therapy—Its specific therapeutic application lies in the fact that the bark and the seeds possess the property of arresting excessive formation and excretion of sugar in diabetes, the seeds being the most active.

Inasmuch as the pathology of the disease is obscure, and the physiological action of the agent is comparatively unknown, it is impossible to make other than an empirical use of this remedy in these cases. Given in from five to ten grains of the powdered seeds, three times daily, it gradually overcomes the thirst and weariness and diminishes the quantity of urine. After two or three weeks the strength and spirits will return, and wandering and distressing pains and cramps abate, bleeding from the nose or gums, and night sweats will cease, and the quantity of sugar will gradually decline. The dose may be increased until forty grains are given in a day, and the probabilities are that large doses would produce no serious results.

The agent has been widely used in the treatment of this disease, and is as efficient as any other single remedy. The writer's experience proves that it acts best in those cases that have been long continued, with a comparatively small amount of sugar present, where the slow progress of the disease has not materially influenced the general health of the patient.

Among the qualified, observing physicians of India, it is believed that its use will prevent the conversion of starches into sugar to any excessive extent, and that starchy diet can be eaten with impunity during its administration.

Group VII. Agents acting upon the genito-urinary organs.
Chapter VI. Renal correctives.
Fragrant Sumach - Jambul - Potassium Nitrate.

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.