Therapeutic importance and analysis of phenolic acids in different parts of Syzygium cumini Linn

Abstract

Jamun (Syzygium cumini), which belongs to the family Myrtaceae, is an important indigenous minor fruit of commercial value. S. cumini fruit possesses considerable nutritive value because it is a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, iron, calcium, minerals, vitamins as well as phenolic acids. Leaves are rich in phenolic acids in which tannic acid was maximum followed by caffeic acid. Tannic acid is also maximum in ripe fruit epicarp, seeds and mesocarp as compared to unripe fruit epicarp. Caffeic and cinnamic acids are also present in ripe fruit seeds. Other phenolic acids are present in traces. Tannic acid was maximum in the seeds of unripe fruits followed by chlorogenic and gallic acids and some other phenolic acids. The therapeutic properties of these phenolic acids are discussed. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Italia.