Herb & supplement monograph

Jambolan Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated June 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Jambolan interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Jambolan is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Jambolan is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Jambolan Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Jambolan drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and all of them come from lab or animal research rather than confirmed effects in humans.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The pairing that deserves the most care is with diabetes medications. Animal studies show jambolan can lower blood glucose, so combining it with these drugs could theoretically push blood sugar too low, which matters for a medicine that needs close monitoring. Lab research also suggests jambolan may block an enzyme the body uses to clear certain medications, so drugs handled by that pathway could theoretically build up. One animal study with sitagliptin found jambolan lowered the drug's blood levels, yet the combination still lowered glucose more than either alone, so the real-world effect is unclear.

What the rest of the list means

A long interaction list here does not mean every combination is harmful. Nearly all of these entries reflect the same two theoretical concerns, blood sugar effects and possible enzyme changes, applied across many drugs. None of these predicted effects has been confirmed to cause meaningful problems in people so far.

Check your medications against Jambolan

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Jambolan interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Jambolan

187 medications have a known interaction with Jambolan, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Jambolan using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Jambolan interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Jambolan combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Jambolan affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Jambolan is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 3 drug categories Jambolan interacts with

Antidiabetes DrugsCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) SubstratesSitagliptin (januvia)

Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that jambolan seed and bark extracts can lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, jambolan might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs. This might increase the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

There is some in vitro evidence that jambolan can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, concomitant use of jambolan with CYP2C9 substrates may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Sitagliptin (Januvia)

Animal research shows that jambolan seed extract reduces the sitagliptin maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve by 39% and 22%, respectively. However, blood glucose levels were actually reduced to a greater extent in mice taking jambolan and sitagliptin in combination when compared with either product taken alone. Theoretically, jambolan seed extract might alter the clearance of sitagliptin, although this may not alter the clinical effects of sitagliptin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Jambolan: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed June 2026 ·

The bottom line

Jambolan (Syzygium cumini), also called Java plum or black plum, is a tropical fruit tree traditionally used for blood sugar and digestive complaints. Human evidence for these uses is limited and not strong, so it should not replace proven treatments like diabetes medication. The fruit is safe as food, but talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated supplements.

Scientific name: Syzygium cumini
Family: Myrtaceae
Part used: Seeds, fruit, leaves, and bark
Common forms: Dried seed powder, capsules, tea, fruit extract, juice

People commonly use it for

Blood sugar support
Digestive upset and diarrhea
Sore throat and mouth health
Antimicrobial
General antioxidant support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

The fruit is widely eaten as food, but concentrated supplement doses are not well studied.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Jambolan comes from the tree Syzygium cumini, also widely known as Java plum, black plum, or jamun. It grows across India, Southeast Asia, and other tropical regions, and has spread to parts of Africa, the Americas, and Australia.

The tree produces a small, dark purple fruit that is eaten fresh and used to make juices, jams, and vinegars. In traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, the seeds, bark, and leaves have long been used for a range of complaints, most famously for managing high blood sugar.

Today Jambolan is sold as dried seed powder, capsules, teas, and fruit extracts marketed mainly for blood sugar and digestive support.

How it works

Jambolan contains a variety of plant compounds, including tannins, anthocyanins (the pigments that give the fruit its dark color), flavonoids, and other antioxidants. The seeds also contain compounds such as jamboline and ellagic acid.

Researchers think these compounds may slow the breakdown of carbohydrates and affect how the body handles glucose, which could explain the traditional blood sugar use. The tannins may also have an astringent, drying effect that could help with diarrhea.

It is important to know that most of this information comes from laboratory and animal research. How well these effects apply to people taking supplements is not well established.

Effectiveness

Does Jambolan work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated

2 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Jambolan, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Clinical research shows that drinking jambolan tea 2 grams, prepared with jambolan leaves in one liter of water, does not improve fasting blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes when compared with placebo.

Sources Ref 13092

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Venous leg ulcers

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Clinical research in patients with venous leg ulcers shows that applying hydrocolloid gel dressings containing an extract of jambolan flowers, seeds, and bark for about 6 months does not improve the overall healing rate or speed of healing when compared with the hydrocolloid dressing alone.

Sources Ref 112763

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Eating the ripe fruit as a food is generally considered safe for most people. The safety of concentrated seed extracts and high-dose supplements is much less certain because they have not been well studied in humans.

Because Jambolan may lower blood sugar, people with diabetes or those taking blood-sugar-lowering medicines should be cautious and monitor their levels, since combined effects could cause blood sugar to drop too low. Anyone planning surgery may want to stop using it beforehand for the same reason.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is not enough reliable safety information, so medicinal or supplement amounts should be avoided. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting Jambolan, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines.

Side effects

When eaten as a normal food, Jambolan is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects from larger or supplement amounts may include stomach upset, nausea, or constipation, partly because of its tannin content.

If it lowers blood sugar, signs of low blood sugar such as shakiness, sweating, dizziness, or confusion are possible, especially in people on diabetes medication. As with any plant product, allergic reactions are possible; stop use and seek care if you develop a rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Dosing

There is no well-established standardized dose for Jambolan supplements. Traditional use and products vary widely in the part used (seed, fruit, leaf, or bark) and in how concentrated they are.

Because a proven safe and effective dose has not been set, the best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed them. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, particularly if you have diabetes or take other medications.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Jambolan & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Jambolan & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 7 references that drive our Jambolan monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Teixeira CC, Weinert LS, Barbosa DC, et al. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:3019-20.
Sharma SB, Nasir A, Prabhu KM, et al. Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effect of ethanolic extract of seeds of Eugenia jambolana in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;85:201-6. PubMed
Sridhar SB, Sheetal UD, Pai MR, Shastri MS. Preclinical evaluation of the antidiabetic effect of Eugenia jambolana seed powder in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Braz J Med Biol Res 2005;38:463-8. PubMed
Villasenor IM, Lamadrid MR. Comparative anti-hyperglycemic potentials of medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol 2006;104:129-31. PubMed
Chinni S, Dubala A, Kosaraju J, et al. Effect of crude extract of Eugenia jambolana Lam. on human cytochrome P450 enzymes. Phytother Res 2014;28(11):1731-4. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5137.
Vora A, Varghese A, Kachwala Y, et al. Eugenia jambolana extract reduces the systemic exposure of Sitagliptin and improves conditions associated with diabetes: A pharmacokinetic and a pharmacodynamic herb-drug interaction study. J Tradit Complement Med. 2 PubMed
Araújo GR, Teles BSBS, Xoteslem GC, Gratieri T, Fortes RC, Novaes MR. Randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing the healing of stasis ulcers in lower limbs with standard hydrocolloid gel dressings and with dressings with Syzygium cumini extract. P PubMed

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Jambolan

30 brands in our database make a supplement containing Jambolan.

1-800-WellMed 20 products Allergy Research Group 1,595 products Ayur Earth 21 products Ayush Herbs 37 products Bixa Botanical 106 products Clinical Synergy Professional Formulas 33 products CuraLife 1 product ecoNugenics 102 products Gaia Herbs 700 products Gaia Herbs Professional Solutions 145 products Gaia Herbs SystemSupport 60 products Herb Pharm 3,320 products Herbal Hills 425 products Herbal Shots 12 products Himalaya 287 products Marco Pharma Int'l 15 products Nature's Secret 76 products Nature's Sunshine 1,360 products NutriCology 678 products Priority One Nutritional Supplements 293 products ProSol 120 products Slender FX 1 product SugarMD 1 product TerraVita Premium Collection 4,019 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Jambolan

91 products in our database contain Jambolan. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Jambolan: Common Questions

What is Jambolan used for, and does it work?

People use Jambolan for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Jambolan interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 187 medications with a known interaction with Jambolan. Use the checker above to see how Jambolan interacts with a specific drug.

How are Jambolan interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Jambolan with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Jambolan interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Jambolan used for?

It is traditionally used for blood sugar support, diarrhea and digestive upset, sore throats, and as a general antioxidant. Strong human evidence for these uses is limited.

Can Jambolan replace my diabetes medication?

No. The evidence is too weak to rely on it for diabetes, and you should never stop or change prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Is it safe to eat the fruit?

Yes, the ripe fruit is commonly eaten as food and is generally well tolerated. Concentrated supplements and seed extracts are less studied, so use more caution with those.

Can I take Jambolan while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is not enough safety information for medicinal or supplement amounts, so it is best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Jambolan

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Jambolan — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 91 products with Jambolan →

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Jambolan Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Jambolan Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Jambolan

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Jambolan affects

Jambolan: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Jambolan work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Dosing

Jambolan & Pregnancy

Jambolan & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Jambolan

Supplement products with Jambolan

Jambolan: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Jambolan

Have a question about Jambolan?