Jungle Jalebi Fruit: Uses, Benefits And Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode
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By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
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We have almost forgotten the rich history and ancient wisdom that our grandparents and great-grandparents have passed down to us regarding the Indian traditional system of medicine called Ayurveda. Ancient pieces of literature like ‘vedas’ tell us about the use of medicinal plants or the healing properties of herbs. One such plant of high nutritive and medicinal value is Pithecellobium dulce which belongs to the Fabaceae family; the fruit obtained from this plant is called ‘jungle jalebi’. These fruits are widely distributed in India, Australia, South Africa and other parts of Asia. They are found during summers on thorny tall trees. The fruit has red and white flesh and black seeds inside. It is commonly known as hill tamarind. In Hindi, it is known as ‘dakhani babool’, it is called as ‘vilayatichinch’ in Marathi, ‘vilayati ambli’ in Gujarathi. In this article, we will learn all that you need to know about jungle Jalebi fruit, including its health benefits, side effects, precautions and considerations that need to be taken if you plan to take this fruit.1,2
Jungle jalebi fruit is rich in a variety of compounds, like carbohydrates, fats, proteins and dietary fibres and minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus and iron. Phytochemicals like saponins, flavonoids and phenols are also present in this fruit. The nutritional composition of this fruit is given in the table below:
Nutritional components | Value per 100g |
Carbohydrates | 76.87 g |
Protein | 12.4 g |
Dietary fibre | 1.3 g |
Fats | 0.24 g |
Potassium | 0.2 g |
Phosphorus | 0.04 g |
Calcium | 0.01 g |
Iron | 0.005 g |
Table 1: Nutritional value of jungle jalebi fruit3,4
Jungle jalebi fruit show numerous scientifically proven properties, some of which are mentioned below:
Add Jungle Jalebi to your diet! These tropical fruit pods are low in calories, with only about 20-30 calories per pod and high in fibre, which can help you feel fuller for longer. They’re also packed with nutrients like vitamin C, which can support your metabolism and overall health.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, MD
Let us now learn more about the health benefits of jungle jalebi fruit.
If you’re concerned about your blood circulation, you may want to consider incorporating Jungle jalebi into your routine. These fruit pods are a good source of fibre and nutrients that can help improve circulation and prevent blood clots. They also contain antioxidants that can protect against inflammation, which is a common cause of blood flow problems.
Dr. Ashok Pal, BAMS
Literature studies support the fact that the consumption of fruits may help manage blood glucose. Kumar et al. conducted a study in 2017. The findings of this study showed that the consumption of jungle jalebi fruits in diabetic rats helped in reducing blood glucose. This effect is attributed due to the presence of saponin in this fruit which helps in blocking the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of starch into glucose. This indicates that this fruit has the potential to reduce blood glucose and thus may help manage diabetes. However, to claim these results in humans, we need more studies. It is further advised not to self-medicate and consult your physician for proper management of abnormal blood glucose.2
A lipid panel is a complete cholesterol test that measures total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The literature states that exercising regularly and following a healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables may have a positive impact on the lipid panel. A study conducted by Murugesan et al. in 2019 stated that jungle jalebi fruit might help in reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein and may increase high-density lipoprotein. This indicates that jungle jalebi fruit may positively impact the lipid panel, but it is advised not to rely on this fruit as a remedy and kindly consult your physician for the proper management of an abnormal lipid panel.4
Unhealthy diets, including junk food, fried and spicy food and prolonged use of painkillers increase the chances of peptic or gastric ulcers. Literature studies show that jungle jalebi fruit may help those with chronic ulcers. Murugesan et al., in 2019, conducted a study that states that jungle jalebi fruit may help in managing peptic ulcers. It may be hypothesized that this fruit may help reduce acute inflammation of the stomach lining, which reduces the risk of ulceration. However, we need more studies to claim these results with greater reliability. Also, it is advised not to consider this fruit as an alternative to modern medicine; you should always consult your doctor for the proper management of ulcers.4
Ayurveda, or the Indian system of medicine, supports the use of fruits like jungle jalebi for managing bacterial infections. A study conducted by Murugesan et al. in 2019 stated that jungle jalebi fruit might help inhibit the growth of bacteria like Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis which causes pneumonia, meningitis and wound infections. This effect is due to the presence of saponins and flavonoids in this fruit. This indicates that this fruit may have the potential to manage infections. However, you should not consider this fruit as an alternative to modern medicine; it is always advised to consult a physician for the proper management of any bacterial infection.4
Literature studies support the use of jungle jalebi fruit in managing fungal infections. Murugesan et al. conducted a study in 2019 that said that this fruit might help in inhibiting the growth of fungi like Penicillium digitatum, which causes fungal infections like mycosis. This indicates the potential of this fruit for managing fungal infections; however, you should not consider this fruit as an alternative to modern medicine. You should consult your doctor for the proper management of any fungal infection.4
In the post-monsoon period, the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria also increases. Due to its medicinal properties, studies support the use of fruits like jungle jalebi for managing dengue and malaria. A study conducted by Murugesan et al. in 2019 stated that this fruit might have the potential to manage dengue and malaria. Additionally, this fruit may help manage the poisoning caused due to insect bites. Despite these benefits, you should not consider jungle jalebi as a substitute for modern medicine. For the proper management of dengue and malaria, you should take a proper consultation with a qualified physician.4
Heart health is no joke, but Jungle Jalebi can make it sweet! Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, these fruit pods can help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and improve blood flow – all essential for a healthy heart.
Dr. Smita Barode, BAMS
Though there are studies that show the benefits of jungle jalebi fruit in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of jungle jalebi fruit on human health.
Also Read: What is Breadfruit? Exploring Its Origins and Nutritional Benefits
You must consult a qualified doctor before consuming any herbal supplements. You should not discontinue or replace your ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting your doctor.
Jungle Jalebi may be a natural way to combat stress and ageing. These fruit pods are packed with antioxidants that combat ageing and are high in vitamin C, which can help reduce stress.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Takhtajan et al. conducted a review in 1997 which found that commonly reported side effects of plants belonging to the Fabaceae family include: 5
However, if you experience any adverse reactions to jungle jalebi fruit, it is advised to discontinue its intake and immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it, as they will guide you properly for your symptoms.
Consuming jungle jalebi fruit is okay if taken in moderate amounts. However, the following considerations must be taken:
However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of jungle jalebi fruit with other drugs.
Jungle jalebi may be a solution to your skin woes. It’s a natural way to treat dark spots and other skin problems without harsh chemicals. These fruit pods are rich in vitamin C, which can help brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. They also contain antioxidants that can protect against damage from the sun and other environmental factors.
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, MD
Jungle jalebi refers to the fruit obtained from the wild thorny trees of Pithecellobium dulce.1,2
In Hindi, jungle jalebi fruit is called as ‘dakhani babool’.1,2
The safety of jungle jalebi fruit consumption during breastfeeding is not well-established; it is therefore advised to avoid its use and consult your doctor for the same.
No, there are no proven results on the effects of jungle jalebi fruits on hair loss.
Jungle jalebi fruit belongs to Fabaceae family; the side effects of fruits belonging to this family include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and abdominal pain. Consuming this fruit in excess can result in toxicity which is manifested by respiratory depression and tremors.
Disclaimer: The information or data included on this site is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as a substitute for medical treatment by any healthcare professional. The reader based on their individual needs should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information provided on this site for his/her situation.
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