| Species | : | Pithecellobium dulce |
| Other Names | : | Madras thorn / Sweeta Tamarind / monkeypod / Jungle Jalebi- Pithecellobium dulce |
| Hindi Names | : | jungle jalebi or ganga imli, Goras Amli, Dakhani Babul |
BASIC FACTS
An average height of P. dulce is 10 to 15 m (33 to 49 ft). Originally native to coasts from California to South America, the hardy American tree now grows throughout the tropical regions. The species has become common and naturalized in places like India and tropical Africa, especially near coasts.
Leaves are bipinnate and the trunk is spiny. Flowers are greenish-white, fragrant, sessile, and reach about 12 cm (4.7 in) in length, though appear shorter due to coiling. A pod is produced with edible pulp from the flowers.
The seeds which are black in colour are dispersed by birds that feed on the sweet pods. It can thrive in dry areas up to 300 meters (980 feet) above sea level, making it suitable for cultivation as a street tree. Sweet pulp is contained inside the seed pods, and the seeds can be eaten raw or blended into smoothies.
Fresh seeds are used in India for curries. It is attractive to pollinating insects like bees because the flowers contain pollen. In the end, high quality honey is produced. P. dulce wood is strong and durable but supple and flexible as well.
Trees like this are usually found only in the forests, but people living in villages have probably seen the fruit on these trees. Jalebi has tremendous medicinal properties and is very beneficial. Due to a lack of knowledge, many people do not take advantage of the medicinal properties of this fruit in many areas where it is eaten heavily and sold. This fruit is usually available from April to June.
Nutrition
Jungle Jalebi’s Nutritional Profile Based on the results of a study, jungle jalebi contains vitamin C, vitamin B1, B2, B3, vitamin K, iron, calcium, phosphorus, protein, dietary fiber, sodium, and vitamin A.
Jungle jalebi contains potent phytochemicals, such as tannin (phenols) and quercetin (flavonoid). Hexadecanoic acid, tetracosanol, heptacosannoic acid, and stigmasterol are also present in ethanolic extracts of the fruits. The seeds contain saponins, glycosides, polysaccharides, quercetin, kaempferol, ascorbic acid and formic acid. It contains 17 unsaturated fatty acids and 9 saturated fatty acids. Protein levels in them are among the highest in the plant. Leucine, glutamic acid, and arginine are the three major amino acids.
Its leaves contain kaempferol, quercetin, afezilin, and dulcitol while its bark contains 37 per cent tannin . All these compounds exhibit strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and analgesic properties.
HEALTH BENEFITS
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- Promotes bones and muscles health
The calcium in the Manila tamarind pulp supports bone health, while skeletal muscle relaxants in the leaves can ease pain and stiffness.
- Liver protection
The madras thorn is hepatoprotective and may help protect the liver from toxicity-induced hepatic injury.
- Helpful in diabetes
The bark of madras thorn is mostly used to treat diabetes. Barks contain phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, proteins, and saponins at a dose of 200-400 mg/kg which can control sugar levels and lowering cholesterol can help prevent diabetes.
- Boost immunity
As a result of its high levels of vitamin C,madras thorn acts as an antioxidant and enhances the immune system.
- Weight loss
Weight gain can be caused by factors other than underlying diseases. Overeating, inactivity, aging, and side effects of medications are some of the causes of obesity. If you want to lose weight, drinking the Manila tamarind juice or eating the fruit would be a good diet.
- Good for Mouth ulcer
Ulcers in the mouth can have causes other than underlying diseases, including painful sores on the inner lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, or throat. A toothache and a sore gum can be treated with Manila tamarind as an antiseptic