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Zizyphus

Contents

Background

  • Ziziphus species are a group of spiny shrubs and small trees related to buckthorn. Plants may be found in many different warm and near-tropical regions, including Asia (China, India, Korea, Saudi Arabia), Africa (Morocco, Egypt), South America (Brazil), and Europe (the Mediterranean). Similar to dates, Ziziphus fruit often tastes sweet and sugary.
  • Early use of Ziziphus species reportedly dates back 2,000 years, to the Han Dynasty in China. According to traditional medicine practices, it is well known for its calming and sleep-promoting effects. Either alone or mixed with other herbs, Ziziphus species have been used to treat conditions such as diarrhea, erratic blood pressure, excess worrying, fevers, lack of sleep, menopausal symptoms, mental fatigue, nighttime emissions, sleepiness, and ulcers.
  • Limited research in humans suggests that Ziziphus species may be effective for treating insomnia, nighttime emissions, and stress. More research is needed in these areas as well as on

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

  1. Adzu B, Amos S, Dzarma S, et al. Effect of Zizyphus spina-christi Willd aqueous extract on the central nervous system in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;79(1):13-16. View Abstract
  2. Al-Reza SM, Yoon JI, Kim HJ, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of seed essential oil from Zizyphus jujuba. Food Chem Toxicol 2010;48(2):639-643. View Abstract
  3. Chen FP, Jong MS, Chen YC, et al. Prescriptions of Chinese herbal medicines for insomnia in Taiwan during 2002. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2009. View Abstract
  4. Chen HC, Hsieh MT, Lai E. Studies on the suanzaorentang in the treatment of anxiety. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1985;85(4):486-487. View Abstract
  5. Cisse, A., Ndiaye, A., Lopez-Sall, P., Seck, F., Faye, B., and Faye, B. [Antidiabetic activity of Zizyphus mauritiana Lam (Rhamnaceae)]. Dakar Med 2000;45(2):105-107. View Abstract
  6. Jarald EE, Joshi SB, Jain DC. Antidiabetic activity of extracts and fraction of Zizyphus mauritiana. Pharm Biol 2009;47:328-334.
  7. Kang SW, Choi JS, Bae JY, et al. Blockade of vascular angiogenesis by Aspergillus usamii var. shirousamii-transformed Angelicae Gigantis
    Radix and Zizyphus jujuba. Nutr Res Pract 2009;3(1):3-8. View Abstract
  8. Kumar EP, Joel J, William JW, et al. Prevention of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in rabbits after supplementation of Ziziphus mauritiana lam. leaf extract (MAPS-P-409). International Pharmaceutical Federation World Congress 2002;62:133.
  9. Lee MF, Tsai JJ, Hwang GY, et al. Identification of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding epitopes and recombinant IgE reactivities of a latex cross-reacting Indian jujube Ziz m 1 allergen. Clin Exp Immunol 2008;152(3):464-471. View Abstract
  10. Lee MS, Park M-S, Shin Y-I, et al. Effects of a Korean traditional herbal supplement on symptoms of stress and mood profiles in high school girls: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial 2005. Stress Health 2005;21(2):139-143.
  11. Montiel-Herrera M, Campista-Leon S, Camacho-Hernandez IL, et al. Physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of the fruit of Zizyphus sonorensis S. Wats (Rhamnaceae). Int J Food Sci Nutr 2005;56(8):587-596. View Abstract
  12. Nesseem, D. I., Michel, C. G., Sleem, A. A., and El-Alfy, T. S. Formulation and evaluation of antihyperglycemic leaf extracts of Zizyphus spina-christi (L.) Willd. Pharmazie 2009;64(2):104-109. View Abstract
  13. Nisar M, Adzu B, Inamullah K, et al. Antinociceptive and antipyretic activities of the Zizyphus oxyphylla Edgew. leaves. Phytother Res 2007;21(7):693-695. View Abstract
  14. Sarris J. Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: a systematic review. Phytother Res 2007;21(8):703-716. View Abstract
  15. Wahida B, Abderrahman B, Nabil C. Antiulcerogenic activity of Zizyphus lotus (L.) extracts. J Ethnopharmacol 2007;112(2): 228-231. View Abstract
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.

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