Ziziphus Jujuba Side Effects

What is Ziziphus jujube?

Ziziphus (zizyphus) or Jujube is a genus of shrubs or  small trees and mostly  used in herbal medicine. And ziziphus is rich in fiber, vitamin B, and C, and some fatty acids. Therefore there are Health Benefits and Side Effects of Ziziphus.

Extracts of Ziziphus (including Ziziphus jujuba, Ziziphus mauritiana, and Zizyphus spinosa) are available in dietary supplement form. The supplements made by ziziphus are used for a large range of conditions ranging from constipation to hypertension. But there are not enough high-quality scientific evidence to support medicinal uses.

Ziziphus or Jujube has many different names, such as:

• Jujubae
• Black Jujube
• Chinese Date
• Date Seed
• Red Date
• Datte Chinoise
• Sour Date
• Suan Zao Ren
• Zao
• Zefzouf
• Ziziphi Spinosae

Here are  some Health Benefits and Side Effects of Ziziphus:

Health Benefits (Pros) of Ziziphus

Although scientific research on the health effects of Ziziphus genus is limited, we have some evidence that  this plant may have health benefits.

In a report published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2013, researchers looked at the available studies on Ziziphus jujuba and found these findings:

• it may help reduce inflammation,
• fights obesity,
• stimulates the immune system,
• improves gastrointestinal health,
• boosts antioxidant capacity.

One other study showed that Ziziphus jujuba was good at treating hypertension in rats. And another research review found that the supplement may have the effect for use as a supplement for the prevention or treatment of neurological diseases.

Is ziziphus good for Anxiety?

Ziziphus jujuba has potential in the treatment of anxiety, according to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2000. In tests on mice, the study’s authors noticed  that compounds extracted from Ziziphus jujuba could have sedative effects.  But studies on human have not confirmed this benefit.

Is ziziphus good for Diabetes?

Some kind of Ziziphus genus may help in diabetes control. For instance, a mouse-based study  which is published in Pharmaceutical Biology in 2010 showed that Ziziphus mauritiana has effect to manage diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. Another study published in Natural Product Communications in 2013 found that Ziziphus mucronata may include anti-diabetic benefits. In tests on cells, scientists found out that Ziziphus mucronata may have potential to fight diabetes by helping cells to properly utilize blood sugar and, in turn, protect against elevated blood sugar levels.

Is ziziphus good for Cancer?

A 2015 dated report published in Pharmacognosy Review examined the anticancer potential of Ziziphus jujube fruit. Study authors underlined that the bioactive compounds in the fruit (triterpenic acids and polysaccharides)include anticancer potential on various cancer cell lines. But, we need more high-quality independent scientific studies to determine if the benefit founded on studies has any potential in humans or not.

Ziziphus is also used for the following health issues:

• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• High blood pressure
• Inflammation
• Stress

In alternative medicine,  people think that Ziziphus jujuba increases strength, stimulates appetite and enhances liver health. When you apply it directly to the skin, Ziziphus jujuba has potential to promote wound healing, treat dry skin, ease sunburn, and reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging.  Additionaly, people use plants within the Ziziphus genus to treat insomnia and to manage menopausal symptoms.

But there is not enough scientific evidence to know if Ziziphus can help to treat any of these conditions mentioned above.

Possible Side Effects (Cons) of Ziziphus

Because there is a lack of research, we know so little things about the safety of consuming any type of Ziziphus plant in dietary supplement form. There is a moderate concern that Ziziphus can interact with certain medications including antidiabetes medications, sedatives, acetophenetidin (a pain-relieving and fever-reducing drug) and medications which are changed by the liver. If you want to use  ziziphus plant in diatery supplement and if you are on medication, talk to a healthcare provider to be sure  that the supplement is safe.
Also, we dont have common established guide about the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions.

FAQS:

What is Ziziphus jujube used for?

Ziziphus jujube (ZJ), also known as Chinese date or Indian ber, is rich in phytochemicals and may support those seeking a healthy diet. It is a medium-sized plant belonging to the Rhamnaceae family and is one of the earliest and most significant fruits in Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners have frequently used it to treat hysteria in female patients, as well as issues such as fatigue, anorexia, and diarrhea associated with spleen deficiency syndrome. Ziziphus jujube is also traditionally used in folk medicine to treat conditions such as dandruff, arthritis, chronic constipation, acne, antibacterial issues, and heart diseases. Jujube contains a wealth of components, including flavonoids, triterpenic acids, amino acids, cerebrosides, minerals, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides.

Is jujube fruit good for you?

Yes, jujube fruit is definitely rich in vitamins and minerals and is beneficial for health. Some people have reported improvements in sleep, digestion, and other health issues after consuming this fruit.

Does JZF(Ziziphus jujuba fruit) affect lipid profile?

Some human studies have shown that the consumption of Ziziphus jujuba fruit (ZJF) has favorable effects on lipid profile, HbA1c, and, to some extent, antioxidant status in individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). While these studies highlight the anti-diabetic potential of Z. jujuba, further and more detailed evaluation of its effects is necessary.

Does Ziziphus Jujube have antibacterial properties?

Yes, Ziziphus jujube has antibacterial properties and studies have shown that extracts from Ziziphus jujuba can be used against bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Both Ziziphus jujube and Ziziphus spina-christi has antibacterial activity against Klebsiella spp., E. coli, and S. aureus, because the compounds like tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, and terpenoids. And also, one research found that extracts from Ziziphus lotus and Ziziphus mauritiana leaves have strong antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains.

Is Ziziphus jujuba in an NLM database?

The inclusion of Ziziphus jujuba in an NLM database does not imply that NLM or the National Institutes of Health endorses or agrees with the content.