Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine (Sep 2023)
An updated review of Ziziphus jujube: Major focus on its phytochemicals and pharmacological properties
Abstract
Introduction: Ziziphus jujube (ZJ) or Chinese date or Indian ber is one of the extensively studied medicinal plants as it is a rich source of phytochemicals and thus may encourage a healthy diet. It is a medium-sized native plant of the Rhamnaceae family and is one of the earliest fruits with the greatest significance in Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners have used it for treating hysteria in female patients along with fatigue, anorexia, and diarrhea in cases of spleen deficiency syndrome. Ziziphus jujube (Z. jujube) is traditionally used by the locals to treat dandruff, arthritis, chronic constipation, acne, antibacterial, and cardiac diseases. Jujube includes a variety of components, including flavonoids, triterpenic acids, amino acids, cerebrosides, mineral components, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides. Methodology: The online databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, were searched using different keywords: Z. jujube, antimicrobial activity, traditional uses, and antitumor activity. The purpose of this review was therefore to summarise the previously reported phytopharmacological status of the chosen plant species. Results: The results of our analysis revealed that Ziziphus jujube contains a variety of biologically active compounds including, flavonoids, terpenoids, etc. In addition, previous research has demonstrated that plant extracts and isolated principles of ZJ also possess significant pharmacological activity including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-melanogenic and others. Discussion: Jujube has a good potential for generating therapeutics and supplements for prophylaxis as well as treatment against cancer, inflammation, and iron/vitamin deficiencies, according to the below-mentioned human and animal studies. Also, clinical research has shown that jujube is a safe and efficient herb for human intake and thus should be included in dietary intakes and as active constituents in pharmaceutical formulations. Conclusion: Jujubes are an invaluable source of bioactive chemicals that can be incorporated into food for humans and show promise for the treatment of mild and life-threatening medical disorders. This review will encourage other scientists to continue their research on the selected plant species, especially in the areas of toxicity and bioactivity.
