Botanical Name: Zizyphus spinosa; Common Names: Sour Jujube, Red date, Da Zao, and Chinese date. This is an important herb in Chinese Traditional Medicine. The Chinese name for the herb is Suan Zao Ren (suan = sour; zao = date; ren = seed; hence, seed of the sour date), or just zaoren
All parts of the herb are used as folk remedies for a range of conditions, but the nature of the active constituents has not been fully identified and documented yet.
Jujube seeds and fruits are eaten as a delicios source of Vitamins B and C and other nutrients. The seeds are used in medicinal teas as these contain compounds with proven sedative effect, of benefit in insomnia and hypotensive effects, of benefit in high blood pressure.
In studies, Jujube has shown immunosuppresive effect in atopic diseases and beneficial effects on the liver. Jujube may have a place in the treatment of autoimmune diseases but more research is needed to prove the benefits in these conditions.
Zizyphus is reported to have no toxicity when taken orally. Side effects are not reported. Modern pharmacology evaluation of zizyphus seed oil and zizyphus extract suggest that with prolonged feeding they can reduce serum triglycerides and cholesterol (mainly LDL), and reduce fatty degeneration of the liver.
All parts of the herb are used as folk remedies for a range of conditions, but the nature of the active constituents has not been fully identified and documented yet.
Rererence: http://www.itmonline.org/arts/zizyphus.htm
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