Jujube Fruit (Ziziphus jujuba)

Jujube fruit benefits are well known since ancient times as an herbal medicine. It is packed with various vitamins and minerals, and 18 out of the 24 important amino acids. It helps in the formation and maintenance of the blood stream, the body's hormones, bones, muscles, skin, hair, enzymes and neurotransmitters. Jujube has calming properties and is a rich source of natural antioxidants. It has a soothing effect on the nervous system and can act as a natural sedative. Jujube herbal extract helps to relieve stress and anxiety. It may help with liver disease and offer protection against liver injury. It is also a warming herb that helps benefits the spleen and stomach and has been used to neutralize the toxic effects of some medications. Jujube has been used to lower blood pressure. Rich in vitamin C, minerals and fiber, the fruit has been used to reduce cholesterol, improve immunity and keep blood vessels flexible. Jujube tinctures have also been used to treat anemia and purpura (the appearance of red or purple discolored spots on the skin). When Jujube is combined with herbs like ginger, peppermint and licorice, it soothes achy throat muscles and may be useful in easing the symptoms of cold and other viral infections. Jujube extracts are also used to manufacture skin care products to reduce dryness, wrinkles, redness, swelling and for relief of sunburn pain.

Because of the mucilaginous properties of the fruit of the Jujube tree, Ziziphus zizyphus, it has been used as herbal medicine in the treatment of sore throat. As the it is high in vitamin A, C, B2, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium, it strengthens the immune system of the body and is found to be good for overall health. Thus, it has been used for common colds and other viral infections. 

A study published in "Journal of Natural Medicines" conducted at the I.S.F. College of Pharmacy, found that it has a therapeutic anti-inflammatory agent. Diabetics can benefit from the Jujube berry tincture, when it is used as a medicinal rub for cuts and sores. Many diabetics suffer with neuropathy and poor circulation in the limbs, which causes nerve damage. 

Scientific research published in Transplantation proceedings in 2010, showed the significant potential of this herbal extract to treat liver damage and oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The study were done to find measurability of Jujube's healing abilities after 40 minutes of loss of blood flow to liver. The results were that high antioxidant content had positive effects on those who received the herbal extract over a seven-day period. Another recent study looked into the benefits of the Jujube berry tincture on liver disease and found that the fruit reduces the oxidative stress from the liver, which can be caused by the movements of the free radicals in the blood stream. It may also help to reduce the toxicity of various drugs and their side effects.

Betulinic acid is abundantly found in the Jujube fruit, which is known to exert an anti-melanoma activity by causing apoptosis (programmed cell death) against cancer cells. According to yet another recent study, the extract of Jujube fruit was found to be effective for inhibiting the tumor causing cells and cells that can lead to leukemia. Although the Jujube extract inhibited tumor cell proliferation in all lines, it displayed the greatest effect against Jurkat leukemia cells. 

The use of Jujube as a digestive aid stems from the Chinese belief that the fruit adds moisture to the body. Recent research performed by the National Chung Hsing and National Taiwan Universities concur with the ancient Chinese remedy, stating that the tea "increased fecal moisture" and "shortened gastrointestinal transit time" by 34 to 57 percent in those who were researched. Jujube is also believed to reduce toxic ammonia in the intestines through elevating concentrations of fatty acids. 

Jujube may be a good choice for lowering high blood pressure, because they are believed to help in weight loss and preventing weight gain. Obesity is a high risk factor for high blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Jujube's potassium content, which is an electrolyte, helps to maintain water balance in the body. This essential mineral also helps to balance sodium in the body, which can help lower blood pressure. The benefits of the high vitamin C content can help guard against cardiovascular disease and stroke, particularly for diabetics and for those who are overweight. In China, it has been used to treat diarrhea, fatigue and the loss of appetite. 

The saponins in Jujube extracts distribute hypnotic and sedative effects, which may be precursors to elevated moods. This property is found to be useful in combatting depressive symptoms and mood swings. With its stress alleviating properties, it has been found to be useful for calming the nerves and reducing anxiety. When the fruit extract was researched in some mentally ill patients, they were shown to have improved sleep time, were more active and it seemed to improve their mood. While Jujube berry extract may be a natural alternative to prescription anti-anxiety and sleep aids, more clinical research on humans is needed to confirm this. 

Jujube's antioxidant and rejuvenating properties may help to clear up skin problems. It has been found to be helpful in conditions that cause itching, and it is believed to help heal wounds. It is considered to be a kind of natural food for skin-beauty. It not only replenishes qi to invigorate the spleen, promote blood and biochemical circulation, as well as help in reducing the effects of aging. There is an old saying: "if you eat red jujube everyday, you will never get old." For the elderly, this fruit may strengthen the physique and delay aging. Especially for those who are involved in mental work or those who suffer from neurasthenia, by reducing pressure and alleviating fatigue.