Chinese jujube
Ziziphus jujuba
Ziziphus jujuba, commonly known as Chinese date or red date, is a traditional plant used in East Asian medicine. It has been traditionally employed for its purported calming and sedative effects, but specific uses vary among different cultural practices. Scientific evidence suggests that compounds from Ziziphus jujuba show potential inhibition against PTP1B and α-glucosidase, indicating possible benefits related to glucose metabolism. However, the strength of this evidence is currently limited by the scope and consistency of available studies. The plant's red date vinegar beverage degrades significantly with increased temperature, affecting both its phytochemicals and sensory quality. Optimal harvesting at 15 September followed by stir-frying enhances bioactive compound accumulation and sedative activity while improving flavor. Fermentation with Pediococcus pentosaceus improves antioxidant activity under oxidative stress conditions in C2C12 cells. No major safety concerns or reported drug interactions have been recorded for Ziziphus jujuba, though further research is warranted to fully understand its potential benefits and applications.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Fermentation of red jujube juice with Pediococcus pentosaceus improved antioxidant activity and cell viability in C2C12 cells under oxidative stress.
- The study found that ABA and cytokinins, when combined, enhance drought tolerance in Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa by modulating the phenylpropanoid pathway without compromising growth.
- Compounds 1-3 from Ziziphus jujuba showed potent inhibition against PTP1B and α-glucosidase.
- Elevated temperatures led to notable deterioration in phytochemicals and sensory quality of the red date vinegar beverage.
- Harvesting Ziziphi Spinosae Semen at 15 September and stir-frying it enhanced bioactive compound accumulation and sedative activity while improving flavor.
- Ziziphus jujuba leaves from different regions showed varying sleep-promoting effects, with Neiqiu County's leaves exhibiting the strongest activity due to high flavonoid and GABA content.
- Exogenous melatonin treatment promotes flavonoid accumulation and salt tolerance in jujube by activating the ZjERF34-ZjMYB1 regulatory pathway.
- The study identified 11 QTLs associated with fruit sugar and acid traits in jujubes, with two stable intervals on chromosome LG1.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chinese jujube?
Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Chinese jujube?
8 sourced findings are recorded for Chinese jujube; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Fermentation of red jujube juice with Pediococcus pentosaceus improved antioxidant activity and cell viability in C2C12 cells under oxidative stress.
How strong is the evidence for Chinese jujube?
The strongest finding for Chinese jujube carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Chinese jujube safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Chinese jujube in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Chinese jujube interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Chinese jujube in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Chinese jujube?
Chinese jujube is also known as: Зизифус настоящий, Jujubier.
Is Chinese jujube a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Impact of Harvest Timing and Stir-Frying on the Bioactive Compounds, Bioactivities, and Flavor of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen: An Integrated Analysis via GC-IMS, Electronic Sensors, and Caenorhabditis elegans Model. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Storage temperature and quality dynamics of sun-aged red date vinegar beverage. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Pentacyclic triterpenoids from Ziziphus jujuba Lamk. fruits as dual inhibitors of PTP1B and α-glucosidase: in vitro and in silico evaluations. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Integration of chemical fingerprinting and multi-pathway pharmacological validation to evaluate the sleep-promoting efficacy of Ziziphus jujuba leaves from diverse origins. literature abstract metadata
- T2 ABA-cytokinin crosstalk regulate drought tolerance in Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa through the phenylpropanoid pathway: insights from physiological and multi-omics integration. literature abstract metadata
- T2 QTL mapping of fruit sugar and acid traits in the F1 generation of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Red Jujube Juice Fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus and Its Antioxidant Activity in C2C12 Cells. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Melatonin activates the ZjERF34-ZjMYB1 regulatory pathway to promote flavonoid biosynthesis and salt tolerance in jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.). literature abstract metadata