Sour jujube

Zizyphus spp./Drug Interactions:

  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In rodents, Zizyphus spina-christi root bark, Zizyphus lotus root bark extract, and Zizyphus oxyphylla Edgew. leaf extract exhibited analgesic effects in one or all of the following tests: acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and hot plate testing (2; 3; 4; 5). In one study, however, an extract of Zizyphus spina-christi did not exhibit analgesic activity (13).
  • Antiangiogenic drugsAntiangiogenic drugs: In vitro, Aspergillus usamii var. shirousamii transformed Angelicae gigantis radix- and Zizyphus jujuba-inhibited angiogenesis (6).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: In animals, the ethanolic extract of Zizyphus spina-christi leaves exhibited antimicrobial activity (13). Proanthocyanidins obtained from fruits of Zizyphus jujuba var. inermis suppressed bacterial resistance to antibiotics in strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (14). Zizyphus jujuba seed oil and organic extracts exhibited activity against five strains of Listeria monocytogenes (15). Extracts from Zizyphus joazeiro Mart. showed activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including 17 strains of Staphylococcus aureus from clinical sources, including methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus (16; 17).
  • AntidiabeticsAntidiabetics: In rodents, hypoglycemic effects comparable to glibenclamide, a sulfonylurea, were exhibited by extracts from the leaves or fruits of Zizyphus mauritiana (33; 34), Zizyphus sativa leaves (35), and Zizyphus spina-christi (L.) Willd. leaves (36; 37; 38).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro, Zizyphus vulgaris root extract and Zizyphus lotus (L.) Desf. extracts showed antifungal activity (9; 10).
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: In rodents, several fractions obtained from Zizyphus seeds (species unspecified) elevated arterial blood pressure, whereas other fractions resulted in transient hypotension and increased cholinergic activity (5).
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In rodents, root bark extracts of Zizyphus lotus aqueous extract showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity (3). In mice, Zizyphus jujuba seed essential oil (1% and 10%) exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in a skin inflammation model (11).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In rabbits and rats fed an atherogenic diet, supplementation with Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. leaf extract prevented an increase in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid levels of serum (48; 49). The lipid-lowering effects were comparable to those caused by lovastatin.
  • AntimalarialsAntimalarials: Extracts of Zizyphus vulgaris showed in vitro antiplasmodial activity (12).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In rodents, Zizyphus mistol seed oil (20; 21; 22), Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. (23), and Zizyphus spina-christi leaf extract (46) protected against carcinogenesis. In vitro, extracts from the fruits of Zizyphus jujuba exhibited cytotoxicity against tumor lines such as K562, B16(F-10), SK-MEL-2, PC-3, LOX-IMVI, and A549 (85). An extract from the stem bark of Zizyphus mauritiana showed selective toxicity against cultured human melanoma cells (24; 25). In several cell lines (HaCaT cells, human pancreatic cancer cells (PANC1), human prostate cancer cells (DU145), and mouse embryo fibroblast cells (C3H10T1/2)), constituents of Zizyphus cambodiana inhibited cellular signaling (26).
  • AntipyreticsAntipyretics: In animals, the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Zizyphus spina-christi (13), Zizyphus oxyphylla Edgew. leaf extract (4), and Zizyphus joazeiro Mart. (41) exhibited antipyretic effects.
  • Antiulcer agentsAntiulcer agents: In rodents, after oral or intraduodenal administration of Zizyphus seed or Zizyphus lotus extracts, induced gastric juice secretion and ulcers were inhibited (63; 67). The effect was comparable to that of cimetidine and omeprazole (67).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Zizyphus cambodiana may exhibit neuraminidase inhibitory activity (31). Further information is lacking.
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: In mice, the ethyl acetate extract of Zizyphus jujuba bark reduced fertility (74).
  • Hair growth agentsHair growth agents: In mice, topical Zizyphus jujuba seed essential oil promoted hair growth and thickness (42).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: Extracts of Zizyphus jujuba increased the chemotactic, phagocytic, and intracellular killing potency of human neutrophils ex vivo (76) and enhanced immunological activity (77). Jujubosides A1 and C and acetyljujuboside B isolated from the seeds of Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa Hu inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells (86).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: In rats, Zizyphus spina-christi stem bark extract caused a dose-dependent protection of rats against castor oil-induced diarrhea and decreased intraluminal fluid accumulation and gastrointestinal transit (40).
  • Memory-enhancing drugsMemory-enhancing drugs: Zizyphus spp. have shown neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects in animal studies (52; 53; 55; 56) and in vitro (1; 57; 58; 59).
  • Molluscicidal drugsMolluscicidal drugs: Extracts of Zizyphus lotus (L.) Desf. were active against Bulinus truncatus, the intermediate host and vector of transmission of unitary schistosomiasis in Morocco (10).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In animal research, the neurologic effects of Zizyphus species and their constituents have been shown (52; 53; 54). In animal research, jujuboside A worked synergistically with phenylalanine on CNS function (54). In vitro, the methanolic extracts from Zizyphus jujuba showed a high activator effect (34.1%) on choline acetyltransferase (1). In cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons, the methanol extract of Zizyphi spinosi semen (0.05-5mcg/mL), the seeds of Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa, protected against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced neurotoxicity (58). Studies performed on mouse neurocytes in vitro showed that mixtures of Chinese herbal drugs, such as a mixture of Schisandra species, Zizyphus spinosa, and Angelica sinensis may be effective in promoting growth of human neurocytes and preventing atrophy of the processes (59).
  • PrednisonePrednisone: Zizyphus vulgaris extract was shown to inhibit the metabolism of prednisolone (an active prednisone metabolite) (75).
  • SedativesSedatives: Zizyphus spp., including Zizyphus spinosa, exhibited sedative effects in animals (5; 63; 64; 54; 65). The herbal mixture kanbaku-taiso-to (containing Glycyrrhizae radix, Tritici semen, and Zizyphi fructus) sometimes showed marked effects on insomnia, infantile convulsions, and emotional irritability (61). In animals, the herbal mixture lengthened the hexobarbital-induced sleeping time, prolonged survival time in pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions, and inhibited locomotor activity (61).
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: In rodents, several fractions obtained from Zizyphus seeds (species unspecified) caused improved blood flow (5). However, in isolated rat aorta, Zizyphus spina-christi leaf extract had a vasoconstrictive effect (68).
  • VenlafaxineVenlafaxine: Suan Zao Ren Tang has been reported to interact with venlafaxine, causing an acute serotonin reaction (69).

    • Zizyphus spp./Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In rodents, Zizyphus spina-christi root bark, Zizyphus lotus root bark extract, and Zizyphus oxyphylla Edgew. leaf extract exhibited analgesic effects in one or all of the following tests: acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and hot plate testing (2; 3; 4; 5). In one study, however, an extract of Zizyphus spina-christi did not exhibit analgesic activity (13).
  • Antiangiogenic herbsAntiangiogenic herbs: In vitro, Aspergillus usamii var. shirousamii transformed Angelicae gigantis radix and Zizyphus jujuba inhibited angiogenesis (6).
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In animals, the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Zizyphus spina-christi exhibited antimicrobial activity (13). Proanthocyanidins obtained from fruits of Zizyphus jujuba var. inermis suppressed bacterial resistance to antibiotics in strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (14). Zizyphus jujuba seed oil and organic extracts exhibited activity against five strains of Listeria monocytogenes (15). Extracts from Zizyphus joazeiro Mart. showed activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including 17 strains of Staphylococcus aureus from clinical sources, including MRSA and MSSA (16; 17).
  • Antidepressant herbs and supplementsAntidepressant herbs and supplements: Suan Zao Ren Tang has been reported to interact with venlafaxine, causing an acute serotonin reaction (69).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro, Zizyphus vulgaris root extract and Zizyphus lotus (L.) Desf. extracts showed antifungal activity (9; 10).
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In rodents, root bark extracts of Zizyphus lotus aqueous extract showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity (3). In mice, Zizyphus jujuba seed essential oil (1% and 10%) exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in a skin inflammation model (11).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In rabbits and rats fed an atherogenic diet, supplementation with Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. leaf extract abrogated an increase in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid levels of serum (48; 49).
  • AntimalarialsAntimalarials: Extracts of Zizyphus vulgaris showed in vitro antiplasmodial activity (12).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In rodents, Zizyphus mistol seed oil (20; 21; 22), Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. (23), and Zizyphus spina-christi leaf extract (46) protected against carcinogenesis. In vitro, extracts from the fruits of Zizyphus jujuba exhibited cytotoxicity against tumor lines such as K562, B16(F-10), SK-MEL-2, PC-3, LOX-IMVI, and A549 (85). An extract from the stem bark of Zizyphus mauritiana showed selective toxicity against cultured human melanoma cells (24; 25). In several cell lines (HaCaT cells, PANC1, DU145, and C3H10T1/2), constituents of Zizyphus cambodiana inhibited cellular signaling (26).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: In animals, the seeds of Zizyphus spinosa exhibited antioxidant activities (30). Zizyphus jujuba seed essential oil (15) and Zizyphus mistol Griseb. extract (29) exhibited antioxidant activities in vitro.
  • AntipyreticsAntipyretics: In animals, the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Zizyphus spina-christi (13), Zizyphus oxyphylla Edgew. leaf extract (4), and Zizyphus joazeiro Mart. (41) exhibited antipyretic effects.
  • Antiulcer agentsAntiulcer agents: In rodents, after oral or intraduodenal administration of Zizyphus seed or Zizyphus lotus extracts, induced gastric juice secretion and ulcers were inhibited (63; 67). The effect was comparable to that of cimetidine and omeprazole (67).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Zizyphus cambodiana may exhibit neuraminidase inhibitory activity (31). Further information is lacking.
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: In mice, the ethyl acetate extract of Zizyphus jujuba bark reduced fertility (74).
  • Green teaGreen tea: The chloroform fraction from Zizyphus jujuba exhibited anticancer activity in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, without cytotoxicity in normal rat hepatocytes, which was enhanced in combination with green tea extract (27; 28).
  • Hair growth agentsHair growth agents: In mice, topical Zizyphus jujuba seed essential oil promoted hair growth and thickness (42).
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In rodents, hypoglycemic effects comparable to glibenclamide, a sulfonylurea, were exhibited by extracts from the leaves or fruits of Zizyphus mauritiana (33; 34), Zizyphus sativa leaves (35), and Zizyphus spina-christi (L.) Willd. leaves (36; 37; 38).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: In rodents, several fractions obtained from Zizyphus seeds (species unspecified) elevated arterial blood pressure, whereas other fractions resulted in transient hypotension and increased cholinergic activity (5).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: Extracts of Zizyphus jujuba increased the chemotactic, phagocytic, and intracellular killing potency of human neutrophils ex vivo (76) and enhanced immunological activity (77). Jujubosides A1 and C and acetyljujuboside B isolated from the seeds of Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa Hu inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells (86).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: In rats, Zizyphus spina-christi stem bark extract caused a dose-dependent protection of rats against castor oil-induced diarrhea and decreased intraluminal fluid accumulation and gastrointestinal transit (40).
  • Memory-enhancing herbs and supplementsMemory-enhancing herbs and supplements: Zizyphus spp. have shown neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects in animal studies (52; 53; 55; 56) and in vitro (1; 57; 58; 59).
  • Molluscicidal herbs and supplementsMolluscicidal herbs and supplements: Extracts of Zizyphus lotus (L.) Desf. were active against Bulinus truncatus, the intermediate host and vector of transmission of unitary schistosomiasis in Morocco (10).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In animal research, the neurologic effects of Zizyphus species and their constituents have been shown (52; 53; 54). In animal research, jujuboside A worked synergistically with phenylalanine on CNS function (54). In vitro, the methanolic extracts from Zizyphus jujuba showed a high activator effect (34.1%) on choline acetyltransferase (1). In cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons, the methanol extract of Zizyphi spinosi semen (0.05-5mcg/mL), the seeds of Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa, protected against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced neurotoxicity (58). Studies performed on mouse neurocytes in vitro showed that mixtures of Chinese herbal drugs, such as a mixture of Schisandra species, Zizyphus spinosa, and Angelica sinensis may be effective in promoting growth of human neurocytes and preventing atrophy of the processes (59).
  • ProbioticsProbiotics: Extracts from Zizyphus spp. exhibited antibiotic activity in animals and in vitro (13; 14; 15; 16; 17).
  • SedativesSedatives: Zizyphus spp., including Zizyphus spinosa, exhibited sedative effects in animals (5; 63; 64; 54; 65). The herbal mixture kanbaku-taiso-to (containing Glycyrrhizae radix, Tritici semen, and Zizyphi fructus) sometimes showed marked effects on insomnia, infantile convulsions, and emotional irritability (61). In animals, the herbal mixture lengthened the hexobarbital sleeping time, prolonged survival time in pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions, and inhibited locomotor activity (61).
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: In rodents, several fractions obtained from Zizyphus seeds (species unspecified) caused improved blood flow (5). However, in isolated rat aorta, Zizyphus spina-christi leaf extract had a vasoconstrictive effect (68).

    • Zizyphus spp./Food Interactions:

  • Insufficient available evidence.

    • Zizyphus spp./Lab Interactions:

  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: In rodents, several fractions obtained from Zizyphus seeds (species unspecified) elevated arterial blood pressure, whereas other fractions resulted in transient hypotension and increased cholinergic activity (5).
  • CreatinineCreatinine: In experimentally induced diabetic mice, the aqueous extract from the leaves or fruits of Zizyphus mauritiana decreased elevated creatinine to near-normal levels (33; 34).
  • GlucoseGlucose: In experimentally induced diabetic mice, the aqueous extract from the leaves or fruits of Zizyphus mauritiana exhibited hypoglycemic activities in a manner comparable to glibenclamide, a sulfonylurea (33; 34).
  • Glycosylated hemoglobinGlycosylated hemoglobin: In experimentally induced diabetic mice, the aqueous extract from the leaves or fruits of Zizyphus mauritiana decreased elevated glycosylated hemoglobin to near-normal levels (33; 34).
  • HemoglobinHemoglobin: In experimentally induced diabetic mice, the aqueous extract from the leaves or fruits of Zizyphus mauritiana significantly elevated hemoglobin to near-normal levels (33; 34).
  • Lipid panelLipid panel: In rabbits fed an atherogenic diet, supplementation with Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. leaf extract abrogated an increase in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid levels of serum (49). In rats fed an atherogenic diet, Zizyphus mauritiana leaf extract abrogated an increase in total cholesterol, VLDL, LDL, triglyceride, and phospholipid levels (48). In experimentally induced diabetic mice, the aqueous extract from the leaves or fruits of Zizyphus mauritiana decreased elevated serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, HDL, and LDL to near-normal levels (33; 34).
  • Liver enzymesLiver enzymes: In mice, Zizyphus jujuba fruit (200mg/kg) protected against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury by decreasing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (43).
  • UreaUrea: In experimentally induced diabetic mice, the aqueous extract from the leaves or fruits of Zizyphus mauritiana decreased elevated urea to near-normal levels (33; 34).