Jujube Fruit.A Magic fruit berry for emotion controlling and more.

  seminal trace...Fructus Jujubae.Jujube Fruit Extract.CAS.NO:90045-99-1.Jujube Fruit,Chinese Date.Jujube Extract....

 

 Botanical Source of Fructus Jujubae.Ziziphus jujuba.:
 History,Origin and Distribution of Jujube:
 Phytochemicals of Jujube:
 Medicinal Action and Uses of Jujube:
 Chinese Jujube.Chinese Dates.:
 Traditional Uses World Wide:
 Suggestions and Administration:
 Research Update:Jujube Fruit


   Botanical Source of Fructus Jujubae.Ziziphus jujuba.:

 The jujube asks less and gives more abundantly of its fruits than almost any other tree.
 Botanical Source: Dry fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill.var.inermis(Bge)Rend.
 Brief:Ziziphus jujuba Mill.
 Botanical Names:Zyzyphus jujube,Zyzyphus ziziphus,Zyzyphus spina-christi
 English Name: Jujube Fruit,Jujube,Chinese Date,Ber,Jujube Berries,Zizyphus sativa,Brustbeeren,Judendornbeeren,Rhamnus Zizyphus
 Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn)
 Common names: Da Zao,Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus,Jujube fruit, Azufaifa fruit, Chinese Date, Chinese Jujube, Chinese Red Date, Common Jujube, Cottony Jujube, Indian Jujube,Jujube,Tsao.
 Other names: Dansk (Danish):Sisyphos, brystb?rtr?, j?detorn, kinesisk dadel, brystb?r, jujub
 Nederlands (Dutch):jujube, hoestbonbon
 Fran?ais (French): jujube
 Deutsch (German): (Bot.) Jujube-Pflanze
 Italiano (Italian):giuggiolo, giuggiola
 Portugu¨ºs (Portuguese): jujuba (f)
 Espa?ol (Spanish): azufaifa, jalea de azufaifa, pastilla de azufaifa
 Svenska (Swedish):jujub, br?stb?r(sbuske), (br?st)karamell.
 Definition:Any of several Old World trees of the genus Ziziphus, especially Z. jujuba, having palmately veined leaves, spiny stipules, small yellowish flowers, and dark red fruit.The fleshy, edible drupe of this tree. Also called Chinese date.
 

 Fruit: The fruit is a drupe, varying from round to elongate and from cherry-size to plum-size depending on cultivar. It has a thin, edible skin surrounding whitish flesh of sweet, agreeable flavor. The single hard stone contains two seeds. The immature fruit is green in color, but as it ripens it goes through a yellow-green stage with mahogany-colored spots appearing on the skin as the fruit ripens further. The fully mature fruit is entirely red. Shortly after becoming fully red, the fruit begins to soften and wrinkle. The fruit can be eaten after it becomes wrinkled, but most people prefer them during the interval between the yellow-green stage and the full red stage. At this stage the flesh is crisp and sweet, reminiscent of an apple. Under dry conditions jujubes lose moisture, shrivel and become spongy inside. Tests in Russia indicate a very high vitamin C content. The fruit has been used medicinally for millennia by many cultures. One of its most popular uses is as a tea for sore throat.

 Fruits ripen in late summer to early fall. Many people enjoy them fresh, after they turn from green to brown, but before they dry and shrivel. At that stage, their flavor and texture is something like a very sweet apple, but not as juicy. Unlike most fruits, jujube will dry on the tree after ripening. Although dried jujubes are not as sweet as true dates, its sugars do concentrate, and the flavor is very similar. Dried fruits require no preservative, and they last "forever" -- I've pressed several growers on this point, and all agree -- though humidity in some regions may slow drying and limit the life of dried fruits.

 There may be very little of any ¡°active constituents¡± in the fruit. Most of the reports of such active ingredients are actually due to errors of interpretation, in that data is mistakenly taken from the analysis of seeds of Zizyphus spinosa (Chinese: suanzaoren) rather than the fruit pulp of Zizyphus jujuba. Zizyphus spinosa, known as spiny zizyphus, wild zizyphus, or sour jujube, yields glycosides that may have significant pharmacological action.

 

   History,Origin and Distribution of Jujube:

 Trace: The jujube (pronounced juh-ju-bee or juh-juh-bee) is a member of the buckthorn family, or Rhamnaceae. Its botanical name is Ziziphus zizyphus (formerly Zizyphus jujuba ), and its common names are common jujube, Chinese date, and Chinese jujube. Though the plant's origin is probably Syria, it was distributed throughout much of the Mediterranean region at least 3,000 years ago and today is most widely grown in China.

  History:

 It is thought to be native to North Africa and Syria, but moved east through India to China, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. The tree can reach a height of 5-12 m, with shiny-green leaves, and sometimes thorns. The many inconspicuous flowers are small, greenish or white, and produce an olive-sized fruit that is a drupe.

 Jujube has been a part of Chinese medicine for at least 2,500 years and is mentioned in the Classic of Odes, a 6th century BCE anthology of Chinese poetry. The fruit has a pleasant taste and high nutritional value, and is often used to disguise unpalatable prescriptions.

 Largely dismissed in the West, Europeans and Asians recognize jujube as a valuable medicinal herb. Gerard, in the 17th century, maintained that the herb was an excellent tonic for all parts of the body, especially the lungs and kidneys.

  Origin of Jujube:

 The jujube originated in China where they have been cultivated for more than 4,000 years and where there are over 400 cultivars.The plants traveled beyond Asia centuries ago and today are grown to some extent in Russia, northern Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East and the southwestern United States. Jujube seedlings, inferior to the Chinese cultivars, were introduced into Europe at the beginning of the Christian era and carried to the U. S. in 1837. It wasn't until 1908 that improved Chinese selections were introduced by the USDA.

 The jujube or Chinese date, introduced into this country from China, is a medium size tree, up to 25 or more feet, with glossy green, deciduous foliage.

 

  Geographical distribution:

 Jujubes originated in China, where they have been cultivated for more than 4,000 years and where there are over 400 cultivars. The spiny trees travelled beyond Asia centuries ago and today are grown to some extent in Russia, northern Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East and the southwestern United States.

 The fruit is a drupe, varying from round to elongate and from cherry-size to plum-size, depending on the cultivar. It has a thin, edible dark red skin surrounding whitish flesh of sweet, agreeable flavour. The single hard stone contains two seeds. Confusingly, Jujube is also the name of a tiny fruit-flavoured candy with a hard, gelatinous texture, but the name is the only connection between the two foods.

 Chinese dates are among the most persistent and long-lived imported trees in the South. Some sources indicate that they were introduced from Europe by Robert Chisolm in 1837, and first planted in Beaufort, North Carolina. They have also been mentioned as being in the early Spanish missions in California, and were possibly brought to America at an earlier time.

 They are thought to be native to Syria or China, and are widely distributed in the warmer parts of Europe, southern Asia, Africa, and Australia. The Chinese have been known to cultivate as many as 400 varieties of jujube, and have a great fondness for the fruit; it is sometimes processed with honey and sugar, and sold as a dessert confection. The jujube has been cultivated in China for hundreds of years. Roger Meyers, a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc., has published several articles on jujubes, and is attempting to research the names and provide sources for some of the best varieties that have been introduced in the past.

 It thrives best in warm, dry climates; but will withstand winter temperatures down to -20 F. Fruit is generally dark brown when ripe, oval to pyriform in shape, 1 to 2 inches diameter, with a single stone. Fruit will dry if left on tree, similar to figs. Skin is smooth and thin until drying of fruit occurs, then becomes wrinkled. Pulp is dryer than in most fruits.
 

  Adaptation:

 The jujube can withstand a wide range of temperatures; virtually no temperature seems to be too high in summertime. Winter dormancy allows it to withstand temperatures to about -28¡ã F, yet it requires only a small amount of winter chill in order for it to set fruit. The plant revels in summer sun and heat, with the lack of either limiting fruit production more than winter cold. Yet jujubes have fruited in the Puget Sound and low Cascade regions of Washington State as well as in Pennsylvania. Fruiting of some cultivars has also been reported in northern Florida.The Indian jujube, which is more sensitive to frost, is grown in Florida, but the fruit is considered inferior. Jujube trees are not particularly suitable for container culture, but can be grown in this manner in a large container.

 This deciduous tree grows 12 to 15 feet tall, although trees are known to reach 30 feet. (The largest known jujube tree in the United States, at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens, measures over 40 feet high and wide.) Over time trees develop a graceful, gnarled shape. Most varieties have thorns on young branches. Its leaves are 1 to 2 inches long, leathery, and shiny bright green. Tiny yellow-green flowers are about 1/4 inch wide.

 

   Phytochemicals of Jujube:

 ziziphussaponin I,ziziphussaponin II,ziziphussaponin III(ziziphussaponin I,II,III),jujuboside B,stepharine,glucose,fructose,cane sugar,cAMP,cGMP, and other vitamines.

 Key components including saponins,flavonoids,sugars,mucilage,vitamins A, vitamin B2, vitamin C,minerals (including calcium, phosphorus, and iron)
 

  Nutritional Values:

 The desiccated fruit has been analyzed for nutritional qualities; per 100 grams, it has:
 Calories: 350; from fat, protein, carbohydrate as follows: Protein: 7.3 g Fat: 1.2 g Carbohydrate: 84 g Fiber: 4g
  Minerals, mainly the following of interest: Ash: 3.0 g; Potassium: 1,050 mg Phosphorus: 168 mg Calcium: 130 mg Sodium: 12 mg Iron: 3.5 mg  Vitamins: about 0.5 g, mainly the following: Vitamin C: 300 mg Vitamin A: 125 mg Niacin: 2.8 mg Riboflavin: 0.2 mg Thiamine: 0.1 mg

 The fruit without water is 84% sugar, which explains its very sweet taste. In a ¡°serving¡± of 10 grams of desiccated fruit pulp (derived from about one-half ounce of edible dried fruit with the pit removed), the only significant nutrients for a modern diet would be 3.6~3.7 grams of protein and 30 mg of vitamin C.

 The fruit contains triterpenes betulinic acid, aiphitolic acid, betulonic acid, oleanonic acid, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid together with a number of isomeric b-coumaric acid esters of aiphitolic and maslinic acid1'2. Two alkaloids named zizyphusine and daechucyclopeptide- 1 were also isolated from the fruit.

 It is interesting to note that the fruit yields relatively high amounts of cAMP and cGMP. Their contents in dry fruit were 100-500 nmol/g and 30-SO nmoL/g, respectively.

 From the seed of Z. jujuba, three saponins jujubosides A and B, and ziziphin were isolated. Furthermore, flavone C-glycosides swertisin and spinosin as well as the acylated derivatives of spinosin sinapoyl-, feruloyl- and coumaroylspinosin were also found in the seed.

 

   Medicinal Action and Uses of Jujube:

 The Jujube is classed with the raisin, date, and fig as a pectoral fruit, being nutritive and demulcent. It is eaten both fresh and dried.

 A syrup and a tisane were formerly made from it, but the berries are now little used in medicine.

 Jujube paste, or 'Pate de Jujubes,' is made of gum-arabic and sugar. It may be dissolved in a decoction of jujubes and evaporated, but is considered as good a demulcentwithout their addition. It is frequently merely mixed with orange-flower water.

 A decoction of the roots has been used in fevers.

 An astringent decoction of leaves and branchlets is made in large quantities in Algeria, and seems likely to replace the cachou.

  Key Actions:

 aids in weight gain
 antiallergenic
 improves stamina and strength
 mildly sedating
 strengthens liver function
 stimulates immune system
 tonic
 Anodyne; Antidote; Astringent; Cancer; Diuretic; Emollient; Expectorant; Hypnotic; Narcotic; Pectoral; Poultice; Refrigerant; Sedative; Skin; Stomachic; Tonic.

 Jujube helps to efficiently get the energy from food. It also gives energy and has an emotionally calming effect.
 

  Pharmacology:

  Anti-aging effects: Experiments show that Da Zao has an inhibitory effect on the activity of monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) in mice.

  Anti-tumor effects: Administering to mice for 14 consecutive days, Da Zao can inhibit sarcoma-180 (S180) with a 61% inhibition rate.

  Anti-inflammatory effects: Extracts of Da Zao leaves can significantly inhibit dimethylbenzene-induced auricular inflammation in mice, egg white-induced toe swelling, and cotton ball-induced granulation tissue proliferation in rats.

  Astringent and Febrifuge: The leaves are astringent and febrifuge. They are said to promote the growth of hair. They are used to form a plaster in the treatment of strangury.

  Anodyne, anticancer, pectoral, refrigerant, sedative, stomachic, styptic and tonic: The dried fruits are anodyne, anticancer, pectoral, refrigerant, sedative, stomachic, styptic and tonic.They are considered to purify the blood and aid digestion.They are used internally in the treatment of chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, anemia, irritability and hysteria. The fruit strengthens the liver and is used by Chinese Practitioners for hepatitis and cirrhosis.

  Counteracting mutation: Experiments show that oral administration of Da Zao decoction can significantly inhibit cyclophosphamide-induced increase in sister chromatid exchange (SCE), indicating that Da Zap has an anti-mutation effect.

  Counteracting allergic reaction: Da Zao solution can suppress the release of leukotrien D4 by basophilic white blood cells in human peripheral blood.

  Counteracting leukemia: Experiments show that water-based extract of Da Zao has a significant suppressive effect on the proliferation and colony formation of human leukemia K562 cells.

  Effects on the cardiovascular system: Da Zao has a protective effect on experimental cardiac ischemia in rats. It can significantly increase the subjects¡¯ tolerance for oxygen deprivation, counteract various experimental cardiac arrhythmia, suppress platelet aggregation and affect the subjects¡¯ hemodynamics and blood rheology, and enhance rats¡¯ humoral and cell-mediated immune functions.
 

  Effects on the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophage: In-vivo experiments show that Hong Zao (Da Zao) can increase the phagocytosis of mice¡¯s mononuclear-phagocyte system.

  Nutritive qualities: The ancient claims about its extraordinary nutritive qualities may reflect two aspects of jujube: first, persons who were especially weak and unable to eat ordinarily might find the mild and sweet taste of jujube acceptable and at least get some calories (e.g., about 40, still very little) and a small amount of protein, especially valuable if jujube was added to a nutritional dish to make it more palatable; second, persons who did not have much fruit in their diet might have had a low vitamin C level, which could be corrected with a relatively small quantity of jujube fruit or its extract.

  Muscular strength and Increases Stamina: Jujube is both a delicious fruit and an effective herbal remedy. It improves muscular strength and increases stamina. In Chinese medicine it is prescribed as a tonic to strengthen liver function. In one clinical trial in China 12 patients with liver complaints were given jujube, peanuts and brown sugar nightly. In four weeks their liver function had improved.
 

  Strengthening effect: Fed to mice for 21 consecutive days, Da Zao decoction can significantly increase the subjects¡¯ body weight and swimming capacities.

  Seed: The seed is hypnotic, narcotic, sedative, stomachic and tonic. It is used internally in the treatment of palpitations, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, pain, night sweats and excessive perspiration. Also used to improve skin color and tone.

  Root: The root is used in the treatment of dyspepsia. A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of fevers. The root is made into a powder and applied to old wounds and ulcers. It is used for.

  Other Medicine Uses: The jujube is a remedy for anemia, hypertonia, nephritis and nervous diseases.The fruit will impart energy without nervousness. Described as a calm energy.The plant is widely used in China as a treatment for burns.The fruits are used in Chinese traditional medicine, where they are believed to alleviate stress. The fruit is ground to powder, with very small amounts required to promptly calm nerves and purify blood quality.Ziziphin, a compound in the leaves of the jujube, suppresses the ability to perceive sweet taste in humans. The fruit, being mucilaginous, is also very soothing to the throat and decoctions of jujube have often been used in pharmacy to treat sore throats.

  Culinary use: The dried fruitsIn addition to their medicinal use, the candied dried fruits are often eaten as a snack, or with tea. They are available either red or black (called h¨®ng z¨£o or h¨¥i z¨£o, respectively, in Chinese), the latter being smoked to enhance their flavour. In China, , a sweetened tea syrup containing jujube fruits is available in glass jars,photo and canned jujube tea or jujube tea in the form of teabags is also available. Although not widely available, jujube juice and jujube vinegar are also produced.

 In China, a wine made from jujubes called hong zao jiu is also produced.Jujubes are sometimes preserved by storing in a jar filled with baijiu (Chinese liquor), which allows them to be kept fresh for a long time, especially through the winter. Such jujubes are called jiu zao(literally "spirited jujube").

  Other uses: The jujube's sweet smell is said to make teenagers fall in love, and as a result, in the Himalaya and Karakoram regions, men take a stem of sweet smelling jujube flowers with them or put it on their hats to attract the opposite sex.
 

  Modern Medical Research:

  Antioxidants: Jujube Fruit has the highest level of Antioxidants.Considerable laboratory evidence from chemical, cell culture, and animal studies indicates that antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer.

  Adaptogen and Increase Nitric Oxide levels: Zizyphys jujube (synonyms Z. sativa, Z. vulgaris) - jujube, Chinese jujube, red date or Chinese date, have long been grown for their excellent fruit. Natives to Asia where there are many cultivars grown for fruit. However, it has become naturalized in many other warm temperate regions. It was brought into the Mediterranean in ancient Roman times. In China it has the reputation of one of the five principal fruits. Zizyphys jujube fruit with amino acids increase and maintain the body's natural nitric oxide levels. Zizyphys jujube acts as an adaptogen by encouraging normal functioning of the adrenal glands, allowing them to function optimally when challenged by stress. Zizyphys jujube has been shown to enhance mental acuity and physical endurance without the letdown that comes with caffeinated products. Research has shown that Zizyphys jujube improves the use of oxygen by the exercising muscle. This means that a person is able to maintain exercise longer and recovery from workouts is much quicker.

  Anti-inflammatory: Betulinic acid has been reported also to possess anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of betulinic acid is, at least in part, due to its capacity to inhibit enzymes involved in leukotriene biosynthesis, including 5-lipoxygenase (Somatsu, S. et al., Skin and Urology 21: 138, 1959 and Inoue, H., et al., Chem Pharm Bull. 2: 897-901, 1986).

  Treatment of Cancer: Betulinic Acid is abundently found in the Jujube Fruit. Betulinic acid is known to exert its anti-melanoma activity by causing apoptosis (programmed cell death). Apoptosis culminates in the fragmentation of the cellular DNA which can be detected by using monoclonal antibodies to the fragmented DNA (mono and polyoligonucleosomes). Apoptosis may be used as an indicator for specific cytotoxicity of the test compound. Apoptosis was investigated as a probable (or one of the probable) mechanisms of action of betulinic acid for killing leukemia cells (MOLT-4). Betulinic acid is isolated by methods known in the art comprising the steps of preparing an extract from the of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (Rhamnaceae), or Ziziphus mauritiana Lam (Rhamnaceae).

 There are several patents that relates to an orally effective herbal extract-based composition having broad-spectrum anticancer activity, more specifically a method of treating, inhibiting and/or preventing malignant tumors of the colon, intestine, stomach, breast, melanoma, glioblastoma, lung, cervix, ovary, prostate, oral cavity, larynx, liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, endothelial cells, leukemia and myeloma using a herbal extract of Zizyphus, rich in betulinic acid. An advantage of the extract is that the betulinic acid has low systemic toxicity. The extract inhibits Protein Kinase C activity of cancer cells and induces apoptosis.

 Although originally thought to exhibit specific cytotoxicity against melanoma cells, this agent has been found to be cytotoxic against non-melanoma tumor cell types including neuroectodermal.and brain tumor cells.
 

  Treatment of HIV: Betulinic acid and dihydrobetulinic acid acyl derivatives have been found to have potent anti-HIV activity (WO 96/39033). Anti-HIV assays indicated that 3-O-(3', 3'-diimethylsuccinyl)-betulinic acid and dihydrobetulinic acid both demonstrated extremely potent anti-HIV activity in acutely infected H9 lymphocytes with EC.sub.50 values of less than 1.7.times.10.sup.-5 .mu.M, respectively.

  Intercellular Communication: Inter-Cellular Communication within the human body relies on the two messenger molecules, cGMP and cAMP; responsible for pretty much EVERY SINGLE process that takes place in the body. the Jujube fruit has one the highest concentration of cGMP & cAMP of anything -- plant or animal -- known to man. A multitude of interesting health benefits result from better inter-cellular communication.

  Jujube fruit features in revitalizing skin care products: A US firm has launched a new range of products containing the popular Chinese fruit jujube, which is believed to slow down the aging process.

 The jujube fruit, which originated in China more than 4,000 years ago, is believed to invigorate the body, increase metabolism, give strength to the heart and slow down the aging process. In China, it is considered a daily dietary must.And with its high levels of vitamins and nutrients, it is no surprise that the cosmetics industry has picked up on the fruit as a functional ingredient for natural cosmetics products.

 "Rich in calcium, protein, and Vitamins C, B1, B2 and A, the wonder-fruit not only works miracles from the inside, but its reparative nutrients deliver intense moisture, nourishment and protection to the skin as well," said Boscia.

 A small, edible fruit from Asia, Jujube is believed to encourage cell turnover, improve elasticity and firmness of skin, and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

 Indeed, according to market researcher Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD), around 30 new cosmetics products containing jujube ingredients have been launched globally in recent years.The ingredient has been used in skincare, haircare, cosmetics and soap and bath and shower products, with the majority- 22 products- in skincare.The new line by Boscia, which is also fortified with amino acids, includes a body wash and a body cream. Their suggested retail prices are $22 and $30 respectively.
 

  More Applications and Uses:

  Enhances cellular communication.
  Combats cellular damage from free radicals.
  Eases sore throats.
  Nourishes the blood.
  Aids in digestion.
  Supports liver and spleen function.
  Detoxifies the body.
  Calms the mind.
  Moderates nervousness.
  Helps to overcome fatigue and weakness.
  Speeds recovery from illness.
  Inhibits gastrointestinal infections.
  Soothes the stomach.
  Provides energy.
  Enhances metabolism.
  Supports cardiovascular health.
  Strengthens blood vessels.
  Provides relief from the heat.
  Boosts Libido.
  Destroys parasites in the intestinal tract.
  Suppresses appetite.
  Supports heart, lung and kidney health.
  Enhances the immune system.
  Slows the effects of premature aging.
  Induces apoptosis in skin cancer cells.
  Impedes tumor growth.
  Assists weight loss.
  Counters affects of poison.
  Remedies boils and sores.
  Relieves bronchitis.
  Reduces fevers.
  Acts as a diuretic.
  Helps in extracting energy from food.
  Alleviates allergies.
  Facilitates sleep.

 The Chinese have established over the centuries great herbal remedies for all parts of the jujube tree with more use for the dried fruit, which is said to improve liver problems and to dehydrate the body and sooth the vital organs of the body. The Chinese believe the jujube can cure coughs and the sore throat, and even eliminate influenza symptoms or solve breathing problems that result from the lungs. The continuous usage of jujube, according to the Chinese, will improve skin color and cure skin infections. Lastly, the Chinese believe that the jujube fruit will kill internal body and stomach parasites and worms. Very few plants or trees are revered and loved by the Chinese as the jujube tree for the naturalistic medical remedies that result from treatment with fruit and plant extracts from the Chinese jujube.


   Chinese Jujube.Chinese Dates:

 Zizphus jujube.Amazingly, Jujube is one of the worlds oldest fruits, used in Chinese medicine for 4000 years.Jujube trees are among the rarest of all fruit trees in the U.S., however, in China they are the most commonly known fruit and rate as popular as the apple tree is in this country. In China the fruit is marketed mainly like dried dates and can be found at any food store. The fruit is prized as a health food as well as a tasty treat. Hundreds of grafted Jujube cultivars are available in China, and a large number of these trees were imported by the USDA in 1908 and planted at the experiment station at Tifton, GA for testing Question: Can a market for Jujubes be developed in the U.S. for this easy to grow delicacy? Very few fruit trees can be grown that have many desirable qualities, such as: no pests, good taste, heavy production, unfailing yearly crops, no fertilizer requirements, thrives on poor soil, 4000 years of growing history in China, no climatic limitations.
 

 Jujube is known in China as zao; it has a history of use there that can be traced back continuously to the Han Dynasty, about 2,000 years ago. The usual English term for the fruit is ¡°Chinese date¡± and that is because it shares a similar size, stone, and sweetness with the date that we know of from the Date Palm, but it is entirely unrelated botanically. The Chinese fruit is commonly called ¡°jujube¡± and the botanical name reflects this: Zizyphus jujuba. The plant belongs to the Rhamnaceae, the Buckthorn Family, so-named because of the prevalence of thorny species (rhamnos is the Latin for a thorny bush).

 There are two types of the fruit commonly found on the Chinese market: red and black. The red one is called hongzao (hong= red); this one is used for food, and it is collected in vast quantities. The dark brown or black one is heizao (hei= black), more often called dazao (da=large), since this one is somewhat larger. These are not different species but different types, just as one can find, for example, a variety of small red apples and another of large green apples. The black date is steamed, dried, and then smoked; the last part of the processing gives it the characteristic smoky fragrance and flavor.
 

 To learn more about the jujube, it is best to go to its home, Asia, where the fruit has been cultivated since ancient days. The Asians use two kinds of jujubes, a wild sort and a domestic type. Although the two are closely related, there are some important differences, the first noteworthy one being that the spines have been bred out of the domestic plant, making picking easier.

 The wild plant is called suan-tsao. As you may have noticed earlier, one of the medicinal jujubes I've mentioned is called Ziziphus spina-christi, and you guessed it, the name means Christ's spiny jujube. That plant gets a whopping seven listings in the Bible, including one rather unpleasant quotation from the Book of Judges: "Then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness, and with briars." It's no exaggeration. Some jujubes, like the wild Asian suan-zao, make a good old southern bramble patch seem like a bed of silk. Suan-zao produces a small, sour fruit that is used mainly for the stomach and as a general tonic.

 The Chinese have found that the wild jujube fruit improves the health of the body. In fact, the common belief is that if the fruit is taken on a daily basis, it will improve skin color and tone, both signs of physical well being. The tree, by the way, is said to have been discovered by a fairy or angel-like creature who disclosed it to humanity for our benefit.

 Its domestic counterpart, known as pei-tsao in northern China and nan-tsao in the south, is considered to be cooling to the body. Like an Asian version of the aspirin, the fruits somehow reduce pain and distress. They are strongly recommended for cases of sleeplessness caused from mental fatigue, physical weakness, or pain. They reign supreme in the treatment of rheumatic symptoms and are said to rejuvenate the body, whether it is suffering from stress or age. The plant is used to prevent intestinal or respiratory flu and to speed the recovery process along.

 In the old days, diseases that caused the body to waste away were called wasting syndromes. The ancients knew which plants would reverse this process and allow the body to build itself back up again, and the jujube was one of these plants. Its fruits are said to increase the flesh and strength of the seriously ill, reversing the process of disease. To my mind, preventative medicine is where it's at, and if the plant can restore a wasting body, one can only imagine what it could do for a reasonable healthy body under stress. The Chinese do stipulate, however, that the jujube should only be used fresh in wasting conditions, as it can cause fever otherwise.

 Thousands of years before the development of Western Medicine, the ancient Chinese herbalist Shennanong recorded the healing properties of the jujube fruit berry.He referred to the jujube as an almost miraculous health tonic and perscribed it to nourish the blood, liver and spleen. He also thought it could calm the mind, cleanse the body through detoxification, treat fatigue and weakness, and even provide relief from the heat.

 In modern Chinese medicine, the jujube is used to tone the spleen and stomach, to treat shortness of breath and severe emotional upset and debility due to nerves, and to mask the flavors of unpleasant-tasting herbs. Scientists have found that mice fed jujube gained more weight and did markedly better in endurance tests than those not given the fruit. When rabbits exposed to carbon tetrachloride consumed jujube teas daily for a week, they recovered faster than a control group. Also indicative of jujube's positive effect on the liver was a test in which rabbits fed a toxic chemical recovered much more rapidly after consuming jujube than those that did not eat the fruit. What's more, jujube improved the liver function of patients suffering from hepatitis and cirrhosis.

 Jujube pits, when aged for three years, are considered excellent for wounds and abdominal pain. The leaves are used to treat children suffering from typhoid fever ¨C they induce the sweating thought to break the fever. They are also used for a number of infectious diseases. The heartwood is considered a powerful blood tonic. The root is used to promote hair growth and in treating such eruptive fevers of children as smallpox, measles, and chicken pox. Last but not least, the bark is used to make an eye wash for inflamed eyes. We might as well call this one the medicine tree.
 


   Traditional Uses World Wide:

 Every part of the tree is used in some cultures: the pits, aged for three years, are considered excellent for wounds and abdominal pain; the leaves are used to treat children suffering from typhoid fever, inducing sweating so as to break the fever; the heartwood is considered to be a powerful blood tonic; the root is used to promote hair growth and in treating eruptive fevers that accompany smallpox, measles, and chickenpox; the fruit is prescribed for weight gain, to improve muscular strength, and to increase stamina; and the bark is used to make an eyewash for inflammations.

 In Chinese medicine, jujube is prescribed as a qi tonic to strengthen liver function and has proven to have a positive effect on the liver helping patients recover from hepatitis and cirrhosis.

 The Chinese have also found that the wild fruit improves skin colour and tone, which are both indications of physical well-being.

 Asians use both the wild and the domesticated types because, although closely related, there are some important differences, including the spines being bred out of the cultivated varieties, making picking easier. The domesticated variety is considered to be cooling to the body. This will reduce pain and distress and is strongly recommended for sleeplessness caused from mental fatigue, physical weakness, or pain. It is also recommended for rejuvenating the body, whether it is suffering from old age or stress, and is especially good for preventing intestinal or respiratory flu and to speed the recovery process of illnesses, especially those known as wasting syndromes.

 In modern Chinese medicine, jujube is used to tone the spleen and stomach, to treat shortness of breath and severe emotional upset and debility caused by nervous conditions. In addition, it is used simply to mask the unpleasant taste of other herbs.

 Since it is mildly sedating, it is given to reduce restlessness and irritability.

 The Arabs use all three trees to ensure health. The leaves kill parasites and worms in the intestinal tract which cause diarrhea. The fruits are said to cure coughs, resolve other lung complaints, soothe the internal organs, and reduce water retention.

 In Hawaii, twelve fruits or a handful of leaves and roots are boiled in several cups of water to make a tea taken as an antidote to poison.

 Pakistan and India use it as a blood cleanser, an overall tonic, a strengthener, and a disease preventer.
 


   Suggestions and Administration:

  How much jujube should I take?

 The amount of jujube to be taken depends on the condition being treated. Generally, practitioners and herbalists recommend anywhere from 10-30 grams of dried jujube, taken either as a powder or boiled in water for oral use. Dried jujubes are occasionally candied and served as treats.

  What forms of jujube are available?

 Whole, dried jujubes are available at many Asian markets and some specialty health food stores. Jujube powders and extracts are also available.When selecting jujubes, smaller dates are usually recommended. The skin of the date should be firm and deeply wrinkled.

  What can happen if I take too much jujube? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take?

 As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with jujube, or any reports of toxicity from excessive jujube consumption. However, it should not be used by patients who are suffering from abdominal cramps and bloating, excessive phlegm, or intestinal parasites. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed, qualified health care provider before taking jujube dates or any other herbal remedies or dietary supplements.


   Research Update:Jujube Fruit

  Synergistic effects of combining biocontrol agents with silicon against postharvest diseases of jujube fruit.:

 The synergistic effects of biocontrol yeasts Cryptococcus laurentii and Rhodotorula glutinis combined with silicon (Si) against Alternaria alternata and Penicillium expansum molds were investigated in jujube fruit (Chinese date, Zizyphus jujuba) stored at 20 and 0 degrees C, respectively. Combinations of C. laurentii and R. glutinis at 5 x 10(7) cells/ml with 2% Si was most effective in controlling the diseases caused by A. alternata and P. expansum on jujube fruit stored at 20 degrees C. When fruits were stored at 0 degrees C, combining C. laurentii and R. glutinis with Si was as effective against P. expansum as was Si or the yeasts applied alone and was more effective in controlling A. alternata. Si may have a fungistatic effect by directly inhibiting pathogen growth, but it did not greatly influence the growth of the antagonists.

  Anti-complementary activity of triterpenoides from fruits of Zizyphus jujuba.:

 In order to determine on the anti-complement activity of triterpenes, following eleven triterpenoides were isolated from the fruits of the Zizyphus jujuba MILL: ceanothane-type triterpenes: colubrinic acid (1), zizyberenalic acid (11); lupane-type triterpenes: alphitolic acid (2), 3-O-cis-p-coumaroyl alphitolic acid (3), 3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl alphitolic acid (4), betulinic acid (7), betulonic acid (9); and oleanane-type triterpenes: 3-O-cis-p-coumaroyl maslinic acid (5), 3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl maslinic acid (6), oleanolic acid (8), oleanonic acid (10). These compounds were examined for their anti-complement activity against the classical pathway of the complement system. Among them, compounds 5, 6, and 8 exhibited significant anti-complement activity with IC(50) values of 101.4, 143.9, and 163.4 microM, respectively, whereas the ceanothane-type and the lupane-type triterpenes were inactive. This suggests that the oleanane-structure plays an important role in inhibiting the hemolytic activity of human serum against erythrocytes.

  Cytotoxic triterpenoids from the fruits of Zizyphus jujuba.:

 The following eleven triterpenoic acids were isolated from the fruits of Zizyphus jujuba (Rhamnaceae): colubrinic acid, alphitolic acid, 3-O-cis-p-coumaroylalphitolic acid (3), 3-O-trans-p-coumaroylalphitolic acid (4), 3-O-cis-p-coumaroylmaslinic acid, 3-O-trans-p-coumaroylmaslinic acid, betulinic acid (7), oleanolic acid, betulonic acid (9), oleanonic acid and zizyberenalic acid. The in vitro cytotoxicities of the triterpenoic acids against K562, B16(F-10), SK-MEL-2, PC-3, LOX-IMVI, and A549 tumor cell lines were investigated by the sulforhodamin B (SRB) method. Among these compounds, the lupane-type triterpenes, such as compounds 3, 4, 7, and 9, showed high cytotoxic activities. In particular, the cytotoxic activities of 3-O-p-coumaroylalphitolic acids (compounds 3 and 4) were better than those of non-coumaroic triterpenenoids (compounds 7 and 9). These results suggest that the coumaroyl moiety at the C-3 position of the lupane-type triterpene may play an important role in enhancing cytotoxic activity.

  Effects of oleamide on choline acetyltransferase and cognitive activities.:

 We screened 50 traditional natural plants to measure the activation effect on choline acetyltransferase and attenuation of scopolamine-induced amnesia. The methanolic extracts from Zizyphus jujuba among the tested 50 plants, showed the highest activatory effect (34.1%) on choline acetyltransferase in vitro. By sequential fractionation of Zizyphus jujuba, the active component was finally identified as cis-9-octadecenoamide (oleamide). After isolation, oleamide showed a 65% activation effect. Administration of oleamide (0.32%) to mice significantly reversed the scopolamine-induced memory and/or cognitive impairment in the passive avoidance test and Y-maze test. Injection of scopolamine to mice impaired performance on the passive avoidance test (31% decrease in step-through latency), and on the Y-maze test (16% decrease in alternation behavior). In contrast, mice treated with oleamide before scopolamine injection were protected from these changes (12-25% decrease in step-through latency; 1-10% decrease in alternation behavior). These results suggest that oleamide should be a useful chemo-preventive agent against Alzheimer's disease.

  Protection of mammalian genome from the mutagenicity of styrene and aniline using the extract from unabi(Zizyphus mill) fruit and a composite preparation.:

 The unabi (Zizyphus Mill) fruit extract as well as a composite preparation produced on its base in proportional mix with the extract of germinating wheat seed embryos were determined on antimutagenous activity in model experiments with laboratory animals. The specified gene-protected properties of the preparation were approved against the influence of work place environmental factors in chemical and textile industries.


  Scientific References:

  1.Jujube Fruit.A Magic fruit berry for emotion controlling and more.