Jujube
Also known as: Ziziphus Jujuba, Chinese Date, Da Zao, Jujube
Overview
Ziziphus Jujuba is a fruit used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for purposes related to gastrointestinal health and digestion, as well as being a combination sedative/anxiolytic/pain-killer. It has apparently potent benefits according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, but there is limited human evidence and evidence in general on the benefits of Ziziphus Jujuba. It appears to be pro-motility in regards to the intestines, speeding up transit time and encouraging defecation. This is associated with an increase in intestinal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and an increase in fecal moisture content, so it may be 'healthier' than other laxatives (to stretch the usage of the term 'healthy'). In rats fed high doses of Jujube, the sedative and anxiety-reducing effects appear to actually be quite potent with at least one study noting that there is similar potency to Diazepam, and the sedative properties may be synergistic with 5-HTP. There are currently no human studies on the sedative or anxiety-reducing effects of Jujube. Traditional usage suggests Jujube may be anti-fertility for females, and a single rat study appears to find similar effects; it would be prudent to avoid usage of Jujube if trying to conceive a child.
Benefits
Jujube functions primarily through its effects on the gastrointestinal system, promoting motility and increasing fecal moisture content, which aids in defecation. Additionally, it exhibits sedative and anxiety-reducing properties, potentially acting similarly to Diazepam in animal studies. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, especially in humans, but its traditional uses suggest a multifaceted role in promoting relaxation and gastrointestinal health.
How it works
Jujube is associated with several benefits, including: 1. **Gastrointestinal Health**: It promotes intestinal motility, which can help alleviate constipation and improve digestive health. 2. **Sedative Effects**: Animal studies suggest it may have sedative properties comparable to Diazepam, potentially aiding in anxiety reduction. 3. **Anxiolytic Properties**: It may help reduce anxiety, although human studies are lacking. 4. **Pain Relief**: Traditionally used as a pain-killer, it may provide relief in various contexts.
Side effects
Traditional usage of Jujube is taking 50g of the fruits (20 individual 2-2.5cm diameter fruits) and doing a hot water extract, either a soup or a beverage. There currently is not enough evidence in humans to establish an effective oral dose of Zizyphus Jujube supplements but estimating from animal studies finding benefits with 500mg/kg for anxiety reduction, an estimated human dose would be: - 5,500 mg for a 150lb person - 7,300 mg for a 200lb person - 9,000 mg for a 250lb person ...for an ethanolic extract with a 23.34% extract yield.
Dosage
Potential side effects of Jujube include: - **Anti-fertility Effects**: Traditional usage suggests it may have anti-fertility effects for females, which is supported by limited animal studies. - **Sedative Effects**: While beneficial for some, the sedative properties may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who need to remain alert.
FAQs
What are the alternative names for Jujube?
Jujube is also known as Ziziphus Jujuba, Chinese Date, Da Zao, and Jujube.
What are the benefits of Jujube?
Jujube is associated with gastrointestinal health, sedative effects, anxiolytic properties, and pain relief.
What is the recommended dosage for Jujube?
Traditional usage suggests taking 50g of the fruits, and estimated human doses based on animal studies range from 5,500 mg to 9,000 mg depending on body weight.
Are there any side effects of Jujube?
Potential side effects include anti-fertility effects for females and sedative effects that may not be suitable for everyone.
