Jujube Berry
Also known as: Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Chinese date, red date, jujube berry, Ziziphus jujuba
Overview
Ziziphus jujuba, commonly known as jujube, Chinese date, or red date, is a fruit-bearing tree traditionally used in Eastern medicine. While often referred to as jujube berry, it is technically a drupe. Jujube is available in various forms, including dried fruit, aqueous and ethanol extracts, and polysaccharide formulations. It is primarily used for its antioxidant and adaptogenic properties, aiming to reduce oxidative stress and support gastrointestinal health. Emerging research suggests potential benefits as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment, particularly in protecting organs from chemotherapy-induced toxicity. Preclinical studies provide strong evidence for its antioxidant effects, while clinical data from small human trials show promise in managing constipation and dyslipidemia. Further research is needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety in diverse populations.
Benefits
Jujube demonstrates several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to its antioxidant and organ-protective properties. It has been shown to reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 15-40% in oxidative stress models and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. A clinical trial involving 50 patients indicated that jujube extract can improve constipation symptoms. Additionally, jujube has shown potential in reducing total cholesterol levels in adolescents when administered as a powder (5g three times daily). Preclinical studies suggest cardioprotective effects in chemotherapy models and liver/kidney protection against drug toxicity. However, the strength of evidence for these benefits varies, with preclinical studies being more robust than human clinical trials, necessitating further research to confirm these effects in larger, well-controlled studies.
How it works
Jujube exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms, primarily related to its antioxidant properties and modulation of cellular pathways. As an antioxidant, it directly scavenges free radicals and upregulates endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). In terms of organ protection, jujube modulates the AMPK/mTOR pathway, particularly in the kidneys, and promotes NO-mediated vasodilation in the heart. Polysaccharides present in jujube exhibit enhanced absorption in animal models, contributing to its overall bioavailability and efficacy. These combined actions contribute to its potential benefits in reducing oxidative stress and protecting against organ damage.
Side effects
Jujube is generally considered safe, but some side effects have been reported. The most common adverse effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which appears to be dose-dependent. Rare allergic reactions have also been documented, occurring in less than 1% of users. Jujube may interact with certain medications, potentially having additive effects with antihypertensives. It may also enhance tolerance to chemotherapy drugs. Due to insufficient data, jujube is contraindicated during pregnancy. It is important to monitor for any adverse reactions and consult with a healthcare professional before using jujube, especially if taking other medications or with pre-existing conditions.
Dosage
Effective dosages of jujube vary depending on the specific application. For constipation, a dosage of 20 drops of jujube extract per day has been used in clinical trials. To address dyslipidemia, a dosage of 5g of jujube powder three times daily has been administered. The maximum safe dosage has not been definitively established, but animal studies have used doses up to 2g/kg. Standardized polysaccharide extracts are considered the optimal form for consistent dosing. It is advisable to start with lower doses and gradually increase as tolerated, while monitoring for any adverse effects. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to determine the appropriate dosage based on individual health status and needs.
FAQs
Is it safe with chemotherapy?
Preclinical data suggests jujube may offer organ protection during chemotherapy, but human data is currently lacking. Consult with your oncologist before use.
How quickly is it effective?
Antioxidant effects can be observed within hours in acute models, while clinical benefits may take 4-12 weeks to manifest, based on available research.
Whole fruit vs extract?
Extracts are preferred in clinical trials due to more consistent dosing compared to whole fruit, ensuring more reliable and measurable outcomes.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39139963/ – A 2024 meta-analysis of 19 rodent studies found that jujube significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). However, the analysis noted high heterogeneity among the studies and a moderate risk of bias, suggesting the need for more rigorous research.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.4234 – A 2025 narrative review of over 30 preclinical studies highlighted jujube's potential for organ protection through AMPK/mTOR and NO pathways. The review acknowledges the absence of human randomized controlled trials (RCTs), emphasizing the need for clinical validation of these findings.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11814214/ – A 2013 open-label RCT involving 86 adolescents found that jujube supplementation at 5g three times daily reduced LDL cholesterol levels. The study's limitations include the lack of a placebo control, which impacts the strength of the conclusions drawn from the results.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/jujube.html – Drugs.com provides general information about jujube, including its uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It serves as a reference for common knowledge but may not contain the depth of analysis found in peer-reviewed research.
