Jujube is a tree that produces a date-like fruit. Jujube benefits the body in its ability to support sleep and gut health.
Both the seeds and fruit have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to improve sleep quality, support the nervous system, and encourage healthy digestion.
Modern research shows that jujube may be helpful for brain health, sleep, and gastrointestinal issues.
In this article, we will look at the health benefits of jujube, its safety, and its history.
Table of Contents
What is Jujube?
Jujube is a date-like fruit that grows on the Ziziphus jujuba tree. This deciduous tree has multiple varieties and is native to temperate areas throughout Asia.
Other common names for jujube include red date, Chinese jujube, or Chinese date.
Both the fruit and the seeds of jujube are used for their various health benefits.
Jujube seeds have a sedative effect on the body that has been shown to promote sleep.
The dried fruit is commonly used to support a healthy gastrointestinal tract and protect the nervous system.
Modern research shows that jujube fruit also has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anti-anemic effects. These various health benefits are attributed to the jujubosides, flavonoids, terpenes, and saponins – phytochemicals present in jujubes.
Health Benefits of Jujube:
Jujube is a well-researched fruit – although not many human trials are available. Many of its traditional uses have been scientifically tested (via animal and in vitro trials) and confirmed to be effective.
Below are the 6 key jujube benefits for health.
1. May Improve Sleep
Research shows that jujube seeds may naturally improve sleep quality. Getting adequate amounts of deep sleep is key for mental and physical health.
In a trial involving postmenopausal women, the administration of jujube seed improved total sleep time (as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Researchers believe that this effect on sleep may be due to the presence of saponins in the seeds. These phytochemicals seem to support healthy sleep patterns by balancing out a system in the brain that regulates emotions, memory, and arousal.
In an animal study, researchers discovered that a group of phytochemicals isolated from jujube seeds, known as saponins, were able to impart a sedative and hypnotic effect on mice.
Another animal study demonstrated the ability of spinosin to prolong sleep time and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Spinosin is a flavonoid found in the seeds of Ziziphus jujuba.
Summary:
Research shows that jujube appears to be able to improve sleep quality, especially total sleep duration. Additional clinical trials are needed to verify initial findings as well as the exact mechanism of action.
2. May Support a Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract
Research shows that jujube benefits the GI tract. The fruit of Ziziphus jujuba is known to support a number of ailments that involve the gastrointestinal tract.
Gastrointestinal tract health involves a number of key organs such as the stomach, small and larger intestines, and bowel movements. Important processes like digestion and nutrient absorption are carried out in this system.
A 12-week study demonstrated the benefits of jujube fruit extract in individuals with chronic constipation. Participants noted an improvement in transit time during bowel movements after receiving the liquid jujube extract. After 12 weeks, the frequency of bowel movements increased from 1 every 2-3 days, to 1 every day.
In a recent animal study, polysaccharides that were extracted from Ziziphus jujuba were found to bring balance to intestinal microbiota in mice. This discovery shows that jujube fruit may be helpful for the gut when used as a prebiotic.
Another animal study proved that polysaccharides found in jujube may have the ability to protect the GI tract, which makes jujube one of the best herbs for inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers pointed out that this may be due to the polysaccharide’s action of enhancing the intestinal barrier function.
Summary:
It appears that jujube benefits digestive health. Additional clinical trials are needed to verify initial findings.
3. May Reduce Diabetic Symptoms
Jujube fruit has shown promise towards supporting individuals with diabetes.
Type II diabetes is characterized by excess glucose in the bloodstream (i.e. high blood sugar) and a lack of insulin production in the pancreas. This can lead to constant hunger, vision problems, kidney disease, weight gain, and more.
In a clinical trial involving 116 participants with Type II Diabetes, a Ziziphus jujube fruit infusion was able to improve glucose levels and lipid metabolism. The infusion was taken 3x/day for 12 weeks and encouraged an increase in HDL cholesterol (i.e. the good cholesterol), the level of antioxidants in the blood, and decreased levels of LDL cholesterol (i.e. bad cholesterol).
In an animal study with diabetic rats, jujube fruit powder was able to improve diabetic symptoms such as blood glucose and insulin levels over a 2-week period.
In another animal study, an extract containing jujube, saffron (Crocus sativus), and barberry (Berberis vulgaris) was able to decrease the effects of oxidative stress and plaque build-up in the arteries of diabetic rats. The blend was also shown to decrease glucose levels in the blood and ameliorate other diabetic symptoms.
An in vitro study discovered that an extract of Annona reticulata bark and Ziziphus jujuba root bark was able to decrease neurological symptoms that stem from diabetes. The extract proved to inhibit oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Summary:
One primary human clinical trial indicates the that jujube may benefit individuals with type II diabetes. Further human clinical trials