Ziziphus mauritiana

Ziziphus mauritiana

Product Name: зизифус мауратанийский, Ziziphus mauritiana, Indischer Jujube, azufaifo indio, jujubier de Mauritanie, عناب موريتاني, พุทราอินเดีย, анжир терновый, жаппас, морский зизифус, анжир тікен, себистония, indiškas zizifas, indiešu zīzifuss, зизифус індійський, זיזיפוס מאוריטני

Synonyms: унаби, индийский финик, ber, Indian jujube, Indian plum, Indische Dattelpflaume, azufaifo de la India, jujube indien, عناب هندي, พุทราจีน, พุทราป่า

Used Parts: leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, bark, roots.

Main Indications for the Use of Ziziphus mauritiana: chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic constipation, dyslipidemia, dermatophytosis, hypertension, insomnia, anxiety disorders, iron deficiency anemia.

Use of Ziziphus mauritiana in Mixtures and Complexes: chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic heart failure, urolithiasis, chronic hepatitis, psoriasis.

Pharmacological Properties of Ziziphus mauritiana: antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, sedative, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, wound-healing, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, immunomodulatory, antifungal, cytoprotective, astringent.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Ziziphus mauritiana

Powder — Ziziphus mauritiana

Indications (Powder): hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic constipation, iron deficiency anemia, chronic bronchitis, insomnia, anxiety disorders, hypertension.

Standard Dosage (Powder): orally, 3–5 grams of powder twice a day after meals, with warm water or milk.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): orally, 6–8 grams of powder twice a day for hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic bronchitis, iron deficiency anemia with laboratory-confirmed low ferritin.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): orally, 10 grams of powder twice a day for severe forms of hypercholesterolemia and persistent hyperglycemia, under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): orally, 2–3 grams of powder once daily in courses of 20 days with a 10-day break for chronic hypertension, metabolic syndrome, tendency to anemia, for patients over 40 years with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): orally from 6 years old and body weight from 20 kg, 0.05 grams of powder per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into two doses.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years are not registered.

Side Effects (Powder): in case of overdose, possible diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 20%; for weight above 90 kg — increase the dose by 20%.

Preparation method (Powder): thoroughly wash the fruits, remove seeds, dry at a temperature not exceeding 45 °C to a moisture content of no more than 10%, grind in a mill to a homogeneous powder, sift through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.5 mm, pack in an airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 15–25 °C, in an airtight container protected from electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life up to 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Ziziphus mauritiana

Indications (Dry Extract): hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic bronchitis, hypertension, insomnia, anxiety disorders, dermatophytosis, chronic constipation.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 250–500 milligrams twice a day after meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 750 milligrams twice a day for type 2 diabetes mellitus with persistent hyperglycemia, severe hypercholesterolemia, chronic bronchitis with frequent exacerbations.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 1000 milligrams twice a day for severe metabolic disorders and stage III hypertension under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 250 milligrams once daily in courses of 30 days twice a year for chronic cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, tendency to hypertension.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): from 12 years old and body weight from 35 kg, 5 milligrams of extract per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into two doses.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, acute ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum, severe liver failure; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years are not registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): in case of overdose, possible headache, nausea, increased sedative effect.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 15%; for weight above 90 kg — increase the dose by 15%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): grind dried fruits to particles of 3–5 mm, carry out extraction with 70% ethanol in a raw material to extractant ratio of 1:5 for 48 hours at a temperature of 25 °C, filter, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until a thick extract is obtained, then dry in a vacuum dryer at 40 °C to a powder state, package in an airtight container. Use ethanol only for extraction, remove completely. The control sign of removal is the complete disappearance of the alcohol odor. Permissible residual content ≤ 500 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in a dry, light-protected place at a temperature of 15–25 °C, in an airtight container. Shelf life 24 months. After opening, use within 90 days.

Tincture — Ziziphus mauritiana

Indications (Tincture): chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, hypertension, insomnia, anxiety disorders, dyslipidemia, iron deficiency anemia, dermatophytosis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): orally, 5 milliliters of tincture twice a day after meals, diluted in 50 milliliters of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): orally, 7–10 milliliters of tincture twice a day for severe forms of hypertension, pronounced anxiety disorders, prolonged chronic bronchitis.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): orally, 10 milliliters of tincture three times a day for resistant forms of hypertension, chronic bronchitis with an obstructive component, under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): orally, 3 milliliters once daily for 20 days every 3 months for chronic stress, initial stages of hypertension, increased nervous excitability.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): from 14 years old and body weight from 40 kg, 1 milliliter of tincture per 10 kilograms of body weight per day, divided into two doses; alcohol forms are not prescribed for children under 14 years.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, chronic alcoholism, severe liver failure, acute liver diseases, pregnancy, lactation, children under 14 years.

Side Effects (Tincture): in case of overdose, possible nausea, headache, dizziness, decreased blood pressure.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 20%; for weight above 90 kg — increase the dose by 20%.

Preparation method (Tincture): grind dried fruits to particles of 3–5 mm, place in a glass container, pour 40% ethanol in a raw material to extractant ratio of 1:5, infuse for 14 days at a temperature of 20–25 °C, shaking daily, filter, store in dark glass containers. Ethanol in this case is a finished component of the preparation.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 8–15 °C, in a tightly closed container protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life up to 3 years. After opening, use within 6 months.

Oil Infusion (Macerate) — Ziziphus mauritiana

Indications (Oil Infusion): dermatophytosis, bacterial dermatitis, trophic ulcers, dry eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, burns of I–II degree, chronic skin cracks, inflammatory joint diseases.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application 1–2 times a day in a thin layer to the affected skin area.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application 3 times a day for trophic ulcers, chronic skin cracks, persistent forms of seborrheic dermatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application up to 4 times a day for acute skin inflammation and painful joint syndromes, course not exceeding 10 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application once daily in courses of 10 days each month for chronic dry skin, tendency to cracks, seasonal eczema, for patients over 50 years with impaired skin microcirculation.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): external use from 3 years old, apply once daily to small skin areas, avoiding mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, acute purulent skin processes, allergic reactions to oils; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): with overdose and frequent application, possible contact dermatitis, local irritation, skin hyperemia.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, dosage is determined by the area of skin affected.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): peel fresh ripe fruits from seeds, grind to a paste-like state, mix with coconut oil in a ratio of 1:3, place in a glass container and keep in a water bath at a temperature of 45–50 °C for 4 hours, stirring occasionally, filter through gauze, pour into dark glass containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 8–15 °C, in a hermetically sealed container protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life up to 12 months. After opening, use within 90 days.

Cream — Ziziphus mauritiana

Indications (Cream): atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, dry eczema, psoriasis in remission, hyperkeratosis, skin cracks, skin photoaging, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Standard Dosage (Cream): apply in a thin layer to cleansed skin 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): apply 3 times a day for pronounced dry skin, cracks, local hyperkeratosis, seborrheic dermatitis in the active phase.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): apply up to 4 times a day to limited areas for acute itching and peeling, course not exceeding 14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): apply once daily at night for 10–15 days monthly for chronic dry skin, hyperkeratosis, seasonal exacerbations of atopic dermatitis.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): from 3 years old, apply once daily to small areas, avoid applying to the face in children under 6 years.

Contraindications (Cream): individual intolerance to components, acute purulent skin processes; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not registered.

Side Effects (Cream): with overdose and excessive use, possible contact dermatitis, hyperemia, burning.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, depends on the application area.

Preparation method (Cream): for 100 g of finished product: dry fruit extract 5 g, coconut oil 20 g, beeswax 5 g, distilled water 65 g, lecithin 3 g, glycerin 2 g. Heat the aqueous phase (water, glycerin) to 70 °C, heat the fatty phase (oil, wax, lecithin) to 70 °C, pour the aqueous phase into the fatty phase with constant stirring, cool to 40 °C, add the extract, mix until homogeneous, package in sterile containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): store in a tightly closed container, in a cool place at a temperature of 5–10 °C, protected from light. Shelf life up to 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Ointment — Ziziphus mauritiana

Indications (Ointment): trophic ulcers, chronic skin cracks, dermatophytosis, bacterial dermatitis, burns of I–II degree, post-traumatic scars, inflammatory joint diseases.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): apply in a thin layer to the affected area 1–2 times a day, if necessary cover with a sterile bandage.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): apply 3 times a day for persistent trophic ulcers, chronic skin cracks, slowly healing burns.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): apply up to 4 times a day to limited areas for acute inflammation and severe pain, course not exceeding 7 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): apply once daily for 5–7 days monthly for tendency to cracks and dry skin in patients with diabetic microangiopathy and chronic skin infections.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): from 3 years old, apply once daily to small skin areas, avoiding mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual intolerance, acute purulent skin lesions, allergic reactions to oils; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not registered.

Side Effects (Ointment): with excessive use, possible contact dermatitis, local irritation, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, determined by the application area.

Preparation method (Ointment): for 100 g of finished product: fruit oil infusion 40 g, beeswax 10 g, anhydrous lanolin 20 g, coconut oil 20 g, dry fruit extract 10 g. Melt the oil infusion, wax, and lanolin in a water bath at a temperature of 50 °C, add coconut oil, mix, add the extract, stir until a homogeneous mass is obtained, pour into sterile containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): store in an airtight container, in a cool place at a temperature of 5–10 °C, protected from light. Shelf life 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Emulsion — Ziziphus mauritiana

Indications (Emulsion): atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, dry eczema, skin photoaging, hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis, inflammatory skin diseases, post-inflammatory erythema.

Standard Dosage (Emulsion): apply in a thin layer to cleansed skin 1–2 times a day, evenly distributing over the surface.

Enhanced Dosage (Emulsion): apply 3 times a day for pronounced dry skin, exacerbations of atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis with peeling.

Maximum Dosage (Emulsion): apply up to 4 times a day to local areas for acute inflammation and itching, course not exceeding 14 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Emulsion): apply once daily at night in courses of 10 days monthly for tendency to dry skin, seasonal exacerbations of dermatitis, skin photodamage.

Pediatric Dosage (Emulsion): from 3 years old, apply once daily to small skin areas, avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Emulsion): individual intolerance to components, acute purulent skin lesions; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not registered.

Side Effects (Emulsion): with excessive use, possible contact dermatitis, burning, skin hyperemia.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, dosage is determined by the application area.

Preparation method (Emulsion): for 100 g of finished product: fruit oil infusion 25 g, coconut oil 10 g, beeswax 3 g, distilled water 55 g, lecithin 5 g, glycerin 2 g. Heat the aqueous and fatty phases separately to 70 °C, pour the aqueous phase into the fatty phase with constant stirring, cool to 40 °C, add the extract or oil infusion, mix until homogeneous, package in sterile containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Emulsion): store in a tightly closed container, at a temperature of 5–10 °C, in a place protected from light. Shelf life 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Ziziphus mauritiana

In experiments on laboratory animals, extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana showed low acute toxicity. With oral administration of a hydroalcoholic extract of the fruits to mice, LD₅₀ values exceeded 5000 mg/kg body weight, indicating a practical absence of acute toxicity. With repeated doses for 28 days, no pathological changes in internal organs or disturbances in blood biochemical parameters were detected. Levels of chronic toxicity, mutagenicity, and teratogenicity were not recorded in the conducted studies.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-4...

Pharmacodynamics — Ziziphus mauritiana

Ziziphus mauritiana possesses a wide range of pharmacodynamic effects, which are realized both at the systemic and local levels. On the nervous system, plant extracts exert a sedative and anxiolytic effect, which is associated with modulation of the activity of GABAergic and serotonergic systems. These effects are accompanied by a decrease in neuronal excitability and normalization of inhibition processes in the cerebral cortex.

On the immune system, plant components exhibit a modulating effect, including stimulation of the phagocytic activity of macrophages and normalization of cytokine production. Pronounced antioxidant properties have been established, due to the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids, which neutralize reactive oxygen species, reduce lipid peroxidation, and stabilize cell membranes.

Regarding the endocrine system, an influence on the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism is noted, due to modulation of the activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis and catabolism of lipids, as well as on the expression of glucose transporters. These mechanisms contribute to maintaining metabolic balance and normalizing blood lipid levels.

On the skin and underlying tissues, extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana exert anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and fungistatic effects. These effects are realized through suppression of microbial enzyme activity, destruction of pathogen cell walls, and reduction in the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

On the gastrointestinal tract, plant components exert an astringent, antispasmodic, and mild secretion-modulating effect. This is associated with the presence of tannins, which can reduce the permeability of mucous membranes and enhance epithelial regeneration processes.

The pharmacodynamic effect on the cardiovascular system includes a moderate vasodilating effect, normalization of vascular tone, and protection of the endothelium from oxidative stress. This effect is associated with improved microcirculation and reduced platelet aggregation.

References: https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-4... https://doi.org/10.1080/147864...

Pharmacokinetics — Ziziphus mauritiana

With oral administration, the biologically active substances of Ziziphus mauritiana (in particular, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins) are absorbed mainly in the small intestine via passive diffusion and active transport. The high polarity of some compounds causes their partial hydrolysis and transformation under the action of the intestinal microflora.

After absorption, the compounds are distributed to highly vascularized tissues, including the liver, kidneys, spleen, and skin. Some lipophilic components accumulate in adipose tissue and cell membranes, providing a prolonged effect. Water-soluble fractions are distributed more quickly in plasma and interstitial fluid.

Metabolism occurs in the liver with the participation of phase I and phase II biotransformation enzymes. Flavonoids and polyphenols undergo oxidation, hydroxylation, glucuronidation, and sulfation, which increases their water solubility and facilitates excretion. Some saponins and organic acids may be partially metabolized by the intestinal microbiota into aglycones and simple phenolic structures.

Excretion of metabolites occurs mainly in urine and bile. Some low-molecular-weight compounds may be excreted through the skin with sweat, and volatile aromatic components through the lungs with exhaled air. For transdermal and local application, slow systemic absorption is characteristic, providing primarily local action with minimal systemic effect.

References: https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-4... https://doi.org/10.1080/147864...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Ziziphus mauritiana

The pharmacological activity of Ziziphus mauritiana is due to a complex of biologically active compounds, including flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), triterpene saponins, cyclic peptides, phenolic acids, and alkaloids. These substances affect key enzyme systems, signaling cascades, and cellular targets. In vitro studies have shown that flavonoid fractions inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which leads to a decrease in the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Saponins exhibit a modulating effect on NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and regulating the activity of macrophages and neutrophils. Extracts of the fruits and leaves can interact with GABA_A receptors, serotonin, and dopamine receptors, which partially explains their sedative and anxiolytic effects. Polyphenolic compounds exhibit antioxidant activity through direct binding of free radicals and induction of the expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), which reduces the level of oxidative stress and protects the vascular endothelium.

References: https://doi.org/10.1080/147864... https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-4...

Synergy — Ziziphus mauritiana

Experimental studies confirm the pharmacological synergy of Ziziphus mauritiana with a number of taxa and natural compounds. The combined use of extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) demonstrates potentiation of the anti-inflammatory effect due to additive inhibition of NF-κB and reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In combination with Camellia sinensis (tea), an enhancement of antioxidant activity is observed due to the total increase in polyphenol content and joint activation of antioxidant enzymes. The combination with Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) leads to a modulating effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and a decrease in cortisol levels, which has been confirmed in models of chronic stress. Extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana in combination with vitamin C exhibit an additive protective effect on the vascular endothelium, reducing oxidative damage and improving microcirculation. The combination with essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) showed synergy of antibacterial activity, due to the joint disruption of bacterial membranes and inhibition of bacterial enzymes.

References: https://doi.org/10.1080/147864... https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655...

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Ziziphus mauritiana

Ziziphus mauritiana is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Oceania. It is most actively used in South and Southeast Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia), East Africa (Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania), the Pacific Islands, and Northern Australia. In Indian traditional medicine, the fruits and leaves of the plant were used in the form of decoctions, infusions, and pastes for external and internal use. In Ayurvedic practice, jujube is mentioned as a plant containing life force and was included in tonifying mixtures.

In Thai traditional medicine, leaves and bark were used in the form of decoctions for wraps, and fruits as a component of refreshing drinks and macerates. In Vietnam and Laos, the use of fresh fruit juice for cosmetic purposes and in household purification rituals was practiced. In the Arab medical tradition, the plant is mentioned in medieval treatises as a valuable fruit tree with diverse beneficial properties, the fruits of which were included in aromatic mixtures.

Historical evidence of the use of Ziziphus mauritiana is found in texts from the Gupta Empire period (4th–6th centuries AD, India), as well as in medieval Arab pharmacopoeias of the 13th–14th centuries. Archaeobotanical finds of seeds in South Asian settlements indicate the use of the fruits for food and in rituals at least 3000 years ago. In some African communities, the plant was considered a talisman protecting the home from evil spirits, and branches were used in rituals to expel disease energy.

In the cultures of Oceania, Ziziphus mauritiana was used as a ceremonial treat at fertility festivals, and also as a tree symbolizing resilience and life force. Leaves and fruits were used in bathing rituals and as part of amulets worn for protection during long journeys.