A Review of Phytochemistry and Properties of Jujube (Ziziphus vulgaris L.)

Iran has a great wealth of various naturally occurring medicinal plants which have great potentialpharmacological activities. Ziziphus vulgaris known as Jujube is one of these plants. For a longtime Z. vulgaris has been used in alternative medicine as anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemiaand anti- hypertension. Z. vulgaris has recently been shown to have antibacterial, antioxidant,anti-hyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and sedative activities. Flavonoids, alkaloids andsaponins are the main phytochemicals which are reported from this plant. Considering theeasy collection of the plant, its wide distribution in warm-temperate regions, and remarkablebiological activities, this plant is used as both medicine and food in some parts of the worldincluding Iran. This paper reviews the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacologyof this medicinal plant.