Ziziphus jujuba L.

Ziziphus jujuba L.

Ziziphus jujuba is a species of tree in the buckthorn family, commonly known for its edible fruit. Jujube fruits are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and antioxidants. They are known to have high dietary fiber content, which aids in digestion.

• Family: Rhamnaceae
Common Name:
• English: Jujube, Chinese Date, Indian Jujube
• Malayalam: Lanthapazham, ലന്തപ്പഴം
• Tamil: Ilandai
• Hindi: BER (बेर)
Synonym (Botanical Synonyms):
• Rhamnus jujuba Lam.
• Ziziphus vulgaris Lam.
• Ziziphus mauritiana
Uses:
1. Fruit Consumption:
o The fruit is commonly eaten fresh or dried. In many cultures, it’s also used to make jams, jellies, and syrups.
o It has a sweet, apple-like taste when ripe.
2. Medicinal Uses:
o Traditional Medicine: The fruit, leaves, and seeds are used in traditional medicine. The fruit is often consumed to enhance digestion, boost immunity, and treat insomnia.
o Sedative and Anxiolytic: Jujube fruit is believed to have calming effects, helping to reduce anxiety and stress.
o Anti-inflammatory: The fruit and its components are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
o Digestive Health: It is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders like constipation, indigestion, and diarrhea.
o Skin Health: Extracts of jujube are used in skincare for their anti-aging properties, and it may also be used in treating wounds or burns.