Ziziphus Spina-Christi (L.) Willd; It is a desert plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions especially in the Middle East. Plant extracts are important in the development of drugs with pharmacological activities in the Middle East and South and East Asia. The plant has been used since ancient times for its powerful healing abilities.
Z. spina-christi has antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, antihyperglycemic, antinociceptive, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, etc. activities. Very potential against autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases.
The scientific evidence has shown that jujube fruits contain a high amount of various bioactive compounds, including ascorbic acid, triterpenic acids, phenolic acids, amino acids, saponins, cerebrosides, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and mineral constituents. These phytoconstituents play important roles to suppress different diseases, exerting the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, anti-cardiovascular disease, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-microbial, anticancer, and gastrointestinal-protective effects.
Flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tanins and steroids are the main phytochemicals reported from the leaves. Geranylacetone, methyl hexadecanoate, methyl octadecanoate, farnesyl acetone C, hexadecanol and ethyl octadecanoate are characterized as the main constituents of the volatile oil of the leaves.
It is considered a general strengthener of the body, soothing of fever and temperature, the best purifier of blood and liver infections, helps against bone deformation especially in children, against arthritis and rheumatic diseases, treats asthma, helps to cure chest diseases, removes phlegm, soothes chest pains, helps the digestive system, removes constipation, stomach and intestinal gases, helps cure stomach ulcers, etc. The flowers of the tree are frequented by bees, and Sidr honey is considered a honey with high nutritional value.