Sour Jujube (Zizyphus Seed)

Following the elucidation of jujubosides A1 and C and acetyljujuboside B, novel protojujubogenin type triterpene bisdesmosides, protojujubosides A, B, and B1, were isolated from Zizyphi Spinosi Semen (the pharmaceutical name), the seeds of Zizyphus jujuba (also called Zizyphus vulgaris var. spinosa Bunge) var. spinosa Hu (the botanical name). The structures of protojujubosides A, B, and B1 were determined on the basis of chemical and physiochemical evidence, which included the conversion of protojujubosides to known jujubosides using enzymatic hydrolysis. Protojujubosides A and jujubosides A, B, and C were found to show potent immunological adjuvant activity.

Matsuda H., Murakami T., Ikebata A.; Yamahara J. and Yoshikawa M.: Bioactive saponins and glycosides; XIV. Structure, elucidation and immunological adjuvant activity of novel protojujubogenin type triterpene bisdesmosides, protojujubosides A, B, and B1, from the seeds of Zizyphus jujuba var. spinosa (Zizyphi Spinosi Semen). Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Japan

Zizyphus spinosa seeds (A.K.A. semen Zizyphus vulgaris var. spinosa Bunge) were extracted with methanol and six compounds were isolated from this extract. There were four triterpenoid saponins including jujubosides A and B, phenolic and ferulic acids. A new flavonoid compound (4"-beta-D-glycopyranosyl swetisin) was discovered and named 'zivulgarin'. Zeng et. al.: Studies on the constituents of Zizyphus spinosa; ACTA PHARM SIN 22(2): 114-120, 1987

Saengyak Hakhoechi 12(4), 2o3-7, 1981

Alkaloids from Zizyphus spinosa (Chinese 'suan zao ren' = Japanese 'san-jo-in') seeds were examined for sedative activity. Compounds included sanjoinine, zizyphusine and nuciferine (a compound also found in the Chinese herb lotus- Nelumbo nucifera). Both sanjoinine A and nuciferine prolonged the sleeping time produced by hexobarbital. When the sanjoinine A was heated it was found to produce an isomer with even greater sedative activity. This may support the traditional practice of roasting or boiling the seeds before use. Han, Park and Park:Studies on the sedative alkaloids from Zizyphus spinosasemen (seed). Saengyak Hakhoechi 16(4), 233-8, 1986

The alkaloids sanjoinine A, nuciferine and their cogeners were found to have sedative activity. Upon heat treatment sanjoinine A produced sanjoinine Ah1, which had greater activity. This may support the traditional practice of roasting or boiling the seeds before use.Han and Park. Alkaloids are the sedative principles of the seeds of Zizyphus vulgaris var. spinosa. Arch. Pharmacal Res. 10(4), 203-7 1987.

The traditional herb formula Kuei pi tang (Gui pi tang) was found to increase endogenous spleen colony formation and jejunal crypt cell survival. Low and high doses of gamma irrradiation were given and there was significant protection with less cell death occuring as a result. Further study of the ingredients in Kuei pi tang determined that several herbs likely had radioprotective effects, including Zizyphus spinosa seeds. The authors note that although the mechanisms of action remain to be elucidated, the formula is suggested for protection due to it's being a relatively non-toxic natural product.Kim et. al.: The radioprotective effect of Kuei pi tang as a prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicine in mice. Han'guk Sikp'um Yongyang Kwahak Hoechi, 28(3), 698-704, 1999

A Chinese patent was filed for a medicine to treat and prevent the damage from electromagnetic radiation. The ingredients were several herbs and minerals including Zizyphus spinosa seeds, Calcium and Zinc. The medicine was prepared as a decoction (boiled tea) but it was suggested that the ingredients could be added to food as well. Liu: Medicine for treating or preventing damages from electromagnetic radiation. Faming Zhuanli Shenqing Gongkai Shuomingshu CN 1,116,542

The heart cells of rats were deprived of oxygen and then reoxygenated. This was done both with and without Zizyphus spinosa seed saponins. In the group given the Zizyphus spinosa seed saponins more intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were active and there was less membrane fluidity, all signs of better protection and recovery. This study proved that Zizyphus spinosa seed saponins protect against lipid peroxidation induced by anoxia and reoxygenation. Wan et. al.: Protective effects of total saponins of Zizyphus spinosa seeds on cultured myocardial cells exposed to anoxia-reoxygenation. Shengwu Huaxue Yu Wuli Jinzhan 22(6), 540-2, 1995

Neonatal heart cells of rats were deprived of oxygen and glucose or treated with the drugs chlorpromazine ad mitomycin. Increases of the production of lactate dehydogenase were measured. Pretreatment with Zizyphus spinosa seed saponins showed a reduction or elimination of these ill effects due to oxygen/glucose deprivation of drug administration. The authors conclude that Zizyphus spinosa seed saponins are an effective protective drug for myocardial cells. Chen, Yu and Liu: Zhongguo Yaoli Xuebao, 11(2), 150-3, 1990