Herb's Introduction
Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. is a fast-growing, evergreen, medium-sized tree that originated in the Indo-Malaysian region of South and Southeast Asia. It is now widely naturalized throughout the Old World tropics, including Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and beyond. In Nepal, it is a well-known and utilized medicinal plant. The tree belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. It is highly valued not only for its edible and nutritious fruit, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, but also for its extensive traditional medicinal uses across various cultures, including Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Almost every part of the plant—the fruit, seed, leaf, bark, and root—holds significant therapeutic value. The confusion in scientific literature regarding its name often arises from its close relative, Ziziphus jujuba, but Z. mauritiana is the accepted name for the Indian Jujube.
Name in Different Countries
The plant has a multitude of common names reflecting its wide geographical distribution. Scientific Name: Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. Synonym(S): Rhamnus jujuba L., Ziziphus jujuba (L.) Gaertn. (often misapplied). Family: Rhamnaceae Nepali/Hindi: बदर (Badar), बेर (Ber), रेणु (Reni) Sanskrit: बदर (Badara), बद्री (Badri), सौवीर (Sauvir) English: Indian Jujube, Indian Plum, Sour Jujube. Arabic: Beri, Bor, Nabbak el fil, nabq, sadr. Burmese: Zee pen, Zizidaw. Chinese: Dian ci zao, Suan zao. French: Jujubier de l'Inde. Malay: Bidara, Dara, Epal siam. Tamil: எளந்தை (Elandhai). Telugu: రేగు (Regu). Thai: Phutsaa.
Terminology
Common Name: Indian Jujube, Ber. Ayurvedic Terminology: In Ayurveda, the fruit is classified based on taste (Rasa) and potency (Veerya). The sweet variety is often described as a coolant (Sheeta), useful for balancing Vata and Pitta doshas. It is considered a mild laxative, digestive, tonic, and cardiotonic (Hrudya). The sour fruit may pacify Vata and Kapha. Phytochemicals: The therapeutic properties are due to a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids (like berberine), flavonoids (like quercetin and kaempferol), triterpenoids (like jujubosides A & B), vitamins (especially high in Vitamin C), and phenolic compounds. Botanical Classification: It is a species within the genus Ziziphus of the Buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae.
Availability
Geographical Distribution: It is native to South Asia and is cultivated or grows wild across the tropics and subtropics, including India, Nepal, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Africa. In Nepal: It is widely distributed across the lower to mid-hills of Nepal, often found in dry, rocky, and degraded areas, and is also cultivated for its fruit. It is an important part of the wild edible fruits and medicinal flora of the region. Market Form: The fresh fruit is commonly sold in local markets when in season. For medicinal use, different parts are available as dried fruits, seeds, bark, leaves, or in processed forms like powders, extracts, and oils in traditional medicine shops or through herbal practitioners.
External Look
Tree: Medium-sized, reaching up to 12-15 meters in height, with a rapidly growing, crooked trunk and numerous drooping branches. It is often thorny. Leaves: Simple, alternate, elliptical to oval, with three prominent longitudinal veins. The upper surface is glossy dark green, and the lower surface is densely whitish or rust-colored hairy (tomentose), which is a key distinguishing feature. Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, and usually borne in clusters in the leaf axils. Fruit (Ber): The fruit is a round to oval drupe, varying greatly in size and shape depending on the variety. It starts green, turns yellow, and then matures to a reddish-brown or purplish-black color. The flesh is white, crisp, juicy, and ranges from sweet to sub-acidic. It contains a single, hard stone (seed kernel).
Healing Properties
Ziziphus mauritiana possesses a broad spectrum of scientifically studied and traditionally recognized healing properties: Antioxidant: Rich in Vitamin C and phenolic compounds, it helps combat oxidative stress and free radical damage. Antimicrobial/Antiseptic: Possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, useful for treating infections. Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic: Helps reduce inflammation and pain, making it useful for conditions like joint pain and rheumatic inflammation. Sedative/Hypnotic/Anxiolytic: The seed kernels, rich in jujubosides, are well-known for their calming effect on the nervous system, promoting sleep and relieving anxiety and stress. Gastrointestinal Health: Acts as a mild laxative (ripe fruit), astringent (stem bark, unripe fruit, leaves), and anti-diarrhoeal (seeds, bark), regulating bowel movements. Cardioprotective/Cardiac Tonic: Considered a tonic for the heart. Antidiabetic/Antihyperglycemic: Studies indicate potential in lowering blood sugar levels. Immunomodulatory: Helps in boosting the body's immune defenses. Hepatoprotective: Shows potential in protecting the liver. Anticancer/Cytotoxic: Extracts from various parts have demonstrated anti-proliferative activity against certain cancer cell lines.
Advantages
Nutritional Value: The fruit is highly nutritious, a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, B vitamins, protein, and essential minerals, making it a valuable food source. Holistic Remedy: Nearly all parts of the plant (fruit, seed, leaf, bark, root) are utilized, offering a complete herbal resource. Accessibility: It is a widely available, drought-resistant, and easily cultivated or naturally occurring tree in many parts of the world, including Nepal. Traditional Validation: Its extensive use in traditional systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine over centuries validates its efficacy and safety profile for various ailments. Versatile Application: Used for a wide range of conditions from common digestive issues, skin problems, and fever to chronic conditions like diabetes and anxiety.
Uses
Different parts of Ziziphus mauritiana are used for various purposes: Fruit (Ripe/Dried): Used as a tonic, mild laxative, expectorant, and digestible. Traditionally used to treat nausea, vomiting, thirst, constipation, blood diseases, and tuberculosis. The wild, unripe variety is more astringent. Seeds/Kernels: Known for their sedative, antispasmodic, and hypnotic effects, used to treat insomnia, anxiety, morning sickness, and diarrhea. Also used for eye inflammation and leucorrhoea. Leaves: Used as an astringent, diaphoretic, and antipyretic. Applied externally as a paste to abscesses, boils, wounds, and ulcers for quick healing. Internally used for asthma, typhoid fever, diarrhea, and stomatitis. Fresh leaves are also used for urinary infections and weight reduction/obesity. Stem Bark: Highly astringent, used to treat diarrhea, chronic dysentery, and gingivitis. A decoction is often applied to boils and ulcers. Root Bark/Root: The juice of the root bark is purgative. The root is used in Ayurveda for cough, headache, biliousness, fever, gout, and as a cooling bitter tonic. Root powder is applied to wounds and ulcers. Other Uses: The wood is used for various implements and charcoal. The leaves serve as nutritious fodder for livestock. The bark yields tannins and dyes.
Using Way
The method of use depends on the part of the plant and the ailment: Fruit: Can be eaten fresh as a snack or digestive aid. It can be dried and consumed like dates for a mild laxative effect, or macerated in water to make a refreshing drink. Seeds/Kernels: Can be crushed and prepared as a decoction or extract for a sedative effect, or taken with buttermilk for nausea. Leaves: External: A paste of fresh leaves is made and applied directly to skin cuts, wounds, boils, or abscesses. Internal: A decoction (boiled in water) of the leaves is consumed for conditions like diarrhea, asthma, or fever. Bark/Root: A decoction of the stem or root bark is used as an astringent rinse (for gingivitis) or taken orally (for diarrhea/dysentery). The powdered root is applied externally to wounds. General Dosage: For medicinal purposes, it is essential to follow the guidance of a qualified traditional or healthcare practitioner, as dosage varies greatly based on the plant part, preparation method, and the specific condition being treated.
Conclusion
Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian Jujube or Ber) is a potent and versatile medicinal plant deeply integrated into the traditional health systems of Nepal and other tropical regions. Its rich phytochemical profile, encompassing flavonoids, triterpenoids, and high Vitamin C content, underpins its wide range of therapeutic actions—from antioxidant and antimicrobial effects to its significant sedative and digestive-regulating properties. The utilization of virtually every part of the plant, from the anxiety-relieving seed kernels to the astringent bark and healing leaves, highlights its comprehensive value. As a common and hardy species, Z. mauritiana represents an invaluable and sustainable natural resource for nutrition and traditional healthcare, supporting its role as a key element in the vast collection of 'Medicinal Plants of Nepal'. Continued scientific investigation is encouraged to fully elucidate its mechanisms and standardize its traditional applications.
