Medicinal Properties of Jujube Fruits

The jujube (ziziphus jujuba) plant originated in China, where it has been cultivated for more than 4,000 years. Also known as the Chinese date and the tsao, the jujube is now grown in northern Africa, southern Europe, Russia, the Middle East and the southwestern parts of the United States. When mature, the fruit is red and sweet. It has a very high vitamin C content. The medicinal properties of the jujube fruit have been known and used for millennia by various cultures, according to the California Rare Fruit Growers website. One popular medicinal use of the jujube fruit is for a tea to treat sore throats.

Anti-Cancer Properties

• The use of the jujube fruit has been shown to have cytotoxic activity--which prevents cell division--on different tumor line cells, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information website. A study showed that the number of viable cells had been decreased after treatment. The beneficial effect of fruits such as the jujube have been attributed to a high content of bioactive compounds. Studies conducted over the past 20 years have shown the ability of bioactive compounds to play a beneficial role in the prevention of chronic diseases.

Stress-Relieving Properties

• The jujube fruit has been used in Chinese medicine to reduce stress because of its mildly sedating ability. Used in a powdered form, jujube can calm nerves and reduce anxiety.

Blood Purification

• The dried fruits of the jujube contain alkaloids, triterpenoids and saponin. These compounds are all beneficial in purifying the blood and acting as an aid to digestion. Consuming the jujube fruit will help treat diarrhea, chronic fatigue, bronchitis and anemia.

Other Medicinal Uses

• Jujube fruit is also used in Iranian traditional medicine. The fruit is beneficial as a blood purifier and as a laxative. In China, the jujube fruit is used to treat diarrhea, fatigue and loss of appetite. In Japan, research has shown the fruit to increase immunity. Additionally, as an effective herbal remedy, jujube fruit is used to improve muscular strength, increase stamina, as an aid for gaining weight and as a tonic to strengthen liver function.