Badara / Kola
(Ziziphus Jujuba, Ziziphus Mauritiana) – Part – 1

Recent Research on Z. jujuba

• Zhang, Yanlei & Sun, Xin & Vidyarthi, Sriram & Zhang, Rentang. (2021). Active components and antioxidant activity of thirty-seven varieties of Chinese jujube fruits (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.). International Journal of Food Properties. 24. 1479- 1494. 10. 1080/ 10942912. 2021. 1977656. Jujube has received more and more attention due to its nutritional value and pharmacological effects. This study evaluated the quality of different varieties of jujube by comparing the main active components and antioxidant activities of thirty-seven varieties of jujube through titration, UV spectrophotometry, and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results revealed that there were differences in active components and antioxidant capacity among jujube cultivars. Among the thirty-seven varieties of jujube, Qingxuyuanzao (QXYZ) had the highest contents of total phenols and flavonoids, which were 16.33 mg GAE/ g DW and 41.18 mg RE/ g DW, respectively, and had the highest free radical scavenging (DPPH: 29.79 mg Vc/ g DW; ABTS: 50.90 mg Trolox/ g DW) and reducing abilities (62.13 mg Trolox/g DW). Correlation analysis indicated that the content of total flavonoids, total phenols, and phenolic acid ((+)-catechin, caffeic acid, rutin) in jujube had a high positive correlation with antioxidant capacity. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the comprehensive scores of different varieties of jujube were calculated. The top five jujube varieties with comprehensive scores are ‘QXYZ,’ Suyuanling (SYL), Xiangzao (XZ), Dunhuangdazao (DHDZ), and Meimizao (MMZ). In this paper, the main active components and antioxidant capacity of thirty-seven jujube varieties have been studied, which provides a theoretical basis for jujube breeding and the development of active nutrients for jujube.
• Kamiloglu, Onder & Ercisli, Sezai & Engül, Memnune & Toplu, Celil & Serce, Sedat. (2009). Total phenolics and antioxidant activity of jujube (Zizyphus jujube Mill.) Genotypes selected from Turkey. African Journal of Biotechnology. 8. 303- 307. We determined the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts from fifteen selected jujube genotypes endogenous to the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The total phenolic content of the fruits was analyzed by Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method, while the total antioxidant activity was analyzed using the -carotene bleaching, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2, 2- diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) assays. The highest total phenolic content was observed in MHS 6 and MHS 7 genotypes (42 and 40 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g -1 dry weight (DW), while the lowest content was found in MHS 5 and MHS 14 (28 and 25 mg GAE g -1 DW). MHS 13 was among the genotypes with the highest antioxidant capacity in all three methods tested (1237 µmol g -1 in FRAP, 83% in -the carotene bleaching method, and 99% in DPPH). The present study demonstrates the potential value of jujube genotypes for pharmaceuticals and nutrition.
• XUE, ZIPING & FENG, WEIHUA & CAO, JIANKANG & CAO, DONGDONG & JIANG, WEIBO. (2009). Antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents in peel and pulp of Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill) fruits. Journal of Food Biochemistry. 33. 613 – 629. 10. 1111/ j. 1745- 4514. 2009. 00241. x. Total phenolic contents in peel and pulp of the fruits of three Chinese jujube cultivars (Ziziphus jujuba cv. mayazao, Z. jujuba cv. dongzao and Z. jujuba cv. yuanzao) were determined. The antioxidant activities in the peel and pulp of the jujube fruits were measured by different methods, including 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The total phenolic content in the peel was five to six times higher than that in the pulp of all three cultivars. The phenolics contents in the jujube were different from the cultivars. The EC50 (Concentration of lyophilized samples needed to decrease the initial DPPH radical concentration by 50%), FRAP, and TEAC values of the peel and pulp were remarkably correlated to their total phenolic contents (R = −0.922, R = 0.985, and R = 0.997, respectively). The results indicated that the high capacity of antioxidants in Chinese jujube fruit could be attributed to the high phenolic content in the fruit. 
• Memarpoor-Yazdi, Mina & Mahaki, Hanie & Zardini, Hadi. (2013). Antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates and purified peptides from Zizyphus jujuba fruits. Journal of Functional Foods. 5. 62– 70. 10. 1016/ j. jff. 2012. 08. 004. In recent years, there has been considerable interest in bioactive peptides derived from food proteins which might have beneficial effects on human health. Zizyphus jujuba is a medicinal plant with well-demonstrated biological functions for which various bioactive compounds except antioxidant peptides have been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of Z. jujuba-derived protein hydrolysates and the purified peptides. Based on this study, it was revealed that the hydrolysates prepared from Z. jujuba fruit possessed antioxidant effects. Among the prepared hydrolysates, trypsin hydrolysate with the highest antioxidant activity was fractionated using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The most potent antioxidant peptides, named fractions F3 and F6, were identified as VGQHTR (MW: 678.36 ± 0.3 Da) and GWLK (MW: 482.27 ± 0.3 Da), respectively, using tandem mass spectrometry. This study demonstrated that the derived hydrolysates and the purified peptides from Z. jujuba proteins can prevent oxidative reactions and might be underutilized for food preservation and medicinal purposes. However, more detailed studies are required to explore their antioxidant abilities in vivo.
• Abd-Alrahman, Sherif & Salem-Bekhet, Mounir & Elhalwagy, Manal. (2013). Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Ziziphus Jujuba Seeds Extract. Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology. 7. 379- 385. This study aimed to test the antibacterial activity and chemical composition of Ziziphus jujuba extract. The extract was obtained using a 50% aqueous-ethanol extraction solution to extract Ziziphus jujuba seeds. The extract was prepared and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against six bacterial strains by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results revealed that the 50% aqueous-ethanol extract is potent in inhibiting bacterial growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The chemical composition of fenugreek was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/ MS). The 13- Heptadecyn- 1- ol (12.95 %), 7- Ethyl- 4- decen- 6- one (9.73 %), Lineoleoyl chloride (8.54 %), Linoleic acid (6.37 %), 2, 5- Octadecadiynoic acid, methyl ester (5.57 %) and Palatinol A (4.81 %) were the highest abundant compounds out of total 20 compounds were identified in the Ziziphus jujuba seeds extract.
• Hong, Eun-Hye & Song, Jae & Kang, Kyo Bin & Sung, Sang & Ko, Hyun-Jeong & Yang, Heejung. (2015). Anti-Influenza Activity of Betulinic Acid from Zizyphus Jujuba on Influenza A/ PR/ 8 Virus. Biomolecules & therapeutics. 23. 345-9. 10.4062/biomolther.2015.019. Betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from the Jujube tree (Zizyphus jujube Mill), has been known for a wide range of biological and medicinal properties such as antibacterial, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antihelmintic, antinociceptive, and anticancer activities. In the study, we investigated the antiviral activity of influenza A/ PR/ 8 virus-infected A549 human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line and C57BL/6 mice. Betulinic acid showed anti-influenza viral activity at a concentration of 50 μM without significant cytotoxicity in influenza A/PR/8 virus-infected A549 cells. Also, betulinic acid significantly attenuated pulmonary pathology including increased necrosis, numbers of inflammatory cells, and pulmonary edema induced by influenza A/PR/8 virus infection compared with vehicle- or oseltamivir-treated mice in vivo model. The down-regulation of IFN-γ level, which is critical for innate and adaptive immunity in viral infection, after treating betulinic acid in mouse lung. Based on the obtained results, it is suggested that betulinic acid can be the potential therapeutic agent for virus infection via anti-inflammatory activity.
• Devi, M. Uma. (2020). Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Zizyphus jujuba. 9. 1510- 1513. Red date or Bera (Pushto), is used primarily for its fruits. Jujube, a delicious fruit, is an effective herbal remedy improving stamina and muscular strength and aids weight gain, strengthens liver function, and increases immune system resistance. This study aims to evaluate the in-vitro efficacy of the anti-bacterial activity of crude methanol, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts of Zizyphus jujuba against some human pathogenic bacterial strains. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of Zizyphus jujuba extract were carried out by using the disc diffusion method. The crude methanol, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions showed 41.37, 44.82, 41.37, 55.17, and 44.82 % activity against Enterobacter aerogenes respectively. The crude methanolic extract and n-hexane fractions were inactive against Escherichia coli, S. pneumoniae, and Klebsiella pneumonia respectively. From this study, the extracts namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts of Zizyphusjujubea possess antibacterial activity.
• Bashir, Ahmad & Khan, Iftikhar & Bashir, Shumaila & Azam, Sadiq & Hussain, Farrukh. (2011). Screening of Zizyphus jujuba for antibacterial, phytotoxic, and haemagglutination activities. African Journal of Biotechnology. 10. 2514- 2519. Plants are very useful, self-generating machines that produce a variety of useful bioactive products. Keeping in view this idea, the crude methanolic extract and various fractions of Zizyphus jujuba were screened for antibacterial, phytotoxic, and haemagglutination activities. The n-hexane and aqueous fractions showed significant activity of 60 and 66.66 % against Bacillus pumalis and Pseudomonas aeruginous, respectively. The activity of ethyl acetate fraction was 65.38, 62.96, 62.96, and 72 % against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Salmonella typhi, P. aerugenosa, and B. pumas, respectively. On the contrary, no activity of this fraction was recorded against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The crude, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions showed 41.37, 44.82, 41.37, 55.17, and 44.82 % activity against Enterobacter aerogenes, respectively. The crude methanolic extract and n-hexane fractions were inactive against Escherichia coli, S. pneumoniae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction was moderately phytotoxic against Lemna minor L at 1000 μg/ ml. All the other fractions showed low phytotoxic activity at 1000 μg/ ml. At 100 μg/ml, all the fractions showed low phytotoxic activity except crude methanolic extract, which was inactive. All the test samples were inactive at 10 μg/ ml. All dilutions of the test samples showed no haemagglutination activity against any blood group.
• Moustafa, Mahmoud & Sayed, Mahmoud & Alamri, Saad & Alghamdii, Huda & Shati, Ali & Alrumman, Sulaiman & Khatani, Mohmed & Qthanin, Rahma & Siddique, Sajda & Ahmed, Dalia & Negm, Sally & Emam, Ahmed. (2022). Synthesis of silver nanoparticles from the pericarp of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. and their in vitro antimicrobial activity. Bangladesh Journal of Botany. 51. 305- 312. 10. 3329/bj. v51i2. 60428. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) used in this study were prepared from Ziziphus Jujuba Mill. aqueous pericarp extract. Potent antibacterial activity was recorded from AgNPs– Z. jujuba pericarp against P. Pseudomonas aeruginosa > K. Klebsiella pneumoniae > M. Micrococcus luteus > S. Staphylococcus aureus > P. Proteus mirabilis > S. Shigella flexneri. Less antifungal activity was found against phytopathogenic fungi with inhibition efficacy of P. Penicillium expansum > M. Macrophomina phaseolina > A. Alternaria alternata > D. Drechslera halides, F. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. UV-Vis spectral analysis of formed AgNPs– Z. jujuba was recorded at 450 nm and three characteristic diffraction peaks was observed at 2 =38.235, 43.95, and 64.42. FTIR patterns were located in the region of 4000– 400 cm−1 and AgNPs particle size was noticed between 20 and 71 nm with a spherical shape embedded in bio-materials. These findings indicate that AgNPs– Z. jujuba pericarp aqueous extract could be utilized to control various bacterial infections in humans as well as against phytopathogenic fungi. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(2): 305-312, 2022.
• Marilena, Hovanet & Ancuceanu, Robert & Dinu, Mihaela & Oprea, Eliza & Budura, Emma & Negreș, Simona & Velescu, Bruno & Duţu, L.E. & Anghel, Iuliana & Titirica, Irina & Morosan, Elena & Seremet, Oana. (2016). Toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. leaves. Farmacia. 64. 802-808. A dried ethanolic extract, obtained from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (Rhamnaceae) leaves were tested to evaluate the effects on plant cell division, its acute oral toxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Two inflammation experimental models on rats, with carrageenan and kaolin as inflammatory agents, were used. The experimental group was treated by gavage for 7 days with 5 % aqueous suspension of the extract (500 mg/kg b.w.) and the control group with 1 mL/100 g b.w. distilled water. The reference group, on the 7th day, was treated with 0.1 % indomethacin solution (10 mg/kg b.w.). No toxic symptoms or mortality were observed in any animals. In both inflammation models, a very weak anti-inflammatory effect was detected, a little better in the kaolin model but generally inferior to indomethacin. A statistically significant inhibitory effect on the growth of Triticum radicles was observed at 0.5% and 1% concentrations, accompanied by microscopic signs of cytotoxicity.
• M, Ajay & D, Giles. (2019). Anti-Inflammatory, Antiulcer and Anticancer Activities of Saponin Isolated from the Fruits of Ziziphus jujuba. The Natural Products Journal. 09. 10. 2174/ 2210315509666190429145610. Background
• Ziziphus jujuba Mill was commonly used for its anti-inflammatory activity in traditional systems of medicine. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the isolates of methanolic extract from the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba Mill for their antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity. Method: Methanolic extracts of Ziziphus jujuba Mill was subjected to chromatography and eluted using ethyl acetate: methanol mixture and investigated for its structural features using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectral data. The isolated compound was evaluated for its in vitro COX-2 inhibition studies, cytotoxicity studies, and in vivo anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and anticancer activity. Result: The spectral data revealed that the backbone of the isolate was 3- O- α- L- rhamnopyranosyl- (1→ 6)- β- D- glucopyranosyl jujubogenin-20- O- (2, 3, 4- O- tri acetyl)- α- L- rhamnopyranoside. The isolated compound showed a significant reduction in inflammation and edema. Moderate anticancer activity was also observed for the isolate. Conclusion: It was concluded that the isolated saponin possesses moderate antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity which could help in the identification of leads for the treatment of cancer-related inflammation.
• Hoshyar, Reyhane & Mahaqiq, Zabihullah & Torabi, Nihad & Abolghasemi, Aliyeh. (2015). Antitumor Activity of Aqueous Extract of Ziziphus Jujube Fruit in Breast Cancer: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study. Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction. 9. 10. 1016/ S2305- 0500 (15) 30007- 5. Objective: To investigate various therapeutic effects of the medicinal plant Ziziphus jujube (Z. jujube), such as antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Methods: The present study was conducted to assess the beneficial effects of the aqueous extract of Z. jujube fruit on the proliferation of breast cancer cells by MTT assay and the antioxidant by FRAP, hematological and biochemical alterations caused by NMU-induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats. The rats were divided into five groups, control group A (n=10), Z. jujube control group B (n= 10), NMU control group C (n= 15), Z. jujube treatment group D (n=15), and Z. jujube prevention group E (n=15). At the end of the experimental period, all the animals were euthanized, and blood was collected by heart puncture. Results: The Z. jujube revealed a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect against an MDA- MB-468 cell line and its treatment significantly.
• Mesaik, Ahmed & Poh, Hiap & Bin, Ooi & Elawad, Izzaddinn & Alsayed, Badr. (2018). In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial, and Anti-Diarrhoeal Activity of Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. 6. 10. 3889/ oamjms. 2018. 168. BACKGROUND: Ziziphus jujuba belongs to the family Rhamnaceae widely distributed in subtropical and tropical countries. It is used traditionally for several pharmacological purposes including anti-inflammation, antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial, as well as tonic and sometimes as hypnotic (sedative). AIM: To determine the in vivo antidiarrhoeal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of Z. jujuba fruit ethanolic extract. METHOD: The fruit was macerated and extracted with 95% (v/ v) ethanol. The antidiarrhoeal activity was evaluated using castor oil and an Escherichcoli-induced diarrhea mouse model. The antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial activity was investigated at graded doses (400- 1200 mg/ kg). The anti-inflammatory effects were tested using carrageenan-induced paw edema in female Wistar rats. Rat’s treatment groups received tragacanth, 100 mg/kg diclofenac sodium, 800 mg/kg, 1200 mg/ kg, or 1600 mg/ kg of an ethanolic extract of Z. jujuba (EEZJ). All treatment groups were fed with the compounds one hour before carrageenan injection at of rat’s paw. Also, the EEZJ was further analyzed by HPLC- PDA system for identification of the presence of betulinic acid and quercetin. RESULTS: EEZJ’s different doses did not show inhibitory activity against castor oil-induced diarrhea except for the higher (1200 mg/kg) dose. However, the frequency of defecation of stools and watery stool were reduced significantly when compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01 respectively), resulting in overall 67 % inhibition of diarrhea. Our anti-inflammatory results demonstrated that EEZJ was able to inhibit the carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats to a significant degree (p ≤ 0.05) and the paw volume and thickness of both left and right paw were affected compared to the negative control group. CONCLUSION: EEZJ possesses antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial activity in a dose depending on the manner and may provide a pharmacological basis for its clinical use in diarrheal diseases. The activity may partially be due to the presence of betulinic acid and quercetin.
• Li, Ganpeng & Wu, Linfen & Wei, Jie & Xu, Shitao & Huang, Haitao & Gao, Xuemei & Hu, Qiu-Fen. (2013). Two new flavonoids from the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba. Chemistry of Natural Compounds. 49. 617- 620. 10. 1007/ s10600- 013- 0692- z. Two new flavonoids, 8- formyl- 3′, 4′- dihydroxy- 6, 7-dimethoxyflavone (1) and 8- formyl- 4′- hydroxy- 3′, 6, 7- trimethoxyflavone (2), were isolated from the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive NMR and MS means. The anti-tobacco mosaic virus (anti-TMV) and antioxidant activity of 1 and 2 were evaluated. They both showed anti-TMV activity with inhibition rates of 92.8 % and 88.6 %, and antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 3.16 μg/ mL and 3.87 μg/ mL, respectively.
• Jiang, Jian-Guo & Huang, Xiao-Juan & Chen, Jian & Lin, Qing-Sheng. (2007). Comparison of the sedative and hypnotic effects of flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides extracted from Semen Ziziphus jujube. Natural product research. 21. 310- 20. 10. 1080/ 14786410701192827. Semen Ziziphus jujube (SZJ), the seeds of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine used for its action on insomnia. To analyze the effective component, we investigated and compared the sedative and hypnotic effects of three kinds of compounds, flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides. Flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides were extracted from SZJ and orally administered to mice separately at 17 g kg(-1) per day for certain days before animal tests. Spontaneous motility and coordinated movement tests were used to observe the effects of the three kinds of compounds on the mouse behavior, and sodium barbital-induced sleeping time of the mouse was tested to analyze the effects of the three kinds of compounds on the sleep of the mouse. Results show that flavonoids and saponins caused a significant reduction of walking time and coordinated movement ability of mice, significantly prolonged their sleeping time at 40 mg kg (-1), ip, subthreshold dose, and increased the sleeping number of animals at 50 mg kg  (-1), ip, super threshold dose induced by coeliac injection of sodium barbital. Polysaccharides did not show any significance in all animal tests. Comparative analysis showed that saponins had a more effective sedative and hypnotic function than flavonoids; polysaccharides did not show a sedative and hypnotic effect.

Recent Research on Z. mauritiana

• Okala, A. & Ladan, M.J. & Wasagu, R.S.U. & Shehu, Kasimu. (2014). Phytochemical studies and In Vitro antioxidant properties of Ziziphus mauritiana fruit extract. International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research. 6. 885- 888. The present study was aimed at investigating the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of Ziziphus mauritiana fruit. Qualitative phytochemical studies were carried out which revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins. The antioxidant properties of the extract were also evaluated using various in vitro assays. The IC 50 value of 2, 2- diphenyl-2- picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) was found to be 338.45 μg/ ml. Reducing power assay was another in vitro model used which showed antioxidant potential by reducing ferrous ions which were concentration dependent. Measurement of total phenolic compounds was found to be 402.31 ± 53.6mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/ 100g.  2014–2015, International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research.
• Upadhyay, Dr. Sukirti & Upadhyay, Dr. Prashant & Ghosh, Ashoke K & Mishra, Ankita & Mahalwal, Vijender & Srivastava, Srishti. (2015). Antibacterial potency of Ziziphus mauritiana (Fam-Rhamnaceae) roots. Drug Development and Therapeutics. 6. 44. 10. 4103/ 2394- 2002. 148895. Background: Ziziphus mauritiana is a well-known herb generally its fruit is used for stomach ailments or infections. The genus Ziziphus is known for its antimicrobial potency. Material and Methods: Here Z. mauritiana roots were taken for conducting experiments in various bacterial strains for evaluating their antibacterial potency by disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration and zone of inhibition were also determined. The mode of action was determined by leakage of nucleic acid and its determination by UV spectrometry. Results: The root extract of Z. mauritiana possesses excellent antibacterial activity as its activity is well compared with the standard drug ciprofloxacin. The mode of action of the extract was bactericidal. Conclusion: Effective and safe herbal antibiotics may be produced in the future by root extract of Z. mauritiana.
• Mohamadou, Salamatou & Bayoi, James & Djoulde, Roger & Steve, Nodem & Léopold, Tatsadjieu Ngoune. (2021). Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. And Ziziphus mucronate Lam. Extracts. Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 10. 9734/ JAMPS/ 2021/ v23i830252. The objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of leaf and bark extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana and Ziziphus mucronata. For this purpose, an extraction by maceration using ethanol was carried out and the extracts were subjected to antibacterial activity assessment through qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative tests were performed using the agar well diffusion method while for quantitative tests minimal inhibitory, bactericidal, and fungicidal concentrations (MIC, MBC, or MFC) were used and determined through microdilution in microplates method. The antimicrobial mechanisms such as cell lysis and action on the proton pump of the extracts were also studied. The highest extraction yield was obtained with the Z. mauritiana leaf extract (28.8%). In addition, the highest contents of polyphenols (256.6 mg GEA/g DM) and flavonoids (165.2 mg CE/g DM) were obtained with the bark of Z. mucronata. The bark extracts of Z. mauritiana exhibited the highest antibacterial activity (36.7 mm on Staphylococcus aureus) while, Z. mucronata extracts are more active on fungi, with the highest activity on Candida albicans (26.7 mm). The antimicrobial activity of the extract increases with the concentration, and, regarding the MBC/MIC and MFC/ MIC ratio, the extracts showed bacteriostatic activity on the different bacteria and fungi and the possible mechanism included activity on the proton pump. The bark and leaf extracts of Z. mauritiana and Z. mucronata could be used in traditional medicine to treat infections due to these multiple pathogens.
• Mishra, Tulika & Khullar, Madhu & Bhatia, Aruna. (2011). Anticancer Potential of Aqueous Ethanol Seed Extract of Z. Jujube mauritiana against Cancer Cell Lines and Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: 2011. 10. 1155/ 2011/ 765029. Ziziphus mauritiana (Lamk.) is a fruit tree that has folkloric implications against many ailments and diseases. In the present study, the anticancer potential of seed extract of Ziziphus mauritiana in vitro against different cell lines (HL- 60, Molt- 4, HeLa, and normal cell line HGF) by MTT assay as well as in vivo against E. ascites carcinoma bearing Swiss albino mice was investigated. The extract was found to markedly inhibit the proliferation of HL-60 cells. The Annexin and PI binding of treated HL- 60 cells indicated apoptosis induction by extract in a dose-dependent manner. The cell cycle analysis revealed a prominent increase in the sub-go population at a concentration of 20 μg/ ml and above. Agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed DNA fragmentation in HL- 60 cells after 3 h incubation with the extract. The extract also exhibited potent anticancer potential in vivo. Treatment of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing Swiss albino mice with varied doses (100- 800 mg/ kg b/ wt.) of plant extract significantly reduced tumor volume and viable tumor cell count and improved hemoglobin content, RBC count, mean survival time, tumor inhibition, and percentage lifespan. The enhanced antioxidant status in extract-treated animals was evident from a decline in levels of lipid peroxidation and increased levels of glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase.
• Abalaka, Moses & Daniyan, Safiya & Mann, Abdullahi. (2010). Evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of two Ziziphus species (Ziziphus mauritiana L. and Ziziphus spinachristi L.) on some microbial pathogens. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 4. 135- 139. The antimicrobial effects of Ethanolic extracts of leaves of two species of the genus Ziziphus were determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans. S. pyogenes was the most susceptible followed by E. coli while S. aureus was the least susceptible. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were 1 mg, 5 mg ml -1, and 20 mg, 40 mg ml1, respectively. Extracts showed no activity against the fungal isolates -A. niger and C. albicans. The plants cannot be used in treating any type of fungal infection (dermatophycoses). The phytochemicals identified were cardiac glycosides, polyphenols, saponins, and tannins. Extracts from these plants could be useful in the treatment of nosocomial infections, opportunistic infection of the urinary tract (UTI), infantile gastroenteritis, travelers’ diarrhea, wound infection, meningitis, and wounds infection which are diseases caused by some of these organisms.
• Youl, Estelle & Ouedraogo, Cyrille & Gambo, Moustapha & Moussa, Ouedraogo & Kiendrebeogo, Martin & Traoré, Aristide & Guissou, Innocent. (2019). Antioxidant activity of crude ethanolic extract and fractions of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. (Rhamnaceae) leaves from Burkina Faso. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology. 30. 10. 1515/ jbcpp- 2017- 0176. Background: Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. is a plant used in traditional medicine in Burkina Faso in the treatment of several diseases, of which diabetes is characterized by oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant potential of the extracts of leaves of this plant. Methods: The crude hydroethanolic extract (HEE) of the leaves of Z. mauritiana and their partitionists in n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate, and in the residual aqueous solution (the F1, F2, F3, and F4 fractions, respectively) were first prepared. The content of polyphenols was determined, and the antioxidant effects of the extracts were evaluated by their 1,1- diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Results: The HEE as well as the F3 and F4 fractions were rich in polyphenols with contents between 58 and 84 mg equivalent gallic acid per 100 mg. The flavonoid content was 4 mg quercetin equivalents in the HEE and the F4 fraction. Except for the F1 fraction, the HEE and the other fractions showed significant DPPH scavenging activity (IC 50 between 8 and 12 μg/ mL). The IC 50 of TBARS by different extracts was in the range of 1–5 μg/ mL, and the FRAP activity was 7– 85 mg ascorbic acid equivalent per 100 mg. Total polyphenol content was highly correlated with antioxidant activities. Conclusions: The HEE, F3, and F4 fractions were found to be the richest in polyphenols and had the best antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of the extracts of the leaves of Z. mauritiana is due to these polyphenolic compounds.
• Talmale, Suhas & Bhujade, Arti & Patil, Mandakini. (2015). Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties of Zizyphus mauritiana root bark.6.  10. 1039/ C5FO00270B. Allergy sometimes might be very dangerous and one of the main factors responsible for allergy is the complement system which can lead to a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Cycloxygenase-1 (COX- 1), Cycloxygenase- 2 (COX- 2), and 5- Lipoxygenase (5- LOX) trigger allergic and inflammatory reactions. Several anti-allergic synthetic drugs are available but are costly and show many side effects. Here is the place where the ancient traditional system of medication mentioned in Ayurveda finds an edge on various synthetic drugs. Zizyphus mauritiana is referred to as the storehouse of phytochemicals in Ayurveda. The stem and root barks of Zizyphus mauritiana were dried and powdered under controlled conditions. Extractions of dried powders were performed separately in different solvents in the increasing order of their polarity and were tested for their ability to inhibit the complement system. Aqueous extract of root bark was found to be more effective in inhibiting the complement system. Fractionation of aqueous extract resulted in the isolation of the Most Active Fraction (MAF) which inhibited complement system, COX- 1, COX- 2, and 5- LOX with IC50 values of 0.006 μg/ ml, 0.065 μg/ ml, 0.008 μg/ ml, and 0.083 μg/ ml, respectively. MAF was proved to be successful in down-regulating the pro-inflammatory mediators like TNF- α, COX- 2, and iNOS when tested on RAW 264. 7 cell lines. In vivo, MAF was found to be preventive against anaphylactic shock and Arthurs reaction, when daily orally administered to Wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis of the MAF fraction indicated that it is rich in tannins. Results indicate that MAF, a fraction isolated from the aqueous extract of root bark of Zizyphus mauritiana, has potent anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Abdallah, Emad & Elsharkawy, Eman & Ed-Dra, Abdelaziz. (2016). Biological activities of methanolic leaf extract of Ziziphus mauritiana. Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications. 9. 605- 614. 10. 21786/ bbrc/ 9.4/ 6. Ziziphus mauritiana is recognized for traditional use in different areas as its fruits are consumed locally in some parts of Saudi Arabia. However, little is known about the biological activities of the leaves. The current study has aimed to evaluate some bioactive properties of the methanol leaf extract of Ziziphus mauritiana. Phytochemical analysis was performed using colorimetric methods: Disc diffusion, MIC, and MBC method were used to determine the antimicrobial activity; DPPH scavenging activity and reduction capacity was determined spectrophotometrically for the antioxidant activity, and carrageenan-induced paw edema method using rat models was employed to evaluate the anti-infl ammatory activity. The study revealed the presence of some bioactive phytochemical constituents such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and flavonoids. The methanol leaf extract of Ziziphus mauritiana has significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876 and Proteus vulgaris (multi-drug resistant isolate) and varied degrees against other bacterial strains but it was not significant. The plant extract also has potent antioxidant (IC50 value of 0.024 g/ L competitor to the ascorbic acid and the quercetin, with observed reducing the power of Iron III to Iron II) and anti-inflammatory properties (71.83 % reduction in inflammation at a concentration of 400 mg/ kg body weight of rats). The results obtained in the present study suggest that leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana can be used as a source of functional ingredients for pharmaceutical drug industries.
• Naik, Suresh & Bhagat, Sushant & Shah, Priyank & Tare, Abhishek & Ingawale, Deepa & Wadekar, Raju. (2013). Evaluation of the anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic activity of ethanolic extract of Zizyphus jujuba fruits in rodents. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. 23. 811- 818. 10.1590/ S0102- 695X- 2013000500014. The present study reports the anti-allergic activity of ethanolic extract of Zizyphus jujuba Mill., Rhamnaceae, and its possible mode of action. The effect of extract of Z. jujuba at different doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/ kg, orally) was simulated on studied animal models of asthma and allergy: a) milk-induced eosinophilia and leukocytosis; b) compound 48/ 80 induced mast cell degranulation; and active and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. In addition, an extract of Z. jujube’s effect on sensitized guinea pig ileum (ex vivo) and tracheal chain preparations (in vitro) was investigated. Treatment with extract of Z. jujuba at all doses significantly: prevented the milk-induced eosinophilia and compound 48/80 induced degranulation of mesenteric mast cells; decreased passive cutaneous and active anaphylactic reactions. In addition, the extract of Z. jujuba inhibited acetylcholine as well as histamine-induced tracheal chain contraction, and also antigen-induced contraction of sensitized guinea pig ileum (Shultz-Dale inhibition test). Furthermore, it also exhibited free radical scavenging activity (in vitro). The observed anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic activity of the extract of Z. jujuba may be largely through the stabilization of mast cells by the membrane presence of phytoconstituents (Steroidal saponins and flavonoids).