Medicinal and Nutritional Importance of Ziziphus mauritiana in Human Health
摘要
Medicinal plants are precious gifts from nature that may provide humanity with both food and medicine. Ziziphus mauritiana (Rhamnaceae) is a seasonal fruit popularly known as “BAU Kul” in Bangladesh or Indian jujube. In traditional medicine, it treats anxiety, fever, asthma, inflammation, and ulcers. Z. mauritiana fruits and leaves have been used to cure gonorrhea, wounds, abscesses, and diarrhea. The dried, candied, pickled, juice forms of these fruits are popular because of their nutritional, nutraceutical qualities. Vitamin C, A, antioxidants, polyphenols, and other nutrients are abundant in this plant. These substances prevent chronic diseases and represent analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. This chapter reviews new research on its nutritional, therapeutic effects. Memory improvement, neurological, cardiac, and snake venom detoxification are also addressed. Clinical experiment, toxicological investigation, dose and safety profile, and plant future orientation are also covered. In conclusion, Ziziphus mauritiana is a therapeutic fruit worth investigating to improve healthcare.