Ziziphus mauritiana (Rhamnaceae) Ber, Indian Jujube

Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian Jujube/Ber)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Ziziphus mauritiana

Family: Rhamnaceae

Genus: Ziziphus

The Rhamnaceae family is characterized by plants often rich in saponins and cyclopeptide alkaloids, contributing to their significant medicinal effects on the skin, nerves, and digestion.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Ziziphus jujuba (Chinese Date): Known as Badari or Kola in Ayurveda, used similarly as a nutritive tonic, sedative, and blood purifier. It is the primary species referenced in classical texts for Maha Kushthahara (great anti-skin disease) properties.

• Ventilago denticulata (Vrantada): A lesser-known Ayurvedic herb used for skin diseases, ulcers, and as a blood purifier, highlighting the family's role in dermatological health.

• Hovenia dulcis (Japanese Raisin Tree): Used in traditional medicine for hangover relief and liver protection, showcasing the family's hepatoprotective potential.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Ziziphus mauritiana | English: Indian Jujube, Indian Plum, Ber | Sanskrit: Badara, Kola | Hindi: Ber, Desi Ber | Tamil: Ilandai, Elanthai | Telugu: Regu, Reni | Kannada: Bore Hannu, Yelchi Hannu | Malayalam: Ilantha, Badaram | Marathi: Bor, Bora | Bengali: Kul, Boroi | Punjabi: Ber | Urdu: Ber | Chinese: Suān zǎo (酸枣) | French: Jujubier de l'Inde | Spanish: Azufaifo indio |

3. Medicinal Uses:Nutritive Tonic (Brimhana), Sedative, Anxiolytic, Blood Purifier (Raktashodhaka), Antidiarrheal, Antidiabetic (studied), Antioxidant, Antiulcer, Hypolipidemic (studied).

Medicinal Parts:Fruit, seed, leaf, bark, and root are all used medicinally.

• Fruit (Fresh & Dried): The primary edible part, used as a nutritive tonic and digestive.

• Seed (Badara Beeja): Highly valued in Ayurveda as a nervine sedative and anxiolytic.

• Leaf: Used for digestive issues and topically.

• Bark & Root: Used for their astringent properties in diarrhea and skin conditions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Cyclopeptide Alkaloids (Mauritine A, Jubanine): Found primarily in the seeds and bark, these are responsible for the potent Sedative and Anxiolytic effects, acting on the central nervous system.

Saponins (Jujubosides): These compounds contribute to the Sedative and Hypnotic properties, and also exhibit Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant activities.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Swertisin): Provide strong Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory benefits, supporting cardiovascular health and skin healing.

Polysaccharides: Found in the fruit, they contribute to its Immunomodulatory and gut-pre biotic effects.

Vitamin C & Pectin (in fruit): Make the fruit a powerful Nutritive Tonic and digestive regulator.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Brimhana (Nutritive Tonic) & Dhatupushti (Tissue Nourishment)

Formulation: Fresh or dried fruit consumption.

Preparation & Use: The ripe fruit is eaten fresh as a snack. The dried fruit (like dates) is consumed to build strength, weight, and nourish all bodily tissues, especially for children, the elderly, and convalescents.

Reasoning: Rich in natural sugars, vitamins (especially C), and minerals, it provides readily available energy and essential nutrients for tissue building and recovery.

Anidra (Insomnia) & Chittodvega (Anxiety)

Formulation: Seed powder (Badara Beeja Churna).

Preparation & Use: The seeds are dried, powdered, and taken with warm milk or water at bedtime to promote deep, restful sleep and calm anxiety.

Reasoning: The cyclopeptide alkaloids and saponins (Jujubosides) have a documented calming effect on the mind and nervous system, promoting relaxation and sleep.

Atisara (Diarrhea) & Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders)

Formulation: Bark decoction or leaf juice.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the bark or the juice of fresh leaves is consumed to check diarrhea and dysentery due to its astringent properties. The bark decoction is also used for gingival bleeding.

Reasoning: The high tannin content in the bark and leaves provides a strong astringent effect, tightening mucosal tissues and reducing fluid secretion or bleeding.

Kushtha (Skin Diseases) & Vrana (Ulcers)

Formulation: Leaf paste or bark decoction wash.

Preparation & Use: A paste of fresh leaves is applied on boils, abscesses, and skin eruptions. A decoction of the bark is used to wash non-healing wounds and ulcers.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties of its flavonoids and tannins help cleanse and heal skin conditions.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The fruit is a popular seasonal snack, eaten raw, pickled, or dried. It is also used in chutneys and candies.

Badara Beeja Sleep Tonic

Purpose: To combat insomnia and restless mind.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-3 grams of finely powdered Ziziphus seeds (Badara Beeja).

• Mix with a teaspoon of ghee and a cup of warm milk.

• Consume 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

Anti-Diarrheal Bark Decoction

Purpose: To manage acute, non-infectious diarrhea.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil 1 teaspoon of dried, crushed bark in 1.5 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink 1/4 cup, 2-3 times a day until symptoms subside.

Nutritive Fruit and Nut Mix

Purpose: As a strengthening snack for weight gain and energy.

Preparation & Use:

• Soak 5-7 dried Ber fruits and 5-7 almonds overnight.

• Peel the almonds and blend with the soaked fruits into a smooth paste.

• Eat this paste in the morning with milk.

7. Disclaimer:

The fruit of Ziziphus mauritiana is very safe and nutritious. However, the seeds possess potent sedative properties and should be used in moderation and under guidance, especially when combined with allopathic sedative or antidepressant medications. The bark and root have strong astringent properties and may cause constipation if overused. Diabetics should monitor blood sugar levels as the fruit can be sweet. This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Dravyaguna Vijnana by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Classical Text)

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Ziziphus jujuba (Chinese Date/Badari)

• Species: Ziziphus jujuba | Family: Rhamnaceae | Genus: Ziziphus

• Similarities: The classic Ayurvedic Badari. Its uses are virtually identical—fruit as a nutritive tonic, seed as a sedative (used in formulations like Maha Kushthahara Ghrita), and bark as an astringent. It is often considered the gold standard for these properties in the genus.

2. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

• Species: Withania somnifera | Family: Solanaceae | Genus: Withania

• Similarities: Both are premier adaptogenic tonics (Rasayana) that nourish the nervous system. While Ashwagandha is more stimulating and builds energy, Ziziphus seed is more calming and promotes sleep. Together, they can balance the mind.

3. Terminalia chebula (Haritaki)

• Species: Terminalia chebula | Family: Combretaceae | Genus: Terminalia

• Similarities: Both have a strong affinity for the digestive tract with astringent properties. While Haritaki is a more comprehensive digestive cleanser and rejuvenator, Ziziphus bark shares the specific anti-diarrheal and GI-tightening action.

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