Ziziphus oenoplia (Rhamnaceae) Wild Jujube

Ziziphus oenoplia (Wild Jujube)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Ziziphus oenoplia

Family: Rhamnaceae

Genus: Ziziphus

The Rhamnaceae family provides several important medicinal plants, particularly within the Ziziphus genus, known for their nutritive, digestive, and wound-healing properties.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Ziziphus jujuba (Badara/Chinese Date): A nutritive fruit and medicinal herb used as a Rasayana, blood tonic, and digestive.

• Ziziphus nummularia (Jharberi): A thorny shrub whose bark and fruit are used for digestive issues, skin diseases, and as a cooling agent.

• Ventilago madraspatana (Vrantaghni): The root bark is a renowned blood-purifier and specific herb for chronic wounds and skin ulcers in Ayurveda.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Ziziphus oenoplia | English: Wild Jujube, Jackal Jujube | Sanskrit: क्षुद्रबदर (Kshudrabadara), माक्षिका (Makshika), परिष (Parisha) | Hindi: मकोही (Makohi), सूरमेखला (Surmekhala) | Tamil: சிறு இலந்தை (Siru-ilanthai), சோறி (Chori) | Telugu: పెద్దరేగు (Peddaregu), గుల్ల (Gulla) | Kannada: ಚೋರಿ (Chori), ಹುಲ್ಲುರೇವು (Hullurevu) | Malayalam: തുരുക് (Thuruk), ചോരിന (Chorina) | Marathi: तोरन (Toran), मकोई (Makoi) | Bengali: কাকজম (Kakjom), সুরমাই (Surmai) | Sinhala: එරමඩිත (Eramadita) |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Astringent, Antiseptic, Wound Healing, Digestive Stimulant, Anthelmintic (de-worming), Anti-diarrheal, Mild Sedative.

Medicinal Parts:The root bark, leaves, and fruit are the primary parts used in traditional medicine.

• Root Bark: Considered the most potent part, especially for wound healing and digestive disorders.

• Leaves: Used for poultices and in digestive preparations.

• Fruit: The ripe fruit is astringent and consumed for digestive issues.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Cyclopeptide Alkaloids (Oenoplines, Jubanines): These unique alkaloids are primarily responsible for the plant's Antimicrobial and Anthelmintic properties.

Tannins (Gallic Acid, Ellagic Acid): Provide a strong Astringent action, which aids in Wound Healing by precipitating proteins and forming a protective layer, and treats diarrhea.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin): Contribute Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects, supporting tissue repair and reducing swelling.

Triterpenoids (Betulinic Acid): Known for their Wound Healing and potential Antitumor activities.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Vrana Ropana (Wound Healing) & Kushtha (Skin Diseases)

Formulation: Root bark decoction (for wash) or paste.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the root bark is used to cleanse non-healing ulcers, fistulas, and infected wounds. A paste made from the fresh root bark or leaves is applied topically to promote granulation and healing.

Reasoning: The high tannin content provides a strong astringent effect, contracting tissues and reducing secretions. The alkaloids and flavonoids offer antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory support, creating a clean environment for healing.

Grahami (Malabsorption Syndrome) & Atisara (Diarrhea)

Formulation: Root bark decoction or powder.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the root bark is given to treat chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and intestinal malabsorption.

Reasoning: The astringent tannins help bind the stool and reduce intestinal inflammation, while the anthelmintic alkaloids may help clear underlying parasitic infections contributing to the condition.

Krimi (Worm Infestation)

Formulation: Root bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: The decoction is administered orally to expel intestinal worms.

Reasoning: The cyclopeptide alkaloids (oenoplines) have demonstrated paralyzing or toxic effects on intestinal helminths.

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

The ripe fruit is occasionally eaten, though it is sour and astringent. Its primary use is medicinal.

Wound-Cleansing Decoction (Kashayam)

Purpose: To cleanse chronic ulcers and promote healing.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 10-15 grams of dried Ziziphus oenoplia root bark.

• Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain, cool, and use this liquid to wash the affected wound 2-3 times a day.

Anti-diarrheal Decoction

Purpose: To manage non-infectious, chronic diarrhea.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of the dried root bark powder.

• Boil in 1.5 cups of water for 10 minutes.

• Strain and drink 15-30 ml of this decoction twice daily after meals.

7. Disclaimer:

Ziziphus oenoplia is a traditional medicine with a specific role in wound care and digestive disorders. Due to its high tannin content, prolonged internal use may cause constipation or interfere with nutrient absorption. The presence of alkaloids warrants caution, and it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Its use for serious conditions like chronic wounds or persistent diarrhea should be supervised by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. This information is for educational purposes only 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 (Part I, Vol. V)

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

• Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

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

1. Ventilago madraspatana (Vrantaghni/Red Creeper)

• Species: Ventilago madraspatana | Family: Rhamnaceae | Genus: Ventilago

• Similarities: Belonging to the same family, Vrantaghni (literally "killer of wounds") is arguably the most specific Ayurvedic herb for wound healing, especially for sinuses and non-healing ulcers (Dushta Vrana). Both herbs share a profound astringent and antiseptic action on chronic wounds.

2. Symplocos racemosa (Lodhra)

• Species: Symplocos racemosa | Family: Symplocaceae | Genus: Symplocos

• Similarities: Lodhra is a premier astringent herb in Ayurveda, used for wound healing, excessive bleeding (menorrhagia), and diarrhea. Both Ziziphus oenoplia and Lodhra are rich in tannins and are primary agents for treating conditions involving excess secretion or bleeding.

3. Ziziphus jujuba (Badara/Indian Jujube)

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

• Similarities: A close botanical relative. While the common jujube is more of a nutritive fruit and tonic for the digestive and blood tissues (Rasa and Rakta Dhatu), Z. oenoplia is the more potent medicinal variant, specializing in astringency and wound healing.

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