Jujube has traditionally been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for insomnia. R R R

Jujube can increase the length of REM sleep and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep (sleep latency). R R

Jujube can be both hypnotic and sedative as it works on the neurotransmitter GABA. R

It can also reduce stress-related insomnia. R R

Magnolia can enhance jujube's sedating effects. R

Jujube, in an herbal concoction of Suan Zao Ren Tang (SZRT), may also help with insomnia related to opiate withdrawal. R

Jujube synergizes well with melatonin or 5-HTP for sleep. R R

5. May Be Anti-Aging

Jujube may help increase longevity.R

In an experimental study, fruit flies were fed a calorie-restricted diet (essentially starvation) and given jujube fruit. R

Jujube was possibly able to protect the flies from the detrimental effects of calorie restriction, so the flies lived longer. R

These result suggest that the combination of starvation and jujube supplementation may increase FOXO gene expression, which would slow the aging process and make the flies more adaptive to stress in the long run. R

6. May Protect Against HIV

Betulinic acid (BA) from jujube can be protective against HIV. R R

BA has been shown to inhibit HIV activation and is a potent anti-viral. R

7. Has Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Jujube has anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties and can activate the gene pathway NRF2. R R R

Jujube is high in nutrients and minerals such as vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. R

Also, betulinic acid (BA) from jujube can increase antioxidants such as glutathione, which protects against oxidative stress. R

Jujube's antioxidant effect may be even stronger when jujube is in an extract of with other Chinese herbs. R R

Jujube also works on the immune system as an anti-inflammatory.

Jujube can prevent macrophages from turning into foam cells (cause the build up of plaques in arteries), which may help in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. R R

Jujube may also help reduce "sickness behavior". R

Jujube's anti-inflammatory effects may speed up the process of wound healing and when applied as an essential oil may help with hair regrowth. R R

8. Helps With Pain

Jujube can reduce physical pain. R

It can also reduce the size and amount of pain associated with ovarian cysts in women. R

Jujube extract can be used as a local anesthetic and muscle relaxant. R

It can also protect against gut-related pain. R

9. Protects The Gut