Ber Fruit(Jujube): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Oct 24, 2024 Published on: Feb 8, 2022
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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Table of Contents
Ber fruit is a tropical or subtropical fruit. It is a nutritious fruit scientifically called Ziziphus mauritiana. It belongs to the family Rhamnaceae. 1 The genus Ziziphus has around 170 species of plants under it. Of these Ziziphus mauritiana is a medium-sized, mostly evergreen tree but deciduous during dry months.
The trees have simple round to oval leaves, with greenish-white or yellow flowers and green, yellow to orange-red small round berries or fruits.
This plant is native to China, South and Central Asia and used extensively as nutritious food and for medicinal purposes for long but is now grown throughout the world. In India, it is found along the arid (land with little or no rain) and semi-arid tracts of the country that is extending from the foothills of the Himalayas to the southern desert.
Did You Know?
It is referred to by various local names like
It is closely related and commonly mistaken for the Chinese date called Ziziphus jujuba which belongs to the same genus Ziziphus. The ber fruit is nutritious and has many medicinal properties making it potentially useful in different conditions.
Ber fruit is indeed a highly nutritive food with untapped sources of nutrition. Researchers state that compared to apples, ber fruit might contain higher levels of protein, phosphorus, calcium, carotene, and vitamin C. These nutritional components make ber fruit an excellent choice as an addition to your diet and promoting overall health.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
The ripe fruit of this plant has high nutritional value and is a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin A, and calcium.3,4 Below are the Nutrients per 100g of Ber fruit (3,4):
Did you know? The leaf extract of ber fruit has some amazing superpowers for your skin! It’s not only anti-ageing but might also give your skin an elastic boost. So, if you want to keep your skin looking young and bouncy, ber fruit might just be the secret ingredient you’ve been searching for!
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Ber fruit (Ziziphus mauritiana) has many potential uses and apart from the whole plant, seeds, roots, bark, leaves, and fruit of the plant are also used.4 The uses of ber fruit are as follows. 5
The jujube fruit has antioxidant properties and can help with keeping skin healthy. It can be used for skin rejuvenation by lightening and moisturizing skin.5
Also Read: 5 Home Remedies for Clear Skin
Traditionally, in India, it has been used to treat skin cuts, wounds, and burns. Studies have shown that local application of an alcoholic extract of the ber plant helps in wound contraction, may increase tensile strength, and reduces wound closure time. Thus, it can be really helpful in expediting wound healing.6 You are advised to consult with a dermatologist before using any herb for skin problems.
Traditionally, it was used to promote digestion and as an anti-diarrhoeal drug. A decoction of the bark may be helpful for diarrhoea. This property of the ber fruit plant is supported by animal studies as well.4,5,7 However more human studies are needed to establish this benefit.
Alcoholic extracts of the root, bark, and seeds of Ziziphus mauritiana have shown anticancer activity in cell culture studies. They may act against cell division and cause the death of cancer cells. Apart from the anticancer activity, it might also possess antioxidant action, which might help in managing cancer. Thus, ber fruit has potential for cancer treatment. 4 However, more studies are required to prove these claims. Cancer is a serious condition and must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Studies have shown that extracts of ber fruit lower blood cholesterol levels (hypolipidaemic action) by virtue of its antioxidant property. This makes it potential cardioprotective and may be useful in maintaining heart health.8 In serious conditions like these it is advisable to consult a doctor before using any herb.
Betulinic acid is present in the bark of the ber fruit tree and may be useful in relieving anxiety. The chemical found in ber is studied to reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. It interacts with the same receptor in the brain. Thereby, jujube fruit can help relieve anxiety. Traditionally, it was used to produce a calming effect in cases of anxiety and insomnia. 9 However, these claims need further scientific evidence to prove its actual benefit.
Indian jujube has antioxidant activity due to the presence of phenolic compounds in it. Traditionally, it has been used to alleviate memory. Studies show decent levels of phenolic compounds in ber fruit may be responsible for its antioxidant actions. Thus, it might be helpful in improving memory in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. 4,10 Traditionally, ber fruit has also been used in the treatment of headaches but sufficient data supporting this is not available.
Studies in animals have shown that ber fruit may have some effect on the immune system and has potential as an immunotherapeutic agent. 4 Larger human studies could help demonstrate the efficacy of ber fruit in helping for immunity. Therefore, avoid using ber fruit or other herbal remedies for its benefits without talking to your healthcare provider first.
Ber fruit may improve bone health. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium. Thus, it may be consumed for having strong teeth and bones. 11 However, human studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of ber fruit for bones in humans. Therefore, prior consultation with a doctor is essential to avoid health-related complications.
The fruit of ber tree is rich in fiber and has low carbohydrate and fat content. Over the years, it has been included in many weight loss diets. It may have anti-obesity activity which is supported by animal studies.12 You must consult a nutritionist before including anything in your diet for weight management benefits.
Also Read: 10 Home Remedies for Weight Loss
Ber fruit may show anti-diabetic action owing to its antioxidant property. The extracts of ber fruit, seed, and leaves showed blood sugar-lowering properties (hypoglycaemic action) in animal studies. 4 Diabetes is a serious health condition and needs appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a doctor and do not use ber fruit to self-medicate.
Also Read: Sandalwood – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions
In Ayurvedic and Unani literature, it is considered useful for purifying the blood. This means it might remove toxins and pathogens from the blood. 13 It is to also be noted that ber fruit may have anti-inflammatory properties which makes it helpful potentially in the management of many chronic inflammatory diseases like diabetes, fever, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, etc. 4,14
Though there are studies that show these potential uses of ber fruit in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of ber fruit on human health.
It’s interesting to note that the methanol extract of the root of ber fruit has shown the ability to inhibit the severity of diarrhoea induced by castor oil. This inhibition could be attributed to the extract’s potential to reduce electrolyte permeability in the intestine caused by castor oil. Additionally, the extract may achieve this effect by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins, which are known to play a role in diarrhoea.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Ber fruit is used in the following ways:
Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dosage as per your health condition. People must consult an Ayurvedic doctor before taking herbal supplements made from ber fruit. Likewise, do not replace or discontinue your ongoing medications with ayurvedic or herbal preparations without consulting a qualified physician.
The leaves of ber fruit have practical uses as plasters and might be beneficial for liver issues. They are known to have a protective effect against alcohol-induced liver damage and may also provide relief in asthma.
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Ber fruit taken is most likely safe in amounts that are recommended. The most common side effects are as follows.
Most of the recorded and studied side effects are of Ber fruit which is the Chinese date, and more studies need to be done on Ziziphus mauritiana (ber fruit), the Indian jujube. However, if any side effects or discomfort are seen after taking Ber fruit, please immediately get in touch with an Ayurvedic physician who advised you to have the herb. They will prescribe you the appropriate treatment to overcome the side effects.
Did you know that the ber fruit flowers might provide a natural and soothing eye medicament? Yes, an infusion of Ziziphus mauritiana flowers may be used as an eye lotion to soothe your eyes.
Dr. Ashok Pal, BAMS
Traditionally jujube was used in treating abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in pregnancy.16 In recommended amounts, it is safe in pregnancy, but excessive consumption is harmful; therefore, the gynaecologist should always be consulted before starting it.
Also Read: Ragi – Nutrition, Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions
Ber fruit has blood sugar-lowering activity therefore caution must be exercised before giving them to a diabetic patient who is already taking antidiabetic drugs. 4
Ber is to be avoided when an individual is already taking sedatives as ber fruit adds to the sedative action. 9
Also Read: 10 Health Benefits And Recipes Of Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
It is used for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, promoting digestion, strengthening bones, and weight loss. It has potential in the use of protecting the heart, anxiety, insomnia, memory, cancer, boost immunity and control blood sugar levels. 4-12 There are further studies needed to establish this effect.
Traditionally it was used to treat nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in pregnancy. To be used safely, it should be consumed in recommended amounts and in accordance with the advice of the gynaecologist. 16
It is used for weight loss. 12 However it is advisable to consult a nutritionist for better advice.
The plant has blood sugar-lowering properties and may be used by persons with diabetes. 4 It is better to consult a qualified doctor for guidance.
Not many studies have been done on Ziziphus mauritiana thus no information regarding this is available.
No, there is lack of evidence that it is useful in the treatment of piles.
Animal studies have shown that ber fruit extracts lower uric acid levels in case of silica-induced toxicity. More studies are needed. 17
Ber fruit is very rich in fiber, calcium, vitamin A, B, and C. 3,4
Ber fruit is used for hair growth but Ziziphus mauritiana (ber fruit) has no studies evaluating this use.
A climacteric fruit is one that can ripen after being picked. Ziziphus mauritiana is believed to exhibit climacteric behavior. 18
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