Jujube fruit sometimes called jujuba is also known as red date, Chinese date, Korean date, or Indian date.
Jujube is believed to be native to Asia and is extensively cultivated throughout the world and can be found in areas spanning Lebanon to India to China.
The nutritional content of jujube fruit is quite diverse with high levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A, C and B.
Several constituents, which include flavonoids, procyanidin B2, saponins, tannins, some phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, catechin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid and rutin) and polysaccharides. 
Jujube fruit has a long history of use for its medicinal properties and has been recommended for insomnia, liver and heart disease, digestive disorders, anemia, fever, diarrhea, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
The first in human clinical trial evaluating jujube fruit was published in the journal Phytoherapy Research.
Here are the study details:
– An extract was prepared using dried ripe fruits including the peel and pulp.
– Dose: 30 grams of fruit extract per day for 12 weeks (represents about 1 tablespoon)
– Study design: Double blind randomized placebo controlled
– Human subjects: 116 people were enrolled in the study with 58 receiving Jujube fruit and the other receiving placebo.
Here are the main results of Jujube fruit in diabetes patients:
– HbA1C (%) decreased from 7.96 to 7.28
– Total cholesterol decreased from 173 to 149
– Triglycerides decreased from 182 to 138
Here are some comments from the scientists who performed the study:
Strengths of this study include the relatively large sample size, randomized design and taking confounders including baselines levels of biomarkers and duration of diabetes into account. Another strength point is that similar diet was prescribed for both groups; thus, dietary factors could not confound the results. Nevertheless, this trial had some limitations. The results cannot be generalized to other type 2 diabetes (those who are receiving insulin injection) because it was conducted among diabetic patients who were treated with oral hypoglyceamic agent.
Take away message:
The first clinical trial evaluating jujube fruit for diabetes showed beneficial effects on HbA1C, total cholesterol and triglycerides. No serious adverse events were reported with jujube fruit. Future studies will be needed to confirm the potential of Jujube in diabetes patients.
Reference:
Phytotherapy Research. 2017; Volume 31 (Issue 5): Pages 755-762.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Antioxidant, Cholesterol, Clinical Trials, Diabetes, Plant Extracts, Vitamins