This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
How does Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi) work medicinally?
Sidr exerts its medicinal effects through several bioactive compounds including flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and Vitamin C. The tannins provide astringent properties that help wound healing and digestive issues by tightening tissues and reducing inflammation. Flavonoids contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, while saponins offer antimicrobial effects. These compounds work synergistically to support the herb's traditional uses for skin conditions, digestive problems, and wound healing. Evidence Level C supports these proposed mechanisms based on phytochemical analysis and traditional use rather than clinical trials.
Does Sidr interact with any medications?
Currently, no significant drug interactions have been documented for Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi) in scientific literature. However, Evidence Level C indicates limited clinical research exists. Due to its potential effects on blood glucose and mild sedative properties, individuals taking antidiabetic medications or CNS depressants should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider. Always inform your doctor about all herbal supplements you are taking, as interactions may exist that have not yet been identified through research.
What is the recommended dosage for Sidr leaves?
The traditional adult dosage for Sidr is 3-5 grams of ground leaf daily. This can be prepared as a tea by steeping in hot water for internal use, or mixed with water to form a paste for topical application on wounds or skin conditions. Evidence Level C indicates this dosage is based on traditional Unani practice rather than standardized clinical trials. Start with the lower dose and increase gradually if needed. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing guidance.
Is Sidr safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi) is traditionally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding in Unani medicine. No specific contraindications have been documented, and the herb has a long history of use in Middle Eastern traditional medicine. However, Evidence Level C means clinical safety data is limited. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a qualified healthcare provider before use, use the minimum effective dose, and discontinue if any adverse reactions occur. Traditional use alone does not guarantee safety for all populations.
What are the main uses of Sidr in traditional medicine?
Sidr has been used for centuries in Middle Eastern and Unani medicine for digestive problems, skin diseases, fever, and wound healing. The leaves are commonly prepared as teas, washes, or topical pastes. It is also valued for spiritual cleansing and is mentioned in the Quran for both spiritual and physical healing. The herb's astringent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly useful for gastrointestinal issues and skin conditions. Evidence Level C supports these applications based primarily on traditional knowledge and preliminary phytochemical research.
What side effects can Sidr cause?
Sidr is generally well-tolerated with very few reported side effects. Rare allergic reactions may occur, particularly with topical application in sensitive individuals. Symptoms may include skin irritation, itching, or rash. No common contraindications are known. Evidence Level C indicates limited clinical safety data exists. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare provider. Those with known allergies to plants in the Rhamnaceae family should exercise caution when using Sidr products.
PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Ziziphus spina-christi, known as Sidr or Christ's Thorn Jujube, is a tropical tree of the Rhamnaceae family used traditionally in the Middle East for various therapeutic purposes [PMID:16270941, PMID:35677711].
Background
Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. is a wild tree found in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and parts of Africa [PMID:26969383]. It holds significant historical, religious, and cultural status, being considered a 'holy' tree by Muslims and a 'blessed' tree among the Druze [PMID:16270941].
Traditional uses
Traditional applications include the management of diabetes, malaria, digestive issues, typhoid, liver complaints, weakness, skin infections, urinary disorders, obesity, diarrhoea, and sleeplessness [PMID:35677711]. It has been used since Ancient Egypt to treat swellings, pain, and heat [PMID:26969383, PMID:38834008]. The root is used in traditional therapy as a lipolysis promoter [PMID:34685001].
Active compounds
The plant is a rich source of diverse chemical compounds, including dammarane-type saponins (such as christinin A, E, and F) [PMID:37996449, PMID:28274571], polyphenols [PMID:38834008], flavonoids (including rutin, naringin, myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, hesperidin) [PMID:36670250], tannins, glycosides, and alkaloids [PMID:34683434]. Root extracts also contain cannabinol and indole-3-carboxylic acid [PMID:34685001].
Mechanism of action
Z. spina-christi leaf extract (ZSCLE) demonstrates neuroprotective and hepatorenal protective effects by lowering malondialdehyde levels, increasing glutathione levels, and activating antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase [PMID:33280592]. It activates the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 [PMID:33280592]. In sepsis models, it decreases the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and reduces nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase [PMID:29549730]. In lung fibrosis models, it regulates the TGF-β1/SMAD pathway [PMID:38834008].
Leaf extract (300 mg/kg) attenuated testicular impairments and improved levels of testosterone, luteinizing, and follicle-stimulating hormones [PMID:31840221].
Evidence DSepsis-induced Myocardial and Renal Dysfunction (Mice)
Pretreatment with leaf extract (100-300 mg/kg) restored normal heart rate and decreased malondialdehyde and NF-κB expression [PMID:29549730].
Evidence DBleomycin-induced Lung Fibrosis (Mice)
Extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties via the TGF-β1/SMAD pathway [PMID:38834008].
Evidence DHyperlipidemia (Rats)
Seed extract (SSF) was the most efficient part for reducing hyperlipidemia and improving liver and kidney functions [PMID:41334658].
Evidence D
Evidence summary
The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. There are no human clinical trials provided in the source abstracts.
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 16270941 (2005) — The ethnobotany of Christ's Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) in Israel. · Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine
4.PMID: 35677711 (2022) — Ethnopharmacology, Biological Evaluation, and Chemical Composition of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf.: A Review. · Advances in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences
5.PMID: 37996449 (2023) — New cytotoxic dammarane type saponins from Ziziphus spina-christi.
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
Z. spina-christi (400 mg/kg) provided protective effects against liver and kidney injury [PMID:40825988].
Evidence DCancer (In Vitro)
Dammarane-type saponins showed cytotoxic effects on lung (A549), glioblastoma (U87), breast (MDA-MB-231), and colorectal (CT-26) cancer cell lines [PMID:37996449]. Methanolic leaf extract was cytotoxic to human gastric carcinoma (AGS) cells [PMID:39927019].
Evidence DLeishmaniasis (In Vitro/In Vivo)
Methanolic extract (ZSCME) exhibited leishmanicidal effects against L. major by inducing NO production and apoptosis [PMID:34683434].
· Scientific reports
6.PMID: 38228130 (2024) — Performance, blood and antioxidant status in dual-purpose laying hens supplemented with aqueous extract of Christ's thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi L.) leaves as phytogenic agent in subtropical conditions. · Animal bioscience
7.PMID: 38630967 (2025) — Antimicrobial secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities of fungal endophytes associated with Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. (Nabq) leaves. · Natural product research
8.PMID: 35990496 (2022) — Use of Saponinosomes from Ziziphus spina-christi as Anticancer Drug Carriers. · ACS omega
9.PMID: 38834008 (2024) — Ziziphus spina-christi L. extract attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice via regulating TGF-β1/SMAD pathway: LC-MS/MS Metabolic profiling, chemical composition, and histology studies. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
10.PMID: 39956224 (2025) — Development of Ziziphus spina-christi (Sidr) leaf extract-loaded hyaluosomes and their potential in mitigating oxidative stress during semen cryopreservation. · International journal of biological macromolecules
11.PMID: 28274571 (2017) — Dammarane-type saponins from leaves of Ziziphus spina-christi. · Phytochemistry
12.PMID: 34683434 (2021) — Antileishmanial Activity of Ziziphus spina-christi Leaves Extract and Its Possible Cellular Mechanisms. · Microorganisms
13.PMID: 40634497 (2025) — Impact of Egyptian and Saudi Ziziphus spina-christi L. (Sidr) pulp incorporation on the nutritional, functional, and sensory properties of protein bars. · Scientific reports
14.PMID: 36670250 (2023) — Ziziphus spina-christi extract-stabilized novel silver nanoparticle synthesis for combating Fusarium oxysporum-causing pepper wilt disease: in vitro and in vivo studies. · Archives of microbiology
15.PMID: 26969383 (2016) — Evaluating ancient Egyptian prescriptions today: Anti-inflammatory activity of Ziziphus spina-christi. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
16.PMID: 31840221 (2020) — Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract attenuates mercury chloride-induced testicular dysfunction in rats. · Environmental science and pollution research international
17.PMID: 41334658 (2025) — Antihyperlipidemic efficiency of extracts from different parts of the Sidr plant (Ziziphus spina-christi) and compare to rosuvastatin on induced hyperlipidemic rat models. · Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
18.PMID: 35812143 (2022) — Solubility enhancement of some poorly soluble drugs by solid dispersion using Ziziphus spina-christi gum polymer. · Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society
19.PMID: 39522915 (2024) — Utilization of Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles in wastewater treatment and their impact on animal health. · International journal of biological macromolecules
20.PMID: 40870770 (2025) — Ecological, Apicultural, and Therapeutic Value of Vachellia tortilis and Ziziphus spina-christi Honeys in the United Arab Emirates: A Model for Sustainable Use in Arid Ecosystems. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
21.PMID: 29549730 (2018) — Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) leaf extract alleviates myocardial and renal dysfunction associated with sepsis in mice. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
22.PMID: 40825988 (2025) — Ziziphus spina-christi alleviates paracetamol-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats through in vivo and computational approaches. · Scientific reports
23.PMID: 37571386 (2023) — In Vitro Antiproliferative Apoptosis Induction and Cell Cycle Arrest Potential of Saudi Sidr Honey against Colorectal Cancer. · Nutrients
24.PMID: 38105670 (2024) — Evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles biosynthesized with Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extracts. · Journal of environmental science and health. Part C, Toxicology and carcinogenesis
25.PMID: 39927019 (2024) — Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities of Methanolic Extract of Ziziphus Spina-Christi Leaves against Human Gastric Carcinoma Cells. · Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences
26.PMID: 31905423 (2020) — Dietary solutions to dyslipidemia: Milk protein-polysaccharide conjugates as liver biochemical enhancers. · Journal of food biochemistry
27.PMID: 35275503 (2023) — Two new 5(14)-membered type cyclopeptide alkaloids from root bark of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. · Natural product research
28.PMID: 34685001 (2021) — Synthesis of Ziziphus spina-christi (Jujube) Root Methanol Extract Loaded Functionalized Silver Nanoparticle (ZS-Ag-NPs); Physiochemical Characterization and Effect of ZS-Ag-NPs on Adipocyte Maturation, Adipokine and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Interaction. · Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)