Ziziphi Spinosae Semen: An updated review on pharmacological activity, quality control, and application

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (the dried seeds of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa, Rhamnaceae) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with high edible and pharmaceutical value. It contains abundant phytochemicals and possesses multiple biological activities. Phytochemicals include saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, fatty acids, and others. Among them, saponins and flavonoids are considered to be the characteristic components of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. Both crude extracts and isolated compounds exhibit excellent bioactivities, including sedative-hypnosis, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD), and others. Its potential therapeutic effect on AD has received increasing attention in recent years. Updated reviews to summarize the current research progress and deficiencies are urgently needed. This review summarized its pharmacological activity, quality control, and application. In addition, the existing problems and future development directions are also discussed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Ziziphi Spinosae Semen is a vital traditional Chinese medicine that has a varied therapeutic effects. It is also added to food products due to its nontoxic properties. Reliable pharmacological studies have confirmed that it has multiple pharmacological activities. Particularly, its potential therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's disease (AD) has received significant attention, which makes Ziziphi Spinosae Semen an important potential candidate in the research of new drugs and health foods for the prevention of AD. This paper reviews the recent studies on Ziziphi Spinosae Semen in the treatment of AD. In addition, the quality control methods and practical applications are systematically summarized. It may provide essential guidance for the further utilization of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen in food and pharmaceutical industry.