M.Z. Ammar-Amin, R. Dasiman, K. Evana, F.M.N.A. Aida, N. Hamid, N. Huda, E.S. Murtini, S. Raseetha
Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian jujube) is a tropical medicinal plant from the Rhamnaceae family, traditionally used across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Over the past decade (2015–2025), scientific interest has grown in its phytochemical composition and pharmacological potential. This review synthesizes recent findings, highlighting mechanistic insights while assessed solvent type, plant parts, and extraction methods on the bioactivity of compounds, including uric acid-lowering effects, which have not been comprehensively addressed previously. The plant exhibits a antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties, primarily attributed to polyphenols (such as quercetin and myricetin), triterpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. Reported studies demonstrated up to 94.47 ± 0.02% DPPH radical scavenging, 74.11% inhibition of protein denaturation, 70% cytotoxicity, antimicrobial inhibition zones of 13.00–16.50 mm, and 90.46 ± 0.23% α-amylase inhibition. In vivo experiments demonstrated a 68.63% reduction in writhing response, restoration of hepatic antioxidant markers, and a decrease in seizure intensity. Most findings are based on in vitro and in vivo studies, with no clinical investigations; however, evidence from related species such as Ziziphus jujuba highlights potential human benefits and underscores the need for clinical validation. Preclinical results indicated its capacity to reduce serum uric acid levels, proposing a possible role in managing hyperuricemia and gout. Further studies should standardize extraction, identify active compounds, and elucidate mechanistic pathways. Ziziphus mauritiana is a strong natural candidate for nutraceuticals addressing oxidative and metabolic disorders. Studying the therapeutic properties contributes to circular bioeconomy goals, promoting both community health and rural livelihoods, addressing SDG 3 and SDG 12. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026.
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Shah Alam, 40450, Malaysia; Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Bandar Puncak Alam, 42300, Malaysia; Department of Food Science and Microbiology, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand; Postgraduate School, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
