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:: Volume 13, Issue 2 ( Apr-Jun 2026) ::
Nutr Food Health Dis 2026, 13(2): 31-45 Back to browse issues page
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Insights into Ziziphus jujuba: Mechanisms Associated to Fatigue, Stress and Recovery Physiology
Babak Hooshmand-Moghadam * , Abbas Ali Gaeini , Amir Rashidlamir
Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran , b.hooshmand@um.ac.ir
Abstract:   (256 Views)
Ziziphus jujuba, commonly known as jujube, is a medicinal fruit with a long ethnopharmacological history in Persian and Eastern traditional medicine. Increasing evidence has highlighted its diverse bioactive profile and potential physiological relevance in modulating fatigue, psychological stress, inflammation and metabolic recovery. This narrative review synthesized multidisciplinary findings on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological mechanisms and physiological implications of Ziziphus jujuba associated to stress and recovery processes. A comprehensive literature search was carried out within PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (up to May 2025), including in vitro, animal and human studies investigating its effects on biochemical, neurophysiological and metabolic parameters. The primary bioactive constituents saponins, flavonoids and jujubosides exert neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of central nervous system signaling, cytokine expression, oxidative balance and sleep regulation. Such mechanisms support physiological resilience and recovery from exercise-induced or stress-associated fatigue. Additionally, cardiometabolic benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, lipid modulation and blood pressure regulation, have been reported. Practical considerations for the integration of jujube into nutritional and pharmacological support strategies were discussed, with emphasis on dose, timing and potential interactions. Although preclinical and limited clinical evidence supports its adaptogenic and restorative actions, rigorous randomized controlled trials are warranted to clarify causal mechanisms and translational potential. Overall, Ziziphus jujuba represents a promising phytotherapeutic candidate for modulating neuroimmune, oxidative and metabolic pathways linked to human recovery physiology.
Keywords: Ziziphus jujuba, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Oxidative stress, Inflammation, Recovery physiology, Adaptogenic activity
Full-Text [PDF 785 kb]   (158 Downloads)    
Article type: Review | Subject: Nutrition
Received: 2025/11/13 | Accepted: 2026/02/22 | Published: 2026/09/23

  • Ziziphus jujuba shows neuroendocrine, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions linked to sports recovery.
  • Key phytochemicals (e.g., jujubosides, flavonoids and saponins) affect sleep quality, stress resilience and fatigue.
  • The plant demonstrates promising effects on glycemic control, lipid metabolism and cardiovascular regulation in active populations.
  • Preclinical and emerging clinical studies suggest adaptogenic and recovery-enhancing benefits in exercise contexts.
  • Practical dosing strategies and sport-specific applications are proposed for nutritionists and performance practitioners.
  • The review offers a translational model linking traditional use with modern exercise science and sport nutrition frameworks.
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Hooshmand-Moghadam B, Gaeini A A, Rashidlamir A. Phytochemical and Pharmacological Insights into Ziziphus jujuba: Mechanisms Associated to Fatigue, Stress and Recovery Physiology. Nutr Food Health Dis 2026; 13 (2) :31-45
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Nutrition and food in health and disease
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