Pharmacological Insights into Ziziphus mauritiana: A Comprehensive Review of Its Therapeutic Potential

The Ber, or Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana), is a key genus in the Rhamnaceae family. This fruit is one of the most ancient and is native to India, thriving in tropical, subtropical, and arid regions. India has a rich diversity of this species. Due to its composition of various phytochemicals, bioactive compounds, vitamins, and other nutrients, Ziziphus mauritiana is known for its effectiveness in treating and preventing numerous health issues. It is characterized as a spiny evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching heights of up to 15 meters, with a trunk diameter of 40 cm or more, a spreading crown, stipular spines, and numerous drooping branches. This plant is recognized for its strong medicinal properties and contains a variety of biologically active compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. It exhibits significant activities such as anti-cancer, antioxidant, wound healing, anti-fertility, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-diarrheal, antifungal, and analgesic effects. Z. mauritiana is considered an important plant for pharmacological purposes. This review paper critically examines and summarizes data on its pharmacological activities, Ayurvedic uses, morphology, and geographical distribution.