What is the recommended dosage for Jujube Seed Extract?

Sleep: 250-500 mg standardized extract, 30-60 min before bed

What are the side effects of Jujube Seed Extract?

Potential side effects include: Drowsiness (intended effect), Mild GI discomfort, Vivid dreams (reported anecdotally).

What is jujube seed and can it help with sleep?

Jujube seed (Ziziphus jujuba, also known as suan zao ren) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for insomnia for over 2,000 years. The seeds contain active compounds including jujuboside A, spinosin, and flavonoids that may modulate GABA and serotonin receptors. Several small clinical trials suggest improvements in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Typical dosage is 250-500 mg of standardized extract. Consult your healthcare provider.

What is the traditional basis for using jujube seed for sleep?

Jujube seed (Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years as a primary herb for insomnia and anxiety. Known as 'Suan Zao Ren,' it is the most frequently prescribed single herb for sleep in TCM pharmacopoeia. Modern research has identified its key active compounds — jujubosides A and B, spinosin, and flavonoids — which appear to modulate GABAergic and serotonergic pathways. A meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials found jujube seed preparations may support sleep quality compared to placebo, though most studies used traditional formulations rather than isolated extracts.

What dose of jujube seed is typically studied for sleep?

Clinical studies have used varying doses of jujube seed, but most research centers around the standardized extract 'Suan Zao Ren Tang' at doses equivalent to 15-30 grams of dried seed per day in traditional decoction form. Modern standardized extracts are typically dosed at 250-500 mg of concentrated extract (often standardized to jujuboside content). The optimal extraction method and standardization markers are still being established in Western research. Studies suggest taking jujube seed 30-60 minutes before bedtime may support relaxation and sleep onset.

Jujube Seed Extract

herb

Also known as: Suan Zao Ren, Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa, Ziziphus spinosa

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Jujube seed (Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as Suan Zao Ren for insomnia for over 2,000 years. Modern research suggests jujuboside A and spinosin, its key compounds, modulate GABAergic and serotonergic neurotransmission to support sedation and anxiolysis.

How It Works

Jujuboside A modulates GABA-A receptor activity; spinosin enhances serotonergic signaling; flavonoids provide anxiolytic effects that reduce pre-sleep arousal.

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
Insomnia	D	0	--	View →
Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems	D	0	--	View →

Side Effects

Drowsiness (intended effect)
Mild GI discomfort
Vivid dreams (reported anecdotally)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

Sedatives and benzodiazepines — additive CNS depression
Anticoagulants — jujube may have mild antiplatelet effects
CYP450 substrates — potential enzyme inhibition (limited data)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

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Quick Facts

Dosage: Sleep: 250-500 mg standardized extract, 30-60 min before bed
Forms: capsule powder liquid extract
Natural Sources: Jujube fruit seeds (sour jujube)
Upper Limit: Not formally established
Best Time: 30-60 minutes before bed

Evidence Summary

Insomnia D

Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems D

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.