Jujube
Ziziphus jujuba
B Limited clinical evidenceJujube fruit helped with constipation in small studies; evidence for sleep is weak. People taking antidepressants should be careful and ask a doctor first.
JujubeOn this page
At a glance
Jujube is a small date-like fruit eaten fresh or dried. In a randomized trial in children with constipation, jujube paste worked as well as polyethylene glycol, and a small adult study also found fewer symptoms. There is no strong human evidence for insomnia or anxiety.
Updated: October 24, 2026
Sources and research limitations appear below. The existence of a source does not mean every use has been clinically verified.
What is it used for?
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.
How do we rate evidence levels? →In a randomized trial in 128 children aged 2–12, four weeks of jujube paste was as effective as polyethylene glycol for functional constipation and reduced stool hardness more. In a small study of 50 adults, jujube extract also reduced symptoms. [2][1]
How is it used?
Food
Fresh or dried fruit is eaten as food. There is no verified dose for clinical use; studies used different products such as paste, syrup and drops.
[1]Safety & interactions
- A serious serotonin reaction was reported with antidepressants such as venlafaxine; ask your doctor if you take an antidepressant.
- People taking epilepsy medicines should ask their doctor; in animal studies it increased the effect of some of these drugs.
- There are no safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding; avoid bark preparations.
- Allergic reactions such as hives, facial swelling or shortness of breath have been reported; cross-reaction is possible in people with latex allergy.
- If constipation in a child persists, or there is pain, bleeding or vomiting, see a doctor.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Venlafaxine and other serotonergic antidepressants | A severe acute serotonin reaction was reported after a single dose of venlafaxine in a patient who regularly took jujube. Ask your doctor before combining. [1] | Moderate |
| Phenytoin and phenobarbital | Increased the effect of these drugs in rodent studies; relevance in humans is unknown. [1] | Minor |
Side effects
- No adverse effects reported in one clinical trial
- Allergic reactions (hives, angioedema, asthma, low blood pressure; rare)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Frequently asked questions
Does jujube help with constipation?
In a randomized trial in children, jujube paste worked as well as polyethylene glycol for functional constipation. A small adult study also found fewer symptoms; the evidence is limited.
Does jujube help you sleep?
There is no strong human evidence for insomnia or anxiety; only a few small studies and reviews of limited quality exist.
Can I eat jujube while pregnant?
There are no safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor before using supplements or extracts, and avoid bark preparations.
Does jujube interact with medicines?
A serious serotonin reaction with venlafaxine was reported in a patient who regularly took jujube. If you take antidepressants or epilepsy medicines, ask your doctor.
Does jujube lower cholesterol?
One study in obese teenagers reported lower total and LDL cholesterol, with no change in other values. The evidence rests on a single small study.
Sources
Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.
- JujubeDrugs.com — Natural Products (Wolters Kluwer) · 2026 · Reference bookSource accessed:
- Jujube Versus Polyethylene Glycol for Maintenance Treatment of Pediatric Functional Constipation: A Randomized Clinical TrialIranian Journal of Pediatrics · 2023 · Randomized controlled trialSource accessed:
Cite This Page
Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/jujube/
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