Compound or practice · Supplement
Ziziphus (Jujube / Suanzaoren)
A traditional jujube-seed sedative used across Asia for insomnia and anxiety — plausible and gentle, lightly studied.
- Overall grade
- Grade C
- Last revised
- 2
- graded outcomes
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
2 at grade C — 2 graded rows
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Sleep qualityEvidence grade C
Often in formulas
Smallmixed
- AnxietyEvidence grade C
Traditional
Smalllow
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Sleep quality (grade C); Anxiety (grade C).
- Caution with Sedative: Additive sedation with other sleep aids and alcohol.
Interactions
Documented pairings with supplements and medicines. A medicine on this list is a conversation for whoever prescribes it.
SedativeCaution
Additive sedation with other sleep aids and alcohol.
The evidence in words
What it is
Ziziphus (jujube seed, 'suanzaoren') is a staple of traditional Chinese sleep formulas, used for insomnia and anxiety.
How it works
Its saponins and flavonoids appear to act on GABAergic and serotonergic pathways, producing mild sedation.
What the evidence shows
Small and traditional-medicine trials (often as part of formulas) suggest ziziphus improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety, with a plausible GABAergic mechanism. Standalone, high-quality trials are limited.
Safety & interactions
Generally safe; can be sedating — additive with other sleep aids and alcohol. sedative — Additive sedation with other sleep aids and alcohol.
Bottom line
A gentle, traditional sleep-and-calm herb with plausible mechanism and modest evidence. Reasonable in a wind-down stack; give sedation its due respect.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Ziziphus (Jujube / Suanzaoren) for AnxietyEvidence grade C — TraditionalEvidence grade C
- PassionflowerA gentle GABAergic herb with modest anxiety and sleep signals — a mild, benign calmer.Evidence grade C
- Passionflower for AnxietyEvidence grade C — Small trialsEvidence grade C
- ValerianA traditional sedative herb with inconsistent trials and a common morning-grogginess complaint.Evidence grade C
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.