Evidence supporting the use of: Jujube
For the health condition: PMS (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is believed to support overall women's health, calm the mind, and nourish the blood. Its use for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is rooted mainly in these traditional practices, where it is often included in herbal formulas to address symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, and fatigue—common complaints during PMS. The rationale is based on the jujube's reputed ability to 'tonify' the spleen and liver and to alleviate emotional disturbances.

However, scientific validation for jujube’s efficacy in treating or alleviating PMS symptoms is very limited. Most modern research on jujube focuses on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties, but there are no robust clinical trials directly investigating its effects on PMS. A few animal and cell studies suggest that jujube extracts may influence neurotransmitter levels and modulate stress responses, which could theoretically be beneficial for PMS-related mood symptoms. Nonetheless, the evidence is indirect, and there are no established mechanisms or high-quality human studies specifically linking jujube to improvements in PMS. Thus, while jujube’s use for PMS is supported by tradition, current scientific evidence is lacking, earning it a low evidence rating.

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