Evidence supporting the use of: Jujubosides
For the body system: Senses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Jujubosides are saponin compounds found in the seeds of Ziziphus jujuba (commonly known as jujube or Chinese date). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), jujube seeds (often referred to as Suan Zao Ren) have long been used to calm the mind, promote relaxation, and support sleep. This traditional use is closely associated with the "Shen" or spirit, which is considered to relate to the sensory and mental-emotional aspects of health in TCM. While the concept of the "Senses" body system is not directly referenced in TCM, the calming, sedative, and potentially neuroprotective effects ascribed to jujubosides could be interpreted as indirectly supporting sensory function, particularly in the context of stress, anxiety, or insomnia impacting sensory perception.
Modern scientific research on jujubosides is limited but indicates some central nervous system activity, such as anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), sedative, and neuroprotective effects in animal studies. However, direct evidence for supporting the sensory systems (such as vision, hearing, smell, taste, or touch) is lacking. The traditional use of jujube seed preparations for calming the mind and improving sleep forms the primary foundation for its use in supporting mental clarity and emotional balance, which can secondarily influence sensory experiences.
In summary, the use of jujubosides to support the Senses body system is rooted mainly in traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation, and evidence specific to the sensory systems is limited.