Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, Toxicological, and Pharmacological Properties of Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam.: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (Rhamnaceae) is a plant species found across the Mediterranean area. This comprehensive overview aims to summarize the botanical description and ethnobotanical uses of Z. lotus and its phytochemical compounds derived with recent updates on its pharmacological and toxicological properties. The data were collected from electronic databases including the Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Google Scholars. It can be seen from the literature that Z. lotus is traditionally used to treat and prevent several diseases including diabetes, digestive problems, urinary tract problems, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disorders, neurological diseases, and dermal problems. The extracts of Z. lotus demonstrated several pharmacological properties in vitro and in vivo such as antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-oxidant, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic, anti-proliferative, anti-spasmodic, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects. The phytochemical characterization of Z. lotus extracts revealed the presence of over 181 bioactive compounds including terpenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and fatty acids. Toxicity studies on Z. lotus showed that extracts from this plant are safe and free from toxicity. Thus, further research is needed to establish a possible relationship between traditional uses, plant chemistry, and pharmacological properties. Furthermore, Z. lotus is quite promising as a medicinal agent, so further clinical trials should be conducted to prove its efficacy.

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“…In traditional medicine, Ziziphus lotus is used for its soothing and analgesic effects, especially in managing insomnia and anxiety. The fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties [21].…”

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Genotoxicity of Ptychotis verticillata Essential Oil: Towards Novel Breast Cancer Therapeutics

“…According to the latest GLOBOCAN 2020 statistics, breast cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality, with around 2.3 million new cases detected worldwide [1]. In 2020, around 2.26 million breast cancer cases were reported, with a 95% uncertainty interval ranging Life 2023, 13, 1586 2 of 14 from 2.24 to 2.79 million [2]. Oxidative stress is thought to considerably influence the development and progression of breast tumors through various mechanisms.…”

“…One such mechanism involves DNA damage in breast cells, which can be attributed to oxidative stress-induced damage [1]. The rich phytochemical composition of essential oils derived from medicinal and aromatic plants in terms of secondary metabolites is mainly responsible for their antioxidant activity against free radicals and their potential in treating various diseases, including cancer [2,3].…”

Antioxidant, hepatoprotective & nephroprotective potential of a novel synthetic compound 2′, 3′-dihydroxybenzylidene in paracetamol intoxicated rats

“…Numerous herbal extracts are available that are known to have protective activity against liver damage. Extracts of silymarin ( Silybum marianum ) [ 19 ], Zingiber officinale leaves [ 20 ], Skimmia anquetilia [ 21 ] and Ziziphus lotus [ 22 ] have been reported as proven hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and antioxidant agents in a variety of toxicities caused by different xenobiotics in animal models. Centaurium erythraea and Gentianacea were prescribed by ancient physicians for liver and gall bladder illnesses, hepatitis, and pyrexia [ 23 , 24 ].…”