Chapter 123 - Effect of Sour Date (Semen ziziphi spinosae) Seed Extract on Treating Insomnia and Anxiety

Abstract

This chapter highlights the nutritional and therapeutic effects of sour date. Sour date, or Semen ziziphi spinosae, is an excellent natural and safe “sedative” herb. In Chinese medicine, this herb nourishes the two organs responsible for sleep, the liver and heart. When balance is brought back to these organs, then sleep occurs naturally. Semen ziziphi spinosae is the main ingredient of the formula of ancient Chinese medicine, which is used for the treatment of deficiency and insomnia. The actions of the formula are to nourish the blood, clear heat, relieve restlessness, and treat insomnia. According to ancient prescriptions and theories, both raw and prepared Semen ziziphi spinosae can work as a natural herb for insomnia. Clinical practice has shown that the efficacy of these raw or prepared natural herbs is not opposing. Laboratory animal studies of Semen ziziphi spinosae extract confirm a sedative effect, though the constituents that contribute to this effect have not all been specifically identified. Semen ziziphi spinosae is reported to have very low toxicity when taken orally. In laboratory animals, a huge single dose of 50 g/kg body weight produced no toxic symptoms, and a daily dose of 20 g/kg for 30 days did not produce toxic reactions. Side effects have not been reported.