Ziziphus lotus (L.), traditionally recognised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has received limited scientific exploration regarding its potential as an antigout agent. This study provides the first investigation of the inhibitory capacity of Z. lotus seed and leaf extracts against bovine xanthine oxidase (BXO), a key enzyme in uric acid biosynthesis and the pathogenesis of gout. To characterise its bioactive constituents, the potent extract was subjected to liquid chromatography-high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-HRESIMS)-based phytochemical profiling. In vitro evaluation confirmed potent inhibitory effects, with the seed extract (IC50=40.63±0.41µg/mL) showing superior activity over the leaf extract (IC50=61.06±1.15µg/mL). LC-HRESIMS profiling of the seed extract identified fourteen metabolites, dominated by syringic acid (16240.00µg/g extract), sinapinic acid (3688.80µg/g extract), and rutin (1918.00µg/g extract) as the major constituents. A computational study focused on phytochemicals not previously assessed against XO; molecular docking demonstrated strong binding interactions to the target protein, suggesting promising inhibitory potential. ADMET and drug-likeness assessments highlighted (+)-trans taxifolin as the most promising candidate for drug development. Overall, these findings establish Z. lotus seeds as a valuable source of natural xanthine oxidase inhibitors and underscore their potential as novel phytotherapeutic agents for treating gout and hyperuricemia.

Cellulose extracted from Ziziphus lotus for the elimination of methyl orange from aqueous solutions

Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam., (Rhamnaceae) a resilient shrub native to Moroccan’s arid regions, functions as a keystone species by creating microhabitats that buffer temperature extremes, retain soil moisture, and accumulate organic matter. However, its role in structuring soil fungal diversity and community composition in these environments remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the spatial distribution of fungal communities associated with Z. lotus in barley-planted and non-planted fields. Soil samples were collected at 0, 3, and 6 m from shrub clusters during the barley harvest. The fungal community was dominated by Ascomycota (93.5%). Alpha diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener and Simpson) were significantly higher near shrub bases (0 and 3 m) compared to more distant soils (6 m), indicating a clear decline in diversity with distance (0 m vs. 6 m: p = 0.0012; 3 m vs. 6 m: p = 0.0007). Soil physicochemical parameters, including calcium carbonate content, nitrate, and salinity, significantly influenced fungal diversity (p ≤ 0.05). Beta diversity analysis revealed significant spatial differentiation in fungal community composition (PERMANOVA: p = 0.001). Overall, fungal richness and diversity were highest near shrub. Genera such as Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Alternaria were more abundant near shrub bases, while taxa like Didymellaceae and Alfaria were specially restricted. Functional predictions indicated dominance of fungi with mixed trophic modes (pathotroph–saprotroph–symbiotroph), suggesting ecological plasticity. Despite barley cultivation, the fungal community structure remained largely similar between the planted and non-planted fields. Overall, our findings underscore the ecological importance of Z. lotus as a reservoir of stress-tolerant fungi and as a potential keystone species for restoring degraded arid ecosystems.

Optimization of gluten-free ice cream cone formulation with carrot powder and Ziziphus lotus syrup using response surface methodology

Comparative study of phenolic profile and antioxidant activities of different parts of Ziziphus lotus using aqueous, hydroalcoholic and pulsed electric field extractions

Hypotensive and potent vasorelaxant effects of the methanolic extract of Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam: Involvement of NO/SERCA Pathway and Activation of Kir Channels

Comparison of antibacterial activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Ziziphus lotus leaves

Comparative antimicrobial activity of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Ziziphus lotus against bacteria and fungi

Ethnoveterinary practices are very widespread in the Algerian steppe. This study was conducted from January to June 2024 with 30 breeders, 17 veterinarians, and 5 zootechnicians. Ethnobotanical survey was adopted to collect data on veterinary plants and their use by livestock farmers in the Naâma region (South west Algeria). 26 medicinal plants belonging to 15 families and 25 genera were identified. The Lamiaceae (19.23%) and Fabaceae (11.54%) families were the most prevalent, leaves being the most frequentlyused plant part (50%). The decoction was the predominant method of remedy preparation (50%) and digestive diseases were the most treated. The most frequently used species were Juniperus phoeniceasubsp. phoenicea(84.62%), Rosmarinus officinalisL. (78.85%), Punica granatumL. (69.23%), Atriplex halimusL. (67.31%), Artemisia herba-alba Asso (63.46%), and Ziziphus lotus(L.) Lam (59.62%). The introduction of cultural heritage management processes is essential to protect indigenous knowledge of veterinary plants.

Background/Objectives: Oncogenic KRAS drives ~30% of solid tumours, yet the only approved G12C-specific drugs benefit ≈ 13% of KRAS-mutant patients, leaving a major clinical gap. We sought mutation-agnostic natural ligands from Ziziphus lotus, whose stereochemically rich phenolics may overcome this limitation by occupying the SI/II (Switch I/Switch II) groove and locking KRAS in its inactive state. Methods: Phytochemical mining yielded five recurrent phenolics, such as (+)-catechin, hyperin, astragalin, eriodictyol, and the prenylated benzoate amorfrutin A, benchmarked against the covalent inhibitor sotorasib. An in silico cascade combined SI/II docking, multi-parameter ADME/T (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) filtering, and 100 ns explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations. Pharmacokinetic modelling predicted oral absorption, Lipinski compliance, mutagenicity, and acute-toxicity class. Results: Hyperin and astragalin showed the strongest non-covalent affinities (-8.6 kcal mol-1) by forging quadridentate hydrogen-bond networks that bridge the P-loop (Asp30/Glu31) to the α3-loop cleft (Asp119/Ala146). Catechin (-8.5 kcal mol-1) balanced polar anchoring with entropic economy. ADME ranked amorfrutin A the highest for predicted oral absorption (93%) but highlighted lipophilic solubility limits; glycosylated flavonols breached Lipinski rules yet remained non-mutagenic with class-5 acute-toxicity liability. Molecular dynamics trajectories confirmed that hyperin clamps the SI/II groove, suppressing loop RMSF below 0.20 nm and maintaining backbone RMSD stability, whereas astragalin retains pocket residence with transient re-orientation. Conclusions: Hyperin emerges as a low-toxicity, mutation-agnostic scaffold that rigidifies inactive KRAS. Deglycosylation, nano-encapsulation, or soft fluorination could reconcile permeability with durable target engagement, advancing Z. lotus phenolics toward broad-spectrum KRAS therapeutics.

Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (Rhamnaceae), a key shrub species native to North Africa, is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions. Renowned for its resilience under harsh conditions, it forms vegetation clusters that influence the surrounding environment. These clusters create microhabitats that promote biodiversity, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil fertility. However, in agricultural fields, Z. lotus is often regarded as an undesirable species. This study investigated the bacterial diversity and community composition along spatial gradients around Z. lotus patches in barley-planted and non-planted fields. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, 84 soil samples were analyzed from distances of 0, 3, and 6 m from Z. lotus patches. MiSeq sequencing generated 143,424 reads, representing 505 bacterial ASVs across 22 phyla. Alpha-diversity was highest at intermediate distances (3 m), while beta-diversity analyses revealed significant differences in community composition across distances (p = 0.035). Pseudomonadota dominated close to the shrub (44% at 0 m) but decreased at greater distances, whereas Bacillota and Actinobacteriota displayed distinct spatial patterns. A core microbiome comprising 44 ASVs (8.7%) was shared across all distances, with the greatest number of unique ASVs identified at 3 m. Random forest analysis highlighted Skermanella and Rubrobacter as key discriminatory taxa. These findings emphasize the spatial structuring of bacterial communities around Z. lotus patches, demonstrating the shrub's substantial influence on bacterial dynamics in arid ecosystems.

Despite the development of modern medicine, medicinal plants constitute a valuable resource for urban and rural populations in developing countries. The objective of this contribution is to identify the spontaneous medicinal plants most used by the population of Naâma province in traditional human medicine. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted among a sample of 140 individuals. The information collected concerned, on the one hand, the profile of the respondents and, on the other, the ethnobotanical uses of plants. The biological types of the identified plants were determined and the relative frequency of citation (RFC) was estimated to analyze theimportance of the identified plants. In total, we identified 23 species belonging to 12 families and 20 genera. The Lamiaceae (21.74 %), Fabaceae (17.39 %), and Asteraceae (13.04 %) families are the most dominant. For the biological types, phanerophytes and chamaephytes are the most used with respectively 52.18% and 43.48%. The aerial parts are the most harvested for the preparation of remedies (52.17 %), decoction is the most commonly used preparation method (65.22 %) and oral administration is the most recommended (95.65 %) Species with a high RFC are Juniperus phoenicea L., Hammada scparia (Pomel) Iljin., Pinus halepensis Mill., Atriplex halimus L., Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam., Artemisia herba-alba Asso., Pistacia atlantica Desf., Olea europaea L.

This study elucidates the unprecedented bioremediative potential of Ziziphus lotus (Ziz. lotus) leaf biomass for detoxifying hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) in aqueous systems through a synergistic adsorption-reduction mechanism. Leveraging a four-factor Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD), we optimized key parameters: quantity of Ziz. lotus (m = 142 mg), medium acidity (pH = 1), thermal condition (T = 50 °C), and initial concentration of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) (C = 100 mg L-1) achieving complete transformation of Cr(VI) with a high desirability index. Rigorous statistical validation via ANOVA confirmed the quadratic model's robustness. Morphological characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a hierarchically porous, fibrillated architecture with a high specific surface area (125.174 m2 g-1), facilitating enhanced contaminant accessibility. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) deciphered critical functional moieties implicated in Cr(VI) reduction. Beyond its exceptional capacity, Ziz. lotus biomass offers a carbon-negative, scalable solution for industrial effluent treatment, circumventing the high operational costs and secondary pollution risks of conventional methods.

This study investigated the antioxidant properties of natural compounds derived from the medicinal plant Ziziphus lotus, traditionally used for treating liver disorders. The research focused on its potential to mitigate biochemical alterations induced by the pesticide Deltamethrin in rats. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were exposed to Deltamethrin (7 μl/kg/day), after which they received aqueous extract of Ziziphus lotus at three different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage. After 33 days of treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for serum biochemical analysis. Liver tissues were preserved for assessment of antioxidant activity. The extraction process yielded 20%, with a high polyphenol content of 12.04 ± 0.142 mg AGE/mL (Gallic Acid Equivalents per millilitre of extract). The DPPH assay confirmed strong antioxidant potential of the extract, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.62 ± 0.146 μg/mL. In vivo results showed that Deltamethrin exposure led to significant reductions in body weight and increases in serum levels of Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), alpha-amylase, cholesterol, creatinine, and urea (p < 0.05 vs. control), indicating hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Additionally, antioxidant defence markers such as reduced glutathione (GSH) were diminished, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased, reflecting enhanced lipid peroxidation. Treatment with Ziziphus lotus extract at all three doses ameliorated several liver and kidney function markers and restored body weight. The presence of bioactive secondary metabolites in the extract contributed to its significant biological activities, notably its potent antioxidant effects demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.

Plant to plant interactions are key drivers of community structure and assembly. We investigate the effect of facilitation on phryganic plant community structure, focusing on plant crown size, and whether the identified facilitative interactions related to community architecture are common in arid environments. We analysed the spatial patterns of 11 species in an arid area in Cyprus. A matrix was created to illustrate the associations between recruited and canopy species, which were found to be more positive than expected by chance, based on the Chi-square test. The corresponding indices of nestedness and connectance were calculated. The associations between recruited and canopy species were found to be positive, exhibiting a high nested structure (p < 0.001) with a 26% connectance in a non-random nested pattern. The presence of facilitative interactions was confirmed by the almost double number of recruits under the canopies of facilitators versus open ground. Ziziphus lotus, demonstrated the highest facilitation capacity (ca. 1.4 times higher than expected; covering ca. 57% of the area occupied by the nurses). Thymbra capitata and Noaea mucronata followed. The high degree of regularity in the assembly of plants within the community suggests that a facilitator’s network is fundamental for maintaining plant diversity in phryganic communities.

The genus Ziziphus consists of many species spreading globally and has been broadly utilized as traditional medicine in various nations and societies. Many studies have been carried out on numerous species of this genus, including Ziziphus jujuba in China and Asian Countries, Ziziphus spina-christi, Ziziphus mauritiana, and Ziziphus lotus in the Middle East, India, and Africa, as well as Ziziphus joazeiro in South America. Bioactive plant studies have been enriched with metabolomic approaches in the past ten years. Since 2013, metabolomics has been implemented on multiple Ziziphus species, employing analytical techniques including GC-MS, LC-MS, and NMR. This report reviewed metabolomics works focusing on Z. jujuba, Z. spina-christi, Z. mauritiana, and Z. lotus. Some of these studies employed metabolomics for comparative studies of Ziziphus based on the different species, variation in maturity levels, and distinction in the cultivation area. Meanwhile, the other works revealed the correlations between the metabolomics profiles and diverse bioactivity tests, encompassing antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tyrosinase, anti-obesity, and antiparasitic effects. However, metabolomics studies regarding pharmacological activity were still limited.

The Ziziphus plant is widely used in Libyan traditional medical treatment for many infections, it is classified as one of the important medicinal plants. Ziziphus plant growth in Libya in some regions and it is tolerant to the climate in these regions, in semi-desert and mountain regions around Al Gabal Al Khder locations. In this study, the Ziziphus plant was selected and collected from different places, the semi-desert at Marawa station and Mountain at (AlHaeiea station). The contents of total phenols and antioxidant capacity were determined. In addition to the levels of minerals (Sodium, potassium, and Calcium), the quantities of phosphorus and nitrogen were also estimated. The results recorded that the ziziphus plant of the studied areas contained important amounts of antioxidant values and they ranged between (1.21 -1.73 mg/g). Also, the total phenol contents ranged between (1.90 -2.87ppm). The concentrations of sodium, potassium, and calcium were fluctuated in the ranges of (10.7 -25.10), (35.4 -49) and (20.3-30 ppm), respectively. While the phosphorous and nitrogen ranged between (1.90– 3.45) and (0.14 – 0.26 ppm), respectively. The results of the study indicated that the ziziphus collected from the selected contains important levels of antioxidants, total phenols, and minerals.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to diverse indigenous medicinal plants traditionally used for centuries. This study systematically evaluates the pharmacological and nutritional potential of key medicinal plants, including Lawsonia inermis, Nigella sativa, Ziziphus spina-christi, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Matricaria aurea, Phoenix dactylifera, Portulaca oleracea, Reichardia tingitana, Salvadora persica, Solanum lycopersicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Withania somnifera, and Ziziphus lotus. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies relevant to their nutritional and pharmacological uses. The findings highlight the therapeutic roles of these plants in managing global health challenges such as gastrointestinal diseases, and antimicrobial resistance through bioactive compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Additionally, their contributions to nutrition, including essential vitamins and minerals, are emphasized for disease prevention and health promotion. While this research focuses on the UAE, the implications are globally relevant, as many of these plants are also found in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Integrating these findings into global nutritional and healthcare systems offers potential solutions for pressing public health concerns, reduces reliance on synthetic pharmaceuticals, and promotes sustainable healthcare practices. This work is a valuable reference for researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, bridging traditional knowledge and modern scientific applications globally.

The long-term pathological state known as metabolic syndrome is characterized by hypertension, insulin resistance diabetes, abdominal obesity, and hyperlipidemia. Seeking healthcare strategies with fewer side effects, such as herbal remedies, is preferable in terms of mitigating the negative consequences of synthetic medications. Ziziphus lotus (L.) (Rhamnaceae) or wild jujube, commonly known as "Sedra," is one of the best choices as it contains a variety of phytochemicals and biologically active compounds. Several flavonoids and stilbenes have been recognized as the primary bioactive components in wild jujube, including rutin, hyperin, isoquercitrin, and resveratrol. These polyphenols are pharmacologically active and have broad-spectrum beneficial effects for reducing the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. They exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, regulate lipid metabolism, and possess antiobesity, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic characteristics. However, there are certain limitations to their therapeutic application, such as low bioavailability. Various strategies have been proposed to enhance their pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic potential for future use. The main goal of this review is to explore the underlying mechanisms related to the therapeutic effects of wild jujube and its active compounds in the treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome.

Fusarium culmorum is a soil-borne fungal pathogen causing root and stem rot, seedling blight, and significant yield losses in small grain cereals, including wheat. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of Bacillus subtilis ED24, an endophytic strain isolated from Ziziphus lotus (L.) roots, and its effects on wheat growth and yield under controlled conditions. In vitro assays demonstrated that B. subtilis ED24 inhibited F. culmorum mycelial growth by up to 87%, associated with the secretion of 37 distinct secondary metabolites, predominantly involved in carbon cycling. In pot experiments, B. subtilis ED24 significantly enhanced wheat germination (85%) and growth compared to infected plants treated with the chemical fungicide tebuconazole. Although nutrient analysis showed significantly higher shoot nitrogen (32.34 mg/pot) and phosphorus (2.41 mg/pot) contents in the B. subtilis ED24 treatment compared to tebuconazole (8.11 and 0.18 mg/pot, respectively), no significant differences were observed when compared to the infected control (C-). Similarly, B. subtilis ED24 led to improved thousand grain weight (40.4 g), protein content (19.98%), and ash content (1.95%) relative to tebuconazole (29.1 g, 18.31%, and 1.74%, respectively), yet these values did not differ significantly from the infected control (C-). Notably, the number of seeds per pot was significantly increased by B. subtilis ED24 compared to the infected control (C-) (113.8 seeds/pot vs. 54.2 seeds/pot). Additionally, B. subtilis ED24 modulated the wheat rhizosphere microbiome, enriching beneficial taxa such as Eurotiomycetes fungal class and the bacterial genus Paramesorhizobium. These findings suggest that the antifungal activity and growth-promoting effects of B. subtilis ED24 are likely mediated through the synthesis of unique bioactive metabolites and microbiome modulation, offering a promising sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides in wheat production.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00248-025-02590-5.