Effect of Zizyphus jujuba on serum lipid profile and some anthropometric measurements

Abstract

Zizyphus jujuba is a thorny Rhamnaceous plant that is widely distributed in Europe and South-Eastern Asia. It is used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. The aim of this study was to find out the possible anti-obesity and hypolipidemic activity of different doses (5, 15 and 30 g/day) of Z. jujuba powder and to evaluate its effect on liver function. A group of 83 persons (41 men and 42 women) aged 20 to 57 years (32 ± 13) participated in this study. They were divided into three groups according to their body mass index (BMI). Z. jujuba powder was prepared and a specific questionnaire was given to the participants. Blood specimens were collected and several tests were performed to determine lipid profile and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). A group of anthropometric measurements were taken as well. This procedure was repeated after three months. The results indicated a significant reduction in total cholesterols (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), BMI, fat percentage and body weight after administration of doses (5, 15 and 30 g/day) of Z. jujuba powder in all groups. Triglycerides (TG) were reduced significantly after consumption 30 g/day of Z. jujuba powder. A slight increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was observed. Z. jujuba impact on weight status was significant after consumption of 30 g/day of Z. jujuba powder, while the impact of other doses were not. It can be concluded that different doses of Z. jujuba powder possess hypolipidemic and anti-obesity properties, and did not show any negative impact on liver function as measured by ALT and AST.

Keywords: Zizyphus jujuba, anthropometric measurement, lipid profile, obesity, diabetes.