Rhamnaceae · seed
Sour jujube seed
Ziziphus jujuba
Seed mapped as the chief TCM herb for deficiency-type insomnia patterns. Standalone Western-style evidence remains limited relative to its formula fame.
Safety first
Suan zao ren is a TCM sleep-pattern seed, usually in formulas. Modern extracts have some human sleep data, but identity (Z. jujuba var. spinosa seed, not the fruit date) and formula context matter.
Tradition vs trials
Traditional record. Bensky records the seed for irritability and insomnia from heart/liver blood or yin deficiency. The fruit (dazao) is a different official drug.
Trial literature. Some human sleep trials of seed extracts or classical formulas (e.g., suanzaoren tang) exist. This catalog keeps the plant tag traditional.
Practical ranges
Educational ranges — not a prescription. Culinary use is not an extract.
seed in decoction (professional)
Bensky / pharmacopoeia professional ranges are typically about 9–15 g crushed seed in decoction, often in formulas
Chinese Pharmacopoeia / Bensky — Educational range only — not a prescription. A licensed clinician individualizes product, dose, and duration.
Pregnancy, nursing, children
- Pregnancy. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
- Nursing. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
- Children. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
Contraindications
- diarrhea-dominant presentations in TCM caution language
- known Rhamnaceae allergy
Key interactions
- sedatives · caution
Additive sedation possible.