suanzaoren

Suanzaoren refers to the dried seeds of *Ziziphus jujuba* Mill. var. *spinosa* (Bunge) Hu ex H.F. Chou (commonly called sour jujube seed or Semen Ziziphi Spinosae), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb widely used for its sedative and hypnotic effects in the management of insomnia and sleep disturbances[3][2][7]. It is often used as the principal ingredient in classic formulas such as Suan Zao Ren Tang or Suanzaoren decoction (SZRD), which also contains other herbs like Poria mushroom (*Fu Ling*), Sichuan Lovage root (*Chuan Xiong*), Anemarrhena root (*Zhi Mu*), and Licorice root (*Gan Cao*)[1][2][7]. The main bioactive components include saponins (jujuboside A/B), flavonoids (spinosin), triterpenoids, steroids, coumarins, phthalides, and volatile oils[7]. Mechanistically, suanzaoren is believed to exert its effects by modulating neurotransmitter systems involved in sleep regulation—primarily enhancing GABAergic activity via stimulation of GABA receptors and serotonergic pathways; it may also influence neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways[1][5]. Clinical studies suggest that suanzaoren improves subjective sleep quality with a favorable safety profile compared to placebo or standard pharmacotherapy for insomnia[3][6].

Brand names

Tabellae Suanzaoren Tang

Other names

Semen Ziziphi SpinosaeZiziphusSour Jujube seedZiziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H.F. ChouSuan Zao RenSuan Zao Ren TangSour Jujube DecoctionZiziphus Decoction Formula