ABSTRACT
Unnab (Ziziphus sativa Gaertn) is one of those traditional plants which have a long history of usage as a fruit and remedy. According to Unani literature, it possesses nutritional as well as therapeutic values, thus it is one of the herbal nutraceuticals. Modern literature and research studies also prove it. Its fruit, seed, leaves and bark are used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases such as fasad-e-khoon (blood putrefaction), hiddat-e-khoon, chest pain, burning micturition, chronic ulcer etc. The fresh and dried, both ripe fruits of Unnab contain carbohydrates, proteins, many vitamins, and minerals. Its phytochemical constituents are Vitamin C, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics and polysaccharides. Research studies showed its pharmacological activities like antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antiallergic, antifungal, antidiarrhoeal, antidiabetic and wound healing activities etc.
Keywords: Unnab, Fasad-e-khoon, Nutritional value