Sidr Leaves – A Multipurpose Tree With Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Properties

The Yemeni ancestors used to crush Sidr leaves and mix them with olive oil to treat wounds, bruises and cuts. They also boiled the leaves to make tea that they used as hair rinse and scalp treatment. It was believed to reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth. The anti-inflammatory properties in the leaves are thought to help with dandruff as well. Sidr leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

The Sidr (Zizyphus Spina Christi) is a multipurpose tree that has been used for medicinal purposes in many cultures, especially the Arabian region. It has been cultivated in gardens, farms and private yards. It is a long-lived and drought resistant species that grows in various types of soil as it tolerates hot and dry climates.

Besides its medicinal uses, the Sidr has a sweet fruit that is considered to have cooling effects on the body. The fruit contains 3 to 4 seeds and is light green in color when unripe. When ripe, the fruit has a purplish-black colour and is soft and juicy. The fruit’s phytochemicals include beutic acid, christanin A, christanin B, and cyclopeptides 14.

A study found that the extract from Sidr leaves has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as the ability to boost immune system function. It also has a potential to cure enterobiasis vermicularis, a common parasitic infection that affects the intestines. The study tested the effect of two doses of Sidr leaves extracts (10 and 20 mg/day) on EV infected stool samples. The results showed that the Sidr leaves extracts significantly reduced worm count in both groups from the first to the second week.