Background: Ziziphus mauritiana (Ber), is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub/tree species found abundantly across Chhattisgarh. Tribal and rural communities in Chhattisgarh have long used ber as a supplemental livestock feed, especially for goats and sheep. As a naturally available, low-cost resource, ber contributes significantly to sustainable and traditional animal husbandry in Chhattisgarh. Its use reduces dependence on commercial feed inputs, thereby lowering the cost of livestock production. India the research on the use of Ziziphus mauritiana (Ber) in animal feed is very scarce with this in view the present study was conducted. 
 
Methods: An in vivo experiment was conducted on 24 Osmanabadi goat kids (4-5 months old), randomly divided into four groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3) with six animals each, to evaluate the effects of replacing maize with ground whole ber fruit (0%, 20%, 30% and 40%) in concentrate mixtures on growth performance, blood biochemistry and oxidative stress indices. All goats were dewormed, housed under intensive management and fed according to specifications, with uniform crude protein (18.5%) across diets. The 90-day trial involved feeding 200 g/day of respective concentrate mixtures (C0, C2, C3 and C4) along with green fodder (Berseem hay). Body weight, dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded fortnightly. Blood samples were collected for serum biochemical and oxidative stress markers using standard protocols and diagnostic kits. 
 
Result: The results of the 90-day feeding trial demonstrated that partial replacement of maize with ground whole ber fruit in the concentrate mixture positively influenced growth performance, serum biochemistry and oxidative stress indices in Osmanabadi goat kids. Results revealed that dietary replacement of maize with ber fruit powder up to 40% had no significant effect on fortnightly body weight, average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). All animals exhibited normal growth patterns throughout the 90-day experimental period. Although numerically higher body weight gain and better FCR were observed in the 40% replacement group (T3), these differences were not statistically significant, indicating that ber fruit powder did not compromise growth performance. Biochemically, T3 exhibited significantly higher serum glucose and total protein levels (P&lt;0.05), along with reduced blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol and triglyceride levels by day 90, suggesting improved energy metabolism, protein utilization and lipid profile. Importantly, oxidative stress indices revealed a significant increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) and a marked decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) in T2 and T3, reflecting enhanced antioxidant status and reduced lipid peroxidation. Overall, these findings suggest that replacing maize with ground whole ber fruit up to 40% in the diet can be a beneficial strategy for improving growth, health and oxidative stability in growing goats.

Ziziphus mauritiana Fruit as a Maize Substitute in the Diet of Osmanabadi Goat Kids: Effects on Growth, Biochemical Parameters and Oxidative Status

This experiment was carried out to study the effect of various treatments on seed germination in ber. The treatments consisted of T1 (control seed sown fresh, T2 (H2SO4 for 8 minutes),), T3 (Seed kernel sown), T4 (18% salt solution dip for 24 hrs), T5 (18% salt solution dip treatment for 48 hours), T6 (cracking of seed coat with hammer), T7 (18% salt solution dip treatment+36hrs water dip treatment), T8 (One year old seed sown). The results of this experiment show that among various treatments days taken for seeds germination ranged from 9.60-18.40 and 9.2-19.6 days during 2005 and 2006 respectively. There was early seed germination in T3 treatment followed by the T8. In T3 treatment germination were started 9.6 and 9.2 days after sowing seeds during 2005 and 2006 respectively. The duration of seed germination among various treatments ranged between 10 to 32.3 days. Minimum numbers of the days taken for completion of germination of seeds were recorded in T3 treatment followed by T8. In this treatment seed germination was completed with in 10 days after seed germination was started. The &nbsp; seed germination ranged between 18.6-68.6 and 17.0 -71.6 percent during 2005 and 2006 among various treatments respectively and maximum percent seed germination was recorded in T8, &nbsp;in which germination was 68.6 and 71.6 per cent during 2005 -06 respectively. The mean maximum seedling height was recorded in T8 treatment and this was followed by the T3 treatment. The results are very encouraging that within same season there was 70.52 per cent seedling become bud able in T8 treatment. Maximum height of budded plant was recorded in T8 when seeds were sown after one-year storage this was followed by T4 and minimum (61.30cm) was recorded in T2. 
&nbsp;

Effect of various treatments on seeds germination in&nbsp;Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk)

Background: Ber is a significant fruit crop in desert regions. The fully ripe ber fruit is rich in calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B and vitamin A, among other nutrients. Spraying plants in mid-October and in last week of December with various treatments, NAA (20 ppm and 30 ppm), GA3&nbsp;(30 ppm and 40 ppm), salicylic acid (300 ppm), ZnSO4&nbsp;(0.5%) alone and in combination, along with a control group, each repeated three times. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: This study investigated the impact of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) on the biochemical parameters of ber. Field trials were conducted involving foliar applications of PGRs and ZnSO4, both individually and in combination. Spraying was done in two stages, the first in mid-October during the flowering stage and the second in the last week of November during the pealet stage. The experiment employed randomized block design (RBD). Ber fruits were assessed for total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS acid ratio, sugars, vitamin C, total ash content, total protein content, total fat content, total fiber content and total moisture content. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Results showed that T10- GA3+ZnSO4+Salicylic acid (40 ppm+0.5%+300 ppm) has given best result followed by T9&nbsp;(30 ppm+ 0.5%+300 ppm) as compared to control (T0). T10&nbsp;exhibited highest TSS (14.50a oBrix), minimum acidity (0.32a), TSS acid ratio (45.37b), highest total sugars (7.91a%), reducing sugar (5.10a %), non-reducing sugar (2.81d&nbsp;%), ascorbic acid (101.56ab&nbsp;mg/100 gm), highest ash content (2.38b&nbsp;g/100 gm), total protein (3.50a&nbsp;g/100 gm), total fat (0.45a&nbsp;g/100 gm) and total fiber content (5.37a&nbsp;g/100 gm) and total moisture content (4.89a%).

Influence of PGRs and ZnSO4 on Biochemical Efficacy of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L.)

Background: Long-term exposure to cadmium, a lasting environmental pollutant, has been associated with numerous negative health effects, particularly significant reproductive toxicity. This study examines the effects of cadmium on female reproductive health and to investigate the potential protective benefits of Ziziphus spina-christi, a medicinal plant with wide reports on its antioxidant properties, in reducing these impacts in rats. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted using in-vivo model, sixteen female rats were assigned to four groups: Control, cadmium exposed group, Ziziphus spina-christi treated group and cadmium exposed treated with Ziziphus spina-christi. All treatments were conducted for 21 days. Histopathological assessments of ovarian tissues were carried out, along with measurements of organ weights and serum hormone levels (LH, FSH and estrogen) using ELISA kits. Statistical analyses were conducted with GraphPad Prism. 
 
Result: Exposure of Cadmium in female rats significantly reduced ovarian, oviduct and uterus weights, indicating detrimental effects on reproductive organs. Histological analysis revealed degeneration, atrophy, increased fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in tissues exposed to cadmium. In contrast, treatment with Ziziphus spina-christi maintained normal tissue structure and organ weights. The treatment of Cadmium exposed group with Ziziphus spina-christi&nbsp;&nbsp; displayed intermediate characteristics, indicating some protective effect. Hormonal analysis showed significant decreases in LH, FSH and estrogen levels due to cadmium exposure, while Ziziphus spina-christi treatment raised these hormone levels, suggesting a protective role against hormone disruption. These findings underscore the severe effects of cadmium on female reproductive health and highlight the potential of Ziziphus spina-christi as a therapeutic agent against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and effectiveness.

Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Female Reproductive Health and the Protective Role of Ziziphus spina-christi in Rats

Background: Cadmium is a common environmental toxin and its notable nephrotoxicity has been proven. In the kidneys. If picked up by such sources as unclean sewage or long-term pollution, this can become chronic exposure to cadmium. Through the use of contaminated food or water supplies and also industrial pollution with metals and aerosols that enter our rivers and lakes, it finds its way in there to an even greater extent still It accumulates mainly in the kidneys. As a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, Ziziphus spina-christi was investigated for its possible protective effects against cadmium-induced kidney damage in rats. 
 
Methods: The adult male and female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided in four groups: control group, Ziziphus spina-christi treatment (ZSC), ZSC treatment plus cadmium; the blood samples for serum analysis at end of treatment and kidney tissuesfor histological examination were from harvested at the end of the treatment period, blood samples were collected for serum analysis. Kidney tissue was obtained for histological examination. The range of biochemical parameters-creatine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN)and uric acid levels-were measured using diagnostic kits. 
 
Result: Cadmium exposure actually decreased the rats&rsquo; kidney weight and increased the levels of creatinine, uric acid and BUN in the male and female animals, indicating renal toxicity. This cadmium-fact pathology was apparently renal in nature and included glomerular and tubular necrosis as well vascular congestion. While treating rats with ZSC alone had no negative effect on their kidney function and did not cause any reduction in normalizes its weight or biochemical parameters, it did so when you administered cadmium rats them concurrently with. Those animals that had been treated with both cadmium and ZSC however showed a partial recovery in kidney weight, while the levels of serum creatinine, BUN and uric acid all fell significantly compared to those animals receiving only cadmium. Histologically speaking, the kidney damage exhibited by rats in the combination treatment category was less severe: their renal architecture more intact than in animals exposed solely to cadmium.

Protective Effects of Ziziphus spina-christi on Cadmium-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Background: There is a growing need to offer guidance and instruction to those who use herbal medicines in order to enhance their understanding of the scientifically supported risks associated with these therapies. This study investigates the adverse effects of the Ziziphus spina-christi (ZSC) aqueous extract on the biochemical markers and histological alterations in the ovaries of female rats. 
 
Methods: A total of fifteen female rats, with five rats in each group, were given the extract of ZSC orally at doses of 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg bw/day for a duration of 14 days. Five more ladies were designated as a control group and provided just with water. During a span of fifteen days, clinical findings of toxicity were documented. The ovarian function was evaluated by assessing the biochemical indicators and measuring the quantities of serum estradiol and progesterone. Furthermore, an assessment was conducted to examine the histological changes in the organs. 
 
Result: The results did not show any clear toxicity on the animal&rsquo;s weight or body organs. Estrogen and progesterone levels in female rats who received ZSC extract for 14 days. In addition, no pathological changes were revealed in the ovary histological sections. Significant differences were detected in the numbers of ovarian follicles in females treated with the ZSC extract compared to the control. In conclusion, the results showed indications of side effects of ovarian follicles after treating female rats with ZSC extract for 14 days.

Assessment of Biochemical and Histological Effects of One of Ziziphus Genus Extract on Ovarian Function in Female Rats

Background: It has become important to provide advice and education to herbal remedies users to increase evidence-based awareness of their potential side effects. This research explores the side effects of the Ziziphus spina-christi (ZSC) aqueous extract on biochemical indicators and histopathological changes of the liver, kidneys of female rats. 
 
Methods: Fifteen female rats (five in each group) were orally administrated with the extract of ZSC at dosages of 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg bw/day for 14 days. Five other females were considered a control group, given only water. Clinical observations of toxicity were recorded during fifteen days. The biochemical biomarkers of liver (ALT and ALP enzymes) and kidneys (creatinine, uric acid and blood urea nitrogen) were evaluated in blood serum. 
 
Result: In addition, the histopathological alterations in organs were evaluated. The results did not show any clear toxicity on the animal&rsquo;s weight or body organs. The alkaline phosphatase was elevated in female rats who received 50 mg and 100 mg of ZSC aqueous extract in comparison with the control group. The results did not show any significant changes in the serum glucose, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase levels in female rats who received ZSC extract for 14 days. In conclusion, the results showed indications of side effects of the ZSC extract on liver enzymes after treating female rats with ZSC extract for 14 days.

The Possible Side Effects of Ziziphus spina-christi Extract on the Liver, Kidneys of Female Rats

<div>The hot arid regions in India is spread in an area of 31.7 m ha, majority area being in Rajasthan (61%). The great Indian Thar desert is also located in this region. This region receives vary low rain fall with erratic distribution. Presence of harsh climatic condition such as high evapotranspiration, low relative humidity, with high aridity index and high wind velocity are other disadvantages. The soils are also light textured, less fertile, and prone to wind erosion. About 90 per cent of the area is dependent on monsoon rain for growing of annual crops which often fails due to insufficient rain or improper distribution. Despite these limitations, the region has good floral and faunal diversity that supports high human and livestock population. Many drought hardy perennial fruits and vegetables are grown with annual crops to complement farm income. Certain fruit crops like pomegranate (Punica granatum), Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.), aonla (Emblica officinalis), date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) and Citrus species are grown commercially in irrigated areas. Many underutilized fruit crops also grow naturally or are cultivated. These include kair (Capparis decidua), lasora (Cordia myxa) jhar ber (Ziziphus nummularia), bordi (Ziziphus rotundifolia) pilu (Salvadora oleoides), khejri (Prosopis cineraria), phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis), Bengal quince (Aegle marmelos), karonda (Carissa carandas), prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), kachri (Cucumis melo var. callosus) and snap melon (Cucumis melo var. momordica) etc. Most of these species are drought hardy with less incidence of pests and diseases yet give good yield despite environmental constraints. They serve as a source of nutrition for rural people being rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fibres and other bioactive compounds. Germplasm collection, evaluation, conservation, ethnomedicinal values, improvement, propagation, agrotechniques, post-harvest management, value addition and future prospects of some of these crops are discussed in the paper.</div>

<div>Underutilized Fruits and Vegetables in Hot Arid Regions of India: Status and Prospects: A Review</div>

Background: Studies on the role of oxidative stress in cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity have prompted numerous investigations into the use of antioxidants against reproductive toxicity. Natural compounds including curcumin and resveratrol have proven to be effective in mitigating oxidative damage. Ziziphus spina-christi (ZSC), is known for its abundance in antioxidant profile and has shown considerable protective effects against toxicity from heavy metals like cadmium. This current study seeks to uncover the mechanism behind which ZSC antioxidant properties protect against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity. 
 
Methods: ZSC extract was prepared by harvesting, drying and processing the plant&rsquo;s leaves. In-vivo experimental design was carried out, 24 rats were grouped in four groups: control group, ZSC treated group, Cadmium induced group and ZSC treated Cadmium induced group. To examine the oxidative stress, markers such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, followed by Tukey&rsquo;s multiple comparisons test to evaluate group differences. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Cadmium exposure led to a significantly decrease in catalase and SOD activities, alongside an increase in MDA levels, indicating an increased oxidative stress. Treatment with ZSC effectively restored these parameters towards normal levels, demonstrating its potent antioxidant activity. Interestingly, Females responded slightly better than males, suggesting a possible gender-specific effects. The observed reduction in cortisol levels further confirmed ZSC&rsquo;s stress-reducing properties. These findings align with earlier studies on ZSC&rsquo;s antioxidant and protective properties.

Protective Role of Antioxidants in Cadmium-induced Reproductive Toxicity

Background: The nephroprotective effects of herbal extracts have increasingly gained attention due to the rise in kidney diseases and the limitations of conventional treatments. This study explores the renal protective properties of a polyherbal extract formulation composed of Ziziphus spina-christi, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Nigella sativa (ZTN) in Wistar albino rats. 
 
Methods: Three groups of adult male and female Wistar albino rats consisting of the control group that received only water, another group was administered with 100 mg/kg of the polyherbal (ZTN herbal) formulation, while the last group was administered with 250 mg/kg of the ZTN polyherbal extract formulation. The treatments administered for 14 days and thereafter Kidney weight, uric acid, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)&nbsp;and creatinine levels were assessed to assess renal function. Histological analysis was conducted for tissue integrity evaluation. 
 
Result: The polyherbal extract formulation of ZTN induced a dose-dependent increase in kidney weight in both male and female rats. Uric acid levels decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, with the most substantial reduction at 250 mg/kg. BUN levels also showed a notable decrease, particularly at the higher dose, indicating enhanced renal function. Creatinine levels exhibited a significant dose-dependent reduction, with female rats showing higher baseline levels but greater overall reductions. Histological analysis revealed mild histological changes at 100 mg/mL and severe changes at 250 mg/mL. Histological changes include glomerular hypertrophy and tubular necrosis, more pronounced at higher doses. The polyherbal extract formulation of ZTN demonstrated significant nephroprotective effects, reducing uric acid, BUN&nbsp;and creatinine levels in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, an observation of gender-based differences occur in female rats showing higher baseline levels but greater reductions with treatment. These findings support the potential therapeutic use of polyherbal extracts in managing renal health, emphasizing the importance of dose regulation to avoid adverse effects.

Ziziphus mauritiana Fruit as a Maize Substitute in the Diet of Osmanabadi Goat Kids: Effects on Growth, Biochemical Parameters and Oxidative Status

Effect of various treatments on seeds germination in Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk)

Influence of PGRs and ZnSO₄ on Biochemical Efficacy of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L.)

Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Female Reproductive Health and the Protective Role of Ziziphus spina-christi in Rats

Protective Effects of Ziziphus spina-christi on Cadmium-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Assessment of Biochemical and Histological Effects of One of Ziziphus Genus Extract on Ovarian Function in Female Rats

The Possible Side Effects of Ziziphus spina-christi Extract on the Liver, Kidneys of Female Rats

Underutilized Fruits and Vegetables in Hot Arid Regions of India: Status and Prospects: A Review

Protective Role of Antioxidants in Cadmium-induced Reproductive Toxicity

A Comprehensive Study on the Renal Protective Effects of Polyherbal Extract Formulation and Their Impact on Kidney Function in Rats