# Spinosin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/spinosin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-29 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract, Suanzaoren extract, Ziziphus spinosa extract, Chinese date seed extract, Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, Jujube seed glycoside, ZSS extract, Spine date seed extract ## Overview Spinosin is a flavonoid C-glycoside derived from jujube seeds that modulates GABA and [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) receptors. Studies show it may improve [sleep quality](/ingredients/condition/sleep) and provide [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s through neurotransmitter pathway regulation. ## Health Benefits • Sleep improvement: Preclinical rat studies showed improved [sleep latency](/ingredients/condition/sleep) and duration through modulation of [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) and GABA receptors (animal evidence only) • [Neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s: Demonstrates cognitive improvement potential in pharmacological reviews (limited preclinical data) • Sedative properties: Shows sedative actions via neurological pathway modulation (preclinical evidence) • Anxiolytic effects: Exhibits anxiety-reducing properties in pharmacological assessments (preclinical studies) • Hypothalamic function: Restores histopathological changes in hypothalamus in animal models (rat study evidence) ## Mechanism of Action Spinosin enhances GABAergic neurotransmission by binding to GABA-A receptors, promoting sedative and anxiolytic effects. It also modulates [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) pathways, particularly 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, which regulate sleep-wake cycles. Additionally, spinosin demonstrates [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) activity through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for spinosin is limited to preclinical animal studies, with no human clinical trials available. Rat studies demonstrate improved [sleep latency](/ingredients/condition/sleep) and duration at doses of 5-20 mg/kg body weight. Pharmacological reviews suggest potential [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) benefits, but these findings require human validation. The lack of human clinical data significantly limits evidence strength for therapeutic applications. ## Nutritional Profile Spinosin is a C-glycoside flavonoid (chemical formula: C28H32O15, molecular weight: 608.55 g/mol) isolated primarily from the seeds of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (Suan Zao Ren). It is not a nutritional macronutrient source but rather a specialized bioactive phytochemical. Key characteristics: • Classification: 2''-O-β-glucopyranosyl-swertisin; a flavone C-glycoside with apigenin as the aglycone backbone, substituted with glucose moieties at the C-6 position and an additional glucose unit at the 2''-hydroxyl. • Typical concentration in source material: Approximately 0.02–0.15% (w/w) in dried Ziziphus jujuba seeds, varying by cultivar, harvest time, and extraction method. Standardized extracts of Suan Zao Ren may contain 1–5% spinosin. • Co-occurring bioactive compounds in the plant matrix: jujuboside A and B (triterpenoid saponins), 6'''-feruloylspinosin, flavonoids (swertish, isospinosin), alkaloids (sanjoinine A), and fatty acids (linoleic acid, oleic acid). • Bioavailability notes: As a C-glycoside flavonoid, spinosin demonstrates relatively higher metabolic stability compared to O-glycosides because the C-C bond linking the sugar to the aglycone is resistant to hydrolysis by intestinal β-glucosidases. Oral bioavailability in rodent models is estimated to be low-to-moderate (exact human bioavailability data are lacking). Gut microbiota may play a role in partial [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). The compound crosses the blood-brain barrier in preclinical models, which is consistent with its observed central nervous system effects. • Solubility: Moderately soluble in water and aqueous ethanol solutions; poor solubility in non-polar organic solvents. • No significant macronutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber), vitamin, or mineral content is attributable to spinosin itself, as it is consumed in microgram-to-milligram quantities as part of herbal preparations rather than as a food source. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges for spinosin in humans are available. In animal studies, spinosin was administered as part of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract, but specific dosages, forms, or standardization levels were not quantified. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for spinosin is extremely limited due to lack of human studies. Potential side effects may include excessive sedation, drowsiness, or interactions with GABAergic medications like benzodiazepines. Individuals taking sleep medications, antidepressants, or anxiolytics should exercise caution due to possible additive effects. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is unknown and should be avoided. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically on spinosin were identified in the available evidence. Current research is limited to preclinical pharmacology and animal models, including one rat study using a PCPA-induced [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep) model that showed improvements in sleep parameters through hypothalamic gene expression modulation. ## Historical & Cultural Context Spinosin is a key component of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for millennia to treat [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), anxiety, and neurological disorders. It has been historically applied as a sedative and sleep aid, typically prepared in decoction form. ## Synergistic Combinations GABA, L-theanine, Magnesium, Valerian root, Passionflower ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the typical spinosin dosage for sleep? No established human dosage exists for spinosin. Animal studies used 5-20 mg/kg body weight, but human equivalents are unknown. Consult healthcare providers before use as safety data is limited. ### How long does spinosin take to work for sleep? Rat studies showed improved sleep latency within 30-60 minutes of administration. However, human onset times are unknown since no clinical trials have been conducted in people. ### Can spinosin be taken with melatonin? The interaction between spinosin and melatonin is unknown due to lack of safety studies. Both affect sleep pathways, so combining them could cause excessive sedation. Medical supervision is recommended. ### Is spinosin natural or synthetic? Spinosin is a natural flavonoid C-glycoside found in jujube seeds (Ziziphus jujuba). It can be extracted from the plant source or potentially synthesized in laboratories for research purposes. ### Does spinosin cause dependency like sleep medications? Dependency potential for spinosin is unknown since human safety studies don't exist. While it works on GABA receptors like some habit-forming sleep drugs, its specific addiction risk profile hasn't been established. ### What does the current research evidence show about spinosin's effectiveness? Most evidence for spinosin comes from preclinical animal studies, particularly rat models examining sleep latency and duration improvements. While these studies suggest potential mechanisms through serotonin and GABA receptor modulation, human clinical trials are limited, making it difficult to confirm efficacy and safety in people. The neuroprotective and cognitive benefits noted in pharmacological reviews are based on preliminary data and require further human research to validate. ### Is spinosin safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers? There is insufficient safety data on spinosin use during pregnancy and lactation, and it should be avoided without explicit medical guidance. No adequately controlled studies have evaluated spinosin's effects on fetal development or breast milk transfer. Pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before considering spinosin supplementation. ### What foods naturally contain spinosin and can dietary sources provide therapeutic amounts? Spinosin is found naturally in Ziziphus jujuba (jujube) fruit and related plants of the Rhamnaceae family, though concentrations vary significantly. Obtaining therapeutic levels of spinosin from dietary sources alone would require consuming large quantities of jujube fruit, which is why supplementation is typically used for sleep support. Most spinosin supplements are concentrated extracts standardized for consistent bioactive compound levels. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*