Evaluation of some pharmacological, microbiological and physical properties of zizyphus spina-christi

Zizyphus spina-christi is a commonly available plant used by Saudi folk medicine practitioners for various purposes. The experimental testing of these claimed properties in animals, using the ethanolic extract of the leaves, showed that it has a considerable anti-inflammatory and moderate antipyretic activities. It also inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis. However, no analgesic or diuretic activity could be demonstrated. The aqueous extract of the leaves exhibited surface activity with critical micelle concentration found at 0.25% w/v concentration.