Sidr
Spotlight On Our Signature Ingredient
At MARIAM EM, botanical ingredients are major influences and inspirations for our collection of holistic products.
Backed by science, but also pure in nature, we love using ingredients that come from the soil of the Earth, and infusing them into our formulas for their incredible efficacy. Amongst the many plant-based oils and extracts we feature in our products, our signature key ingredient are Sidr leaves from the ancient Sidr tree.
Also known as “cidir” or by its scientific name, Ziziphus Spina-Christi, Sidr is an exotic plant species native to Arabia. Throughout history, Sidr has been a beloved remedy in Islamic and Arab culture, and is even mentioned multiple times in the holy texts of the Quran.
Sidr is still used to this day in many skincare recipes, and with good reason. Contained within its dense, shrub-like leaves are many potent properties for supporting healthy skin.
Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of this magical ingredient, and why we choose it as our signature staple.
All about Sidr in Beauty and Skincare
What are the benefits of beauty formulas containing Sidr?
Benefit #1: Sidr is an effective natural cleanser and purifier
One of the traditional uses of Sidr is as a cleanser or wash, as well as for disinfecting wounds and promoting healing activity in damaged skin. It works well in this capacity, given that it is inherently antibacterial, and able to gently combat harmful bacteria, and other impurities, on the skin’s surface.
Benefit #2: Sidr is soothing and calming for the skin
According to studies, Sidr has proven to be very effective for addressing irritated or inflamed skin, including conditions such as redness, rashes, dermatitis, psoriasis, sensitive skin, eczema, and reactivity caused by certain illnesses or injuries. Its anti-inflammatory effects have been widely documented, and have numerous applications for both medicinal and cosmetic use.
Benefit #3: Sidr has acne fighting properties
As a result of being naturally astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial, Sidr also has the potential to greatly improve mild to moderate acne. Research has shown that in double-blind trials, patients treated with a topical solution containing Sidr experienced significant results in the reduction of acne lesions and other breakout activity as compared to products containing a placebo ingredient.
Benefit #4: Sidr is rich in nutrients skin loves
For nourishing and nurturing a glowing complexion, Sidr is also chock full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other vital nutrition for the skin. The leaves of the plant have been found to contain important components such as peptides, cyclopeptide alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, betulinic acid, and triterpenoid saponin glycosides, which encourage healthy skin tissue and hair.
Benefit #5: Sidr helps promote skin rejuvenation and repair
Lastly, for combatting the external factors that contribute to aging in the skin, Sidr may be especially helpful as modern research has indicated that it is an effective bioactive. Bioactives are ingredients that protect the skin against UV and other harmful environmental aggressors. Therefore, by incorporating it in skincare, Sidr could potentially prevent concerns such as sun damage, dryness, dehydration, and depleted skin.
Benefit #6: Sidr nourishes the hair and scalp
Amongst the natural nutrients found in Sidr, many are known to act as hair and scalp nourishers. Ceanothic acid and Betulinic acids are terpenoids which have been proven to show anti-inflammatory properties. While most of the flavonoids and tannins work as hair growth promoters, saponin glycosides are known to work as gentle cleansers.
References
“Effect of Topical Cidir leaves Extract in Reducing Skin Sensitivity in Atopic Patients”
“Effect of Cedar ( Ziziphus spina-christi) topical solution in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical study”
“The Use of Ziziphus spina-christi Extract in Treating Erlotinib (Tarceva®) Associated Rash: A Case Report”
“Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review”
Published Articles
Articles
H. Aati, A. El-Gamal, H. Shaheen, and O. Kayser, “Traditional use of ethnomedicinal native plants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” J. Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., vol. 15, no. 1, p. 2, Dec. 2019.
M. A. Nadeem, “QUR’ĀNIC SIDR, ITS IDENTIFICATION AND MEDICINAL USES,” Zia-e-Tahqeeq, no. 13, p. 5.
H. A. H. Al-Wakeel, “Effect of Topical Cidir leaves Extract in Reducing Skin Sensitivity in Atopic Patients,” Kufa Med. J., vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 9–14, 2008.
K. Al Badi and S. A. Khan, “Formulation, evaluation and comparison of the herbal shampoo with the commercial shampoos,” Beni-Suef Univ. J. Basic Appl. Sci., vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 301–305, Dec. 2014.
R. O. Bakr, R. I. Amer, M. A. A. Fayed, and T. I. M. Ragab, “A Completely Polyherbal Conditioning and Antioxidant Shampoo: A Phytochemical Study and Pharmaceutical Evaluation.,” J. Pharm. Bioallied Sci., vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 105–115.
Hanan Temerk, “Antibacterial Effect of Phytochemical Extracts from Ziziphus-spina christi against Some Pathogenic Bacteria,” Egypt. J. Bot., pp. 595–604, Dec. 2017.
S. Albakhit, S. Khademvatan, and M. Doudi, “The evaluation of methanolic and aqueous extracts effect of Zizyphus spina-Christi against Leishmania major (MHOM/IR/75/ER) promastigotes using MTT assay,” Iran. J. Med. Microbiol., vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 54–60, 2016.
M. A. AL-Marzooq, “Phenolic Compounds of Napek Leave (Zizyphus Spina-Christi L.) as Natural Antioxidants,” J. Food Nutr. Sci., vol. 2, no. 5, p. 207, 2014