Sour jujube seed (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, ZSS) is a significant medicinal and edible resource in China, known for its diverse biological activities, particularly in enhancing sleep quality, alleviating anxiety, and providing antioxidant benefits. Extensive research has demonstrated that sour jujube seed is abundant in bioactive compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and fatty acids. Most current reviews on sour jujube seeds focus on the pharmacological activities and applications of one or two of its main components. This review further supplements the utilization of active components of sour jujube seed in the past and present, as well as the comparison among different extraction techniques, providing suggestions for the industrial production of sour jujube seed products. The traditional consumption methods have limitations in terms of palatability and extraction efficiency. Although modern extraction techniques have significantly improved the release and retention of active components, they have limitations in terms of environmental friendliness and usage cost. Therefore, large-scale clinical trials and the development of new and sustainable combined extraction methods are needed to fill the existing deficiencies. This review provides new ideas for the development of new extraction technologies for sour jujube seed and offers theoretical guidance for future research in this field.