Brightening effect of Ziziphus jujuba (jujube) fruit extract on facial skin: A randomized, double‐blind, clinical study

Abstract

Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (jujube) is an invaluable medicinal plant in traditional and modern medicine. Jujube syrup is a complex of herbal extracts including Z. jujuba, Berberis vulgaris, Rhus coriaria, Prunus domestica, and Rosa damascene. The purpose of the present study was to formulate and investigate the efficacy and safety of jujube syrup on brightening of facial skin. In this randomized, double‐blind, controlled clinical study, 46 participants consumed jujube syrup or placebo (23 in each group) twice a day for 8 weeks. The number of pigments, area of pigmentation, and physician's global assessment score (PGAS) were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks. The results showed the amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids were 81.97 ± 0.25 and 4.98 ± 1.04 mg/ml, respectively. The amounts of organic acids (gallic acid and chlorogenic acid) were quantified at 1140 ± 17.65 and 1520 ± 25.77 μg/ml, respectively. The amounts of total phenolic and flavonoids were stable under accelerated conditions. Eight weeks after treatment, the number of pigment counts reduced to 0.545 ± 0.307 compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the pigmented area and its percentages were significantly reduced to 0.556 ± 0.285 and 0.561 ± 0.288 in jujube syrup compared with placebo, respectively. Jujube syrup is efficient and safe for treating hyperpigmentation of the face.

Anti-melanogenic effect of Moju through inhibition of tyrosinase activity

“…Several studies have demonstrated that jujube has a wide range of pharmacological activities in the cardiovascular and nervous systems as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties (Alsayari and Wahab 2021;Chen and Tsim 2020;Lu et al 2021). In addition, clinical studies have reported that jujube is effective and safe for treating human skin hyperpigmentation (Aafi et al 2022). Moreover, cinnamon (Lauraceae) has been traditionally used as a food flavoring and remedy for various ailments (Hamidpour et al 2015), and its extracts have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, digestive, antiseptic, thermostimulant, carminative, blood purifying, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties (Hamidpour et al 2015;Shang et al 2021).…”

Plants as Modulators of Melanogenesis: Role of Extracts, Pure Compounds and Patented Compositions in Therapy of Pigmentation Disorders

“…Aafi et al show that extracts of Ziziphus jujuba and other herbal plants rich in phenolics and flavonoids, used for 8 weeks by 46 healthy volunteers have a positive effect on patients with facial skin hyperpigmentation and can be used to treat this skin disorder. One daily dose of 7.5 mL of syrup containing Ziziphus jujuba was applied: 30% wt / wt , Berberis vulgaris : 10% wt / wt , Rhus coriaria 10% wt / wt , Prunus domestica 7% wt / wt , and Rosa damascene 3% wt / wt [ 136 ]. In addition, Cloucci et al indicate that combination of Phyllanthus emblica extract and vitamin E and caroteinods showed a valuable instrument to increase the effectiveness of vitiligo treatments.…”