Djulis supplementation against oxidative stress and ultraviolet radiation-induced cell damage: The influence of antioxidant status and aging of skin in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND

Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) is a cereal food and its antioxidant and pigment constituents may protect skin from photoaging, but conclusive experiments have not been carried out.

OBJECTIVE

This investigation evaluates the effects of djulis extract as a functional supplement.

PATIENTS/METHODS: In this study, the effects of djulis functional drinks on the free radical scavenging activities, promotion of collagen synthesis and protection against oxidative stress and the effects of ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated of pUC119 DNA were explored. Thirty healthy subjects (aged 35-55 years old) were randomly allocated to djulis or placebo drinks groups (50 ml of a djulis/placebo drink daily for 8 weeks for each subject) in a double-blind crossover study.

RESULTS

The regular consumption of the djulis functional drinks significantly increased levels of the serum biochemical superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (+9.5% and +124.8%) after 8 weeks, relative to baseline controls. The improvements in skin moisture, brightness, elasticity, crow's feet, texture, wrinkles, pores, and collagen content after 8 weeks in the djulis group were +13.3%, +3.8%, +13.2%, -21.8%, -12.1%, -11.0%, -1.4%, and +33.7%, respectively, relative to the baseline without treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These work findings suggest the daily consumption of djulis drinks can protect the skin against oxidative stress-induced damage, delay skin aging and improve skin conditions.