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.