Comparing the efficacy of Ziziphus Jujuba L. product and polyethylene glycol in the elderly people with functional constipation: a single blind randomized Clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, especially among the elderly. The tendency to use food-based remedies is increasing due to their safety and availability. Jujube is a plant recommended for treating constipation. this study was designed to compare the effectiveness of Jujube paste with polyethylene glycol (PEG) in elderly patients with functional constipation (FC). Materials and Methods: This single-blind, randomized, active-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 60 elderly individuals aged 60 years or older who had FC. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Jujube paste group (two tablespoons twice daily) or the PEG group (10-20 g/day) and underwent treatment for 4 weeks. Constipation symptoms and stool consistency, as primary outcomes, were assessed using the Rome IV criteria and the Bristol Stool Scale, respectively. Additionally, quality of life, acceptance, and satisfaction were measured. Results: At the end of the study, 26 participants in the PEG group and 25 in the Jujube paste group completed the trial. When comparing each group to their respective baseline, all clinical constipation symptoms, as defined by Rome IV criteria, showed significant improvement in both groups (P ≤ 0.002). Defecation frequency improved in both groups, with a significantly greater increase in the PEG group. This between-group difference remained significant after adjustment for baseline defecation frequency and education level (adjusted mean difference, 5.20 bowel movements/week; 95% CI, 1.53–8.87; P = 0.006). Quality of life improved in both groups, with a greater improvement observed in the Jujube group. Acceptance and satisfaction rates were significantly higher in the Jujube group compared to the PEG group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Jujube paste may improve constipation symptoms in elderly patients with functional constipation and showed higher acceptance and satisfaction than PEG in this short-term trial. Larger, longer, and preferably blinded trials are needed to confirm efficacy.