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Pediatric functional constipation is a common, frustrating condition that often recurs despite treatment. But new research points to an unexpected botanical contender: Ziziphus jujube syrup. Could this natural remedy offer a safer, more tolerable alternative to conventional laxatives? Let’s look at the data behind this emerging therapeutic option.
Constipation in children is not only widespread, affecting up to 30% of the pediatric population, but it also significantly impacts quality of life—leading to pain, encopresis, behavioral changes, and school absences. While polyethylene glycol (PEG) remains a staple in conventional treatment, many parents report challenges with taste, adherence, and side effects.
A 2025 randomized, double-blind clinical trial published in Scientific Reports introduces a new player: Ziziphus jujube syrup (ZS), a fruit-based botanical used in traditional medicine for its gentle laxative and anti-inflammatory properties.
➝ Superior Symptom Relief: Children receiving ZS showed significantly greater improvements in stool frequency, encopresis episodes, and pain scores compared to those treated with PEG. The therapeutic response score was consistently higher at all follow-up points.
➝ Better Tolerability and Adherence: Unlike PEG, which was associated with minor gastrointestinal complaints (vomiting, abdominal pain), ZS had no reported adverse events. Adherence was also significantly better—an important consideration in long-term constipation management.
➝ Biocompatibility and Safety: ZS did not negatively affect liver enzymes, kidney function, or blood glucose levels. While some lab differences were statistically significant, they remained within clinically normal ranges.
ZS is rich in water-soluble carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, and plant-based bioactives that likely contribute to its stool-softening and pro-motility effects. These compounds may enhance intestinal moisture content and reduce transit time, potentially through both osmotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
This trial positions ZS as more than just a gentle herbal option. For integrative providers seeking alternatives to synthetic laxatives, especially for children with poor PEG tolerance, ZS offers clinical benefits with minimal downside.
That said, further research is needed to evaluate long-term efficacy, optimal dosing, and microbiome impacts. Still, this data marks an exciting step toward more personalized, plant-forward approaches in pediatric GI care.
ZS isn’t just a folk remedy—it’s a potential evidence-based tool in the pediatric constipation toolkit. As interest in safe, tolerable, and effective alternatives grows, Ziziphus jujube syrup may soon find its place in modern integrative protocols.
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