Jujube Versus Polyethylene Glycol for Maintenance Treatment of Pediatric Functional Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Functional constipation (FC) is a common major problem in children. This study compared Jujube paste and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as laxative drugs in children with FC. Ziziphus Jujuba Mill (Jujube) was selected according to traditional Iranian medicine because it is native to Iran and a large extent of Asia, is safe and easy to access, with acceptable taste to children. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 128 children aged 2 to 12 with FC according to Rome IV criteria. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of Jujube paste and PEG and underwent four weeks of treatment. The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the Jujube oral product were compared with PEG. Results: Following four weeks of therapy, all clinical symptoms of constipation according to Rome IV criteria were improved significantly in both groups (P < 0.05). In all the seven criteria of Rome IV, Jujube paste was as effective as PEG and even stronger in reducing stool stiffness (P < 0.0001). No hazardous side effect was reported in the two groups. Moreover, the medication acceptance rate was higher in the group receiving Jujube paste than in the group receiving PEG. Conclusions: Jujube paste is as effective as PEG in pediatric FC. This product has high nutritional value and antioxidant properties, so it can be a safe substitute for PEG in pediatric FC.