Ni Putu Eka Kristi Permatasari, Ketut Kwartantaya Winaya, Anak Agung Gede Kresna Naria Putra, Putu Evindya Vipascitadewi Nandanaya Bharata

The Efficacy of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) in Mitigating the Skin Aging Process: A Systematic Review

Introduction

The efficacy of dragon fruit (hylocereus spp.) in mitigating the skin aging process: a systematic review . Systematic review highlights dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) efficacy in mitigating skin aging. Learn its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, collagen-boosting, and photoprotective benefits.

Abstract

Introduction: Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), rich in bioactive compounds such as betalains, flavonoids, and vitamin C, presents a promising candidate for dermatological anti-aging applications. This study aims to review systematically and evaluate the efficacy of dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) in mitigating the skin aging process. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, Springer, and Oxford Academic for in vitro, animal, and clinical studies investigating the effects of dragon fruit on skin aging markers. Results: A total of sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria, comprising in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations. Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) showed strong antioxidant activity, including potent radical-scavenging, reducing power, and metal-chelating capacity, attributable to high phenolic, flavonoid, and betalain content. Anti-inflammatory effects were observed through the suppression of oxidative stress markers and enzymes involved in extracellular matrix degradation. Several studies reported enhanced collagen production and increased dermal matrix integrity. Dragon fruit extracts also exhibited notable photoprotective properties, including UV absorbance and tyrosinase inhibition, alongside microbiome-modulating effects that improved skin hydration, barrier function, and microbial balance. Additionally, topical preparations supported wound healing by promoting collagen deposition and epidermal regeneration. Conclusion: Dragon fruit, particularly its peel extract, demonstrates significant and multifaceted potential as an effective agent to combat the signs of cutaneous aging.

Review

This systematic review, "The Efficacy of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) in Mitigating the Skin Aging Process," addresses a highly relevant and growing area of interest in dermatological science: the potential of natural compounds for anti-aging applications. The authors leverage a systematic approach to synthesize existing evidence on dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), a fruit rich in promising bioactive compounds like betalains, flavonoids, and vitamin C. The chosen methodology, involving a broad search across multiple scientific databases for *in vitro*, animal, and clinical studies, is appropriate for comprehensively evaluating the current scientific landscape surrounding dragon fruit's dermatological efficacy. The premise that dragon fruit could be a valuable candidate for mitigating skin aging is well-established by the abstract. The review successfully consolidates findings from sixteen eligible studies, presenting a compelling case for the multifaceted anti-aging potential of dragon fruit. Key strengths highlighted include its potent antioxidant activity, attributed to high phenolic, flavonoid, and betalain content, along with significant anti-inflammatory effects through the suppression of oxidative stress and extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes. Crucially, the abstract reports evidence of enhanced collagen production, improved dermal matrix integrity, and notable photoprotective properties, including UV absorbance and tyrosinase inhibition. The additional findings regarding microbiome-modulating effects, leading to improved skin hydration and barrier function, alongside accelerated wound healing, collectively underscore dragon fruit's diverse mechanisms of action. The specific mention of peel extract further refines the understanding of its most potent components. While the review demonstrates significant potential, the abstract hints at inherent limitations typical of reviews synthesizing diverse study types. The combination of *in vitro*, animal, and clinical investigations, while comprehensive, necessitates careful interpretation regarding direct human applicability and dose-response relationships. A more detailed breakdown within the full review of the quality, sample sizes, and specific outcomes of the included clinical studies, in particular, would strengthen the generalizability of the conclusions. Future research should prioritize rigorous, well-designed human clinical trials to validate these promising *in vitro* and *in vivo* findings, focusing on standardized dragon fruit extracts, optimal concentrations, delivery methods, and long-term efficacy and safety. This systematic review provides a robust foundation and compelling argument for further investigation into dragon fruit as a potent natural agent in cutaneous anti-aging strategies.

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