Impact of Oral Intake of Glucosylceramide Extracted from Pineapple on Xerostomia: A Double-Blind Randomized Cross-Over Trial

The aim of this double-blind randomized cross-over trial was to evaluate the effect of oral intake of glucosylceramide extracted from pineapple on oral moisture and xerostomia symptoms. Sixteen participants who had xerostomia symptoms were randomly allocated into two groups. One group received, as test samples, tablets containing glucosylceramide extracted from pineapple (GCP) followed by placebo tablets. The other group received the test samples in the reverse order. Participants were instructed to take tablets of the first test sample once a day (after breakfast) for two consecutive weeks. Then, after a washout period of four weeks, participants were instructed to take the other test sample for two consecutive weeks. The oral moisture level of the lingual mucosa, xerostomia symptoms, and the number of fungiform papillae was evaluated. The oral moisture significantly increased, and the visual analog scale (VAS) of "How is the dryness of your mouth?" significantly improved after GCP tablets intake and not after placebo tablets intake. The number of fungiform papillae was not significantly different following the intake of GCP tablets or placebo tablets. Results suggested that oral intake of GCP may improve the moisture level and xerostomia symptoms.