Introduction

The mighty Durian. This unusually highly antioxidant-rich tropical fruit is so polarising, more than the famous “M” yeast extract, the distinctively pungent durian can be illegal to possess at hotels and public transport!¹ Is this secretive fruit great for skin health?

In terms of the high antioxidant contents found in the King of all tropical fruits (the officially earned title is majestic), the short answer is: YES! Durio zibethinus² (scientific name) durian, may beneficially maintain, protect and achieve radiant skin.³ Evidence of restoring skin pigmentation.³ Not only that, there is a potential to eradicate cellular damage to the epidermis caused by high levels of oxidative stress.⁴ The grand bioactive compounds scavenge free radicals and lower the levels of oxidative stress,² reducing fine lines and even the appearance of unwanted wrinkles.^2,4 Did I mention, that this East Asian grown durian may have anti-ageing and anti photo-ageing properties? These include protection against mulled (hypo/hyper)pigmentation, damage from sun exposure, elasticity of the skin, and tackle against dry and oily skin.⁵

This is groundbreaking research, so there are opportunities potentially waiting to gain full expertise and understanding by world researchers and scientists in the health, food and skincare departments! Research for this article certainly sparked my interest in this future trendsetter, especially with direct involvement in developing skincare products, as well as my completed biomedical literature review focusing on antioxidants and their effects on ageing. Let's explore together.

Durian: Description, characteristics, nutritional values, varieties and antioxidant composition

As with any health-related article, it is advised to consult your healthcare professional.

What actually is durian?

Durian is a tropical fruit, with the nomenclature Durio zibethinus. It is definitely an exotic Southeast Asian tropical fruit, mainly cultivated in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and even China just to name a few.^6,13 From a genetic viewpoint, durian constitutes around 46000 genes. This is approximately 2x genetic composition of us humans (Homo sapiens)!¹⁵

Did you know: 'Duri' from Durian is the Malay word for “thorn” of the fruits and “zibethinus” species nomenclature is named after an Indian civet that is remembered for its distinctive musky smell.¹⁵

The part you eat is the creamy fully pulp (flesh) part surrounding the seeds. They can vary between a bright yellow, to a white tinge. The seeds themselves are not to be consumed, as well as the inner peel and the husk.^4,10

The outer appearance of the spiky green-brown outer shell (husk), is also a warning. As a New York journalist, Thomas Fuller once called its handling as compared to a “medieval weapon.” Yes, one must wear protective gear (gloves) before handling it. Why? Spikes, but mainly it is due to: Smell.

The distinctive odour with an astonishing 44 odour compounds, is what sets it apart, causing evacuations at some places of public transportation in these countries. Strong and pungent sulphuric compounds vary from aged onions to rotten eggs.¹²

Flavour?

The flavour, if one can overcome the smell (by the way, I have not tasted it yet) is renowned. The flavour profile of its pulp is diverse, funnily enough, with an impressive cult-like following. You either dislike the taste or you adore it and can not get enough of this edible fix. The note profiles are described as sweet, savoury, almondy, and custard-like. This sounds delicious!

The economy of the Durian exports has raked in 1.6 billion USD in Thailand alone.¹⁴ This is a large portion of agricultural investment, so supporting farmers with their crops is fundamentally an incentive to show kindness and gratitude towards those who provide such beautiful and scientifically beneficial products.

Nutritional values and antioxidant levels

Let us uncover the layers and identify the key compounds within this polarising fruit, in particular for skin health, in more detail.

USDA (the United States Department Of Agriculture) and other data in percentages and DV:^2,7,8,9,11

DV=Daily Value %

• Calories: 357
• Fat: 13 grams
• Carbs: 66 grams
• Fiber: 9 grams
• Protein: 4 grams
• Vitamin C: 80%
• Thiamine: 61%
• Manganese: 39%
• Vitamin B6: 38%
• Potassium: 30%
• Calcium 20%
• Iron 14%
• Riboflavin: 29%
• Copper: 25%
• Folate: 22%
• Magnesium: 18%
• Niacin: 13%
• Energy – 147 kcal
• Protein – 1.47 g
• Carbohydrate – 27.09 g
• Fiber – 3.8 g
• Calcium – 6 mg
• Potassium – 436 mg
• Vitamin C – 19.7 mg
• Riboflavin – 0.2 mg
• Folate – 36 micro g

Also contains essential minerals, such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.

contains vitamins B6 and A, niacin

• Total Carbohydrates: 65.9 g
• Fiber: 9.2 g
• Total Fat: 13 g
• Protein: 3.6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 4.9 mg (0.2% DV*)
• Vitamin C: 48 mg (80% DV*)
• Thiamine: 0.9 mg (61% DV*)
• Manganese: 0.8 mg (39% DV*)
• Vitamin B6: 0.8 mg (38% DV*)
• Potassium: 1,060 mg (30% DV*)
• Riboflavin: 0.5 mg (29% DV*)
• Copper: 0.5 mg (25% DV*)
• Folate: 88 mcg (22% DV*)
• Magnesium: 73 mg (18% DV*)
• Niacin: 3 mg (13% DV*)
• Phosphorus: 95 mg (9% DV*)
• Pantothenic acid: 0.6 mg (6% DV*)
• Iron: 1 mg (6% DV*)
• Zinc: 0.7 mg (5% DV*)

Antioxidants in durian also include flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids although, in much lower quantities.¹¹ The pulp also contains omega 6 myristic acid and omega 9 fatty acids (2.20%, 2.52%, and 4.68% respectively) that are used to moisturise and repair the skin. Also contains palmitic acid in higher amounts, which is surprisingly high fat (high calorie dense), but has no contribution to overall cholesterol levels. Now that is unusual!²

Varieties of durian in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore

In Malaysia, there are 15 types of durian. Popular Chanee, Raja Kunyit, Beserah, Mon Thong,Bola 828, kob kecil, Kan yau, Kim Hong and many more.

In Thailand, 7 types of these crowned fruits. They are Chanee and Monthong (the most economical and popular ones), Kradoomthong, Longlublae, Karnyao, Puangmanee, and Nualthongchan.

Sultan Durian is most popular in Singapore, sweet and slightly bitter taste. Monthong Durian found mainly in Thailand, has caramel and peppery notes. Black Thorn Durian from Penang in Malaysia, is highly expensive and classed as a luxury. Sweet, creamy and slightly bitter. Black Thorn also contains 2x vitamin C as a regular durian but is comparable to other highly active compounds, with roughly Vitamin C of 160% DV, based on the above values. Green Durian has a musky taste found in Indonesia.^6,8,9,14,15

Monthong and Chanee are widely available. These are the baseline types of scientific studies on Durian.

Antioxidants, compounds in durian and skin health

Is The king of the tropical fruit kingdom, Durian, crowned with Royal status in terms of Skin Health Treatment?

Now when it comes to antioxidants, compounds and minerals and their association with skin health, there are many studies and findings that define the positive effects of these natural compounds. This is strongly evident in terms of eliminating and protecting our largest organ, the skin. Many skin health studies and research I am presenting here, are findings regarding these biological compounds that are also found in durian, with many tests conducted with durian extracts. Monthong and Chanee variants were used. As mentioned earlier, this is groundbreaking nova research, so let us dive in. 

Antioxidants found in durians and their role on skin health

Antioxidants found in durians are those compounds that act as oxidation inhibitors, by removing damaging oxidising agents. They protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals sourced from smoking, air pollution, UVR (UltraViolet Radiation) and many others. Severe oxidative stress contributes to the appearance of wrinkles, as this is a clear indicator of damaged skin cells and premature ageing.

Potassium may be an underdog compared to vitamin C (rightly so), but it acts as an antioxidant effect, in that it also reduces the free radical formation. This protects the skin from oxidative stress, which can be from photo-ageing such as tanning, and UV rays.¹⁶

Vitamin C is the star of the show when it comes to skin health. It is the most abundant in the skin. The role it plays is powerful. As a scavenger for ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), it plays a crucial role as a courageous protector against oxidative-mediated inflammation. Thus nourishes the skin, whilst boosting radiance and vitality.^17,8 Vitamin C, abundant in durians, is essential for helping the skin firm, aid in easing rough skin, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. How? L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C, not only acts as an antioxidant to scavenge ROS, but this nutrient is vital for the production of collagen (protein for skin elasticity and health). This leaves the skin feeling firmer and aids in preventing hyper-pigmentation and sun damage. Thus, revitalising bright, even skin tone that was once dull, improving phot-aged skin appearance.^23,8,24,27 It’s a win-win. 

Peel and seed extracts of durian are widely used in studies such as Raenu et al, as farmers and consumers dispose of these, making it a perfect way to research and ergonomically be lenient to farmers. When combining these extracts, the study showed high anti-tyrosinase activity, with evidence that this activity may aid in reducing skin pigmentation.¹⁸

Saminathan (2020), found that durian extract contributes to efficient antioxidant activity in fruit, recording high levels of phenol and flavonoid compounds. These can be promising to eliminate causes of skin damage, ageing, and even skin wounds. Highest total phenolics value (116.55±1.51 mg GAE/g extract), highest total flavonoid value ( 92.37±9.27 mg RE/g extract). Even though they tested with liver cell lines, there is clear evidence that these compounds in durian gave remarkable maximum cytotoxicity of 74% in 100 μg/ml durian extract.3 Durian, even the pulps as they contain high levels of these phenolic antioxidant compounds,²² may be a form of treatment for skin ageing and wound healing. Phenols prevent skin photodamage caused by UV. This may be more potent than vitamin C.²⁴ Skin cells can be detoxified by flavonoids, found in durian.²⁵ Bioflavonoids inhibit the breakdown of Vitamin C in the body, as well.

Research has identified that antioxidant-rich Monthong durian extracts have potential anti-ageing health benefits.^6,9,4 The compounds mentioned in the nutritional values section, work together to help protect the skin from oxidative stress and premature ageing. Durian extracts were recorded to have shown significant antioxidant activity, with statistical evidence (p<0.005).²⁶

The benefits of antioxidant-rich fruits on skin health

Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and as a result, aid in the regulation of the biomarkers directly linked to premature ageing. Studies conducted suggest this ^19,20,21, which includes a reduction in oxidative stress that is environmental, such as air pollutants, ozone UVR radiation and cigarette smoking. Such antioxidant-rich durian may be used as ointments and a form of treatment to combat premature skin ageing.¹⁹

FAQ’s

Are there any side effects of using durians as ointments?

No. No skin irritation at all, so it is perfectly safe to use directly on the skin.²⁶

Any skin allergies with durian consumption?

It is safe to use as an active ingredient for many homemade ointments, even pharmaceuticals (although using durians is a nova treatment). No skin allergies were triggered, however, gel formulations were used in the study and no skin toxicity. More studies need to be undertaken, yet anti-bacterial ointments have been utilised with durian extracts.²⁶ Urticaria (itchy skin), may occur if consumption of durian is excessive.²⁹ 

What are the clinical signs of photo ageing on the skin?

Rough and dry skin. Face, arms, hands, neck, and upper chest are the areas with the most signs of photo ageing.²⁸

Who should not consume durian?

It is as a whole, very safe to consume the fleshy pulps of the durian. It is advised that due to the high-calorie content and fat, those individuals with diabetes are to maintain their quantity and seek a medical professional before consumption.^7,8

Summary

Recap of the benefits of antioxidant-rich durian for skin health.

• Durian fruits are tropical fruits cultivated in East Asia, known as Kings of all tropical fruits
• Durian fruits have a distinctive odour, with unique flavours according to the variety chosen
• Protects the skin from Oxidative stress
• Slowing the ageing process via slowing free radicals damage
• Protects from premature ageing
• Contribute to collagen production, thus firmer skin and reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles
• Aid in healing dry skin, and wounds
• Rich phenolic content is a key factor in antioxidant activity
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties
• Protect the skin from photo-ageing and with anti-ageing properties of the skin
• Vitamin C, potassium, flavonoids, and phenols are in abundance
• ROS scavenger capabilities
• High anti-tyrosinase activity may help in reducing skin pigmentation

With the studies and benefits displayed, durian may well be a potentially beneficial addition to a skincare routine. The pulps are consumed and if one is nose blind partially to the pungent smell and enjoys the taste, they have most certainly found a staple in their diet, with their skin thanking them. They can be made in various pastes for topical ointments, with no side effects on the skin. To fully understand the specific effects of durian on skin health, future research in this groundbreaking field is required. Remember to Stay safe and share this article to spread the word.