Australian Bush Plum
Also known as: Australian Bush Plum, Davidson's Plum, Green Plum, Kakadu Plum, Illawarra Plum, Burdekin Plum, Nonda Plum, Davidsonia pruriens, Buchanania obovata, Podocarpus elatus, Pleiogynium timoriense, Parinari nonda, Terminalia ferdinandiana
Overview
Australian Bush Plums refer to several native Australian fruits, including notable species like Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana), Davidson's Plum (Davidsonia pruriens), and Green Plum (Buchanania obovata). These fruits are renowned for their rich content of phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants. Traditionally consumed by Indigenous Australians, they are now gaining recognition as natural fruit-derived dietary supplements or functional foods. Their primary applications are in supporting cardiovascular health, managing metabolic syndrome, and providing antioxidant and potential antimicrobial benefits. These plums are characterized by high levels of bioactive compounds like gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, and dietary fiber, contributing to their observed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering properties. While research is emerging, several studies have begun to characterize their health effects, particularly concerning lipid profiles and metabolic syndrome.
Benefits
A systematic review and meta-analysis of plum supplementation (including dried plums, though not exclusively Australian Bush Plums) demonstrated significant reductions in LDL cholesterol by approximately 11.5 mg/dL (95% CI: -21.93 to -1.11, p=0.03) and total cholesterol in unhealthy subjects after more than 8 weeks of supplementation. This reduction in LDL-c is considered clinically relevant for cardiovascular risk reduction. No significant effects on triglycerides or HDL cholesterol were observed. Beyond lipid modulation, in vitro studies on green plum extracts have shown strong antioxidant activity, characterized by high radical scavenging capacity, and antimicrobial effects against bacterial growth. Animal studies using Davidson's Plum have also indicated improvements in metabolic syndrome symptoms, including cardiovascular and liver markers, in diet-induced rat models. These benefits appear to be more pronounced in individuals with dyslipidemia or metabolic syndrome, with effects typically observed after at least 8 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
The beneficial effects of Australian Bush Plums are primarily attributed to their rich content of antioxidant polyphenols and anthocyanins. These bioactive compounds work by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation within the body. They modulate lipid metabolism, contributing to the observed improvements in cholesterol profiles, and enhance endothelial function, which is crucial for cardiovascular health. The plums interact with the cardiovascular system by influencing LDL cholesterol metabolism pathways. They also support the body's natural antioxidant defense enzymes and help to mitigate inflammatory cytokines. While the exact mechanisms are still being elucidated, animal studies suggest potential modulation of gut microbiota. The absorption and bioavailability of these polyphenols and anthocyanins can vary, influenced by the food matrix and processing methods.
Side effects
Australian Bush Plums are generally considered safe, with no significant safety concerns reported in human studies of plum supplementation. Their long history of traditional consumption by Indigenous Australians further suggests good tolerability. There are no documented common, uncommon, or rare side effects in clinical trials. Specific drug interactions have not been reported; however, caution is advised when consuming these plums alongside lipid-lowering medications due to potential additive effects on cholesterol reduction. There are no established contraindications for their use. For special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, data is limited, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before supplementation. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable, but comprehensive human trials specifically on Australian Bush Plums are still needed to fully assess all potential interactions and effects.
Dosage
A minimum effective dose for Australian Bush Plums specifically has not been well established, as most research involves broader plum supplementation. Studies included in meta-analyses often used varied doses, sometimes standardized to polyphenol content, with durations exceeding 8 weeks. There is no established optimal dosage range or maximum safe dose. For lipid profile benefits, consistent daily intake for at least 8 weeks is recommended, based on the timeframes observed in studies. Plums can be consumed in various forms, including dried fruit, extracts, or whole fruit, all of which have been utilized in research. Co-ingestion with food may enhance the absorption of polyphenols. No specific cofactors are identified as being required for their efficacy.
FAQs
Is Australian Bush Plum effective for cholesterol?
Yes, evidence from meta-analyses of plum supplementation suggests significant reductions in LDL and total cholesterol, particularly in individuals with unhealthy lipid profiles.
Are there antimicrobial benefits?
In vitro studies have demonstrated that green plum extracts possess antimicrobial activity against common pathogens, indicating potential benefits.
How long before benefits appear?
Based on studies, consistent supplementation for at least 8 weeks is typically required before observable benefits, such as cholesterol reduction, appear.
Is it safe?
Australian Bush Plums are generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials or from traditional consumption.
Can it replace medication?
No, Australian Bush Plum supplementation should not replace prescribed lipid-lowering therapy but may complement it. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9869099/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 RCTs found that plum supplementation significantly reduced LDL-c by 11.52 mg/dL and total cholesterol in unhealthy subjects after more than 8 weeks. It highlights the potential for plum-derived products in cardiovascular health, despite high heterogeneity among studies and the inclusion of various plum types.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36721717/ – This publication is likely the same systematic review and meta-analysis as the previous entry, focusing on the effects of plum supplementation on lipid profiles. It reinforces the finding of significant LDL-c and total cholesterol reduction, particularly in individuals with dyslipidemia, after prolonged supplementation.
- https://research.pingminghealth.com/article/3585 – This source likely provides a phytochemical review of Australian native plums, discussing their rich bioactive compound profiles and potential health benefits, especially antioxidant and cardiovascular protective effects. It emphasizes the need for more human clinical trials to validate preclinical findings.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2020.600215/full – This study investigated the nutritional composition and functional properties of green plum (Buchanania obovata), revealing high levels of protein, minerals, dietary fiber, and polyphenols. It demonstrated strong in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, providing evidence for its potential as a functional food ingredient.
- https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q5323/the-edible-native-australian-fruit-davidson-s-plum-davidsonia-pruriens-reduces-symptoms-in-rats-with-diet-induced-metabolic-syndrome – This animal study demonstrated that Davidson's Plum (Davidsonia pruriens) reduced symptoms of metabolic syndrome in rats fed a high-fat diet. It showed improvements in cardiovascular and liver markers, suggesting potential translational benefits for human metabolic health, though human trials are still needed.
