Davidson Plum
Also known as: Davidson's plum, Davidsonia jerseyana, native Australian plum, Davidsonia pruriens
Overview
Davidson's plum, primarily referring to species like *Davidsonia pruriens* and *Davidsonia jerseyana*, is an edible native Australian fruit characterized by its deep purple color and high concentration of antioxidants. It is classified as a functional food and botanical supplement, rich in unique phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and other polyphenols. This fruit is increasingly utilized as a dietary supplement or functional food ingredient, with the primary aim of mitigating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and potentially enhancing metabolic health. While research on Davidson's plum is still emerging, with most studies being preclinical or small-scale clinical trials, broader systematic reviews on plums suggest potential lipid-lowering effects. The current evidence quality is considered moderate, underscoring the need for more rigorous human trials to fully establish its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
A systematic review and meta-analysis of plum supplementation, encompassing various plum species, indicated significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in individuals with unhealthy lipid profiles. Specifically, a weighted mean difference in LDL-c of approximately -11.5 mg/dL (p=0.03) was observed. While this review did not focus exclusively on Davidson's plum, it suggests a broader benefit of plum consumption on cardiovascular health. Animal studies specifically on Davidson's plum have shown its ability to reduce symptoms of diet-induced metabolic syndrome, pointing to potential benefits for overall metabolic health. The fruit's rich content of antioxidants and polyphenols is believed to confer anti-inflammatory effects, which could support muscle recovery and reduce oxidative stress, particularly in the context of exercise. However, human data directly supporting these anti-inflammatory benefits for Davidson's plum are currently limited. The clinical effect sizes for lipid profile improvement, while statistically significant in pooled analyses of plum supplementation, appear modest.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Davidson's plum involves its abundant bioactive compounds, particularly anthocyanins and other polyphenols. These compounds function as potent antioxidants, effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), thereby reducing oxidative stress. Beyond their antioxidant capacity, these phytochemicals are believed to modulate inflammatory signaling pathways, which can contribute to their anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, they may improve endothelial function, a key factor in cardiovascular health, and contribute to the observed improvements in lipid profiles and metabolic benefits. Metabolomic studies conducted in rats have demonstrated that Davidson's plum treatment leads to alterations in liver metabolism consistent with enhanced metabolic function. While the absorption and bioavailability of polyphenols can vary, the phytochemicals present in Davidson's plum are understood to be biologically active within the body.
Side effects
Currently, no significant adverse effects have been reported in the scientific literature regarding the consumption of Davidson's plum at typical dietary or supplemental levels. Due to the limited number of human clinical trials specifically on Davidson's plum, common side effects have not been extensively documented. There are no known drug interactions or contraindications reported for Davidson's plum. However, as with any fruit or botanical product, caution is advised for individuals with known allergies to related fruits or polyphenols. The safety of Davidson's plum during pregnancy, lactation, and in children has not been established, and therefore, its use in these populations should be approached with caution or avoided until further research is available. Overall, while the current safety profile appears favorable, the lack of extensive human data necessitates a cautious approach.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for Davidson's plum supplements have not yet been formally established due to the limited availability of dedicated clinical data. Research on general plum supplementation, which includes various plum species, typically employs dried plum doses ranging from 40 to 100 grams per day, or an equivalent amount based on polyphenol content. Studies that have demonstrated benefits, particularly for lipid profile improvements, usually involve a duration of supplementation of at least 8 weeks. The optimal dosage, as well as the most effective form of consumption (e.g., fresh fruit, dried fruit, or extract), requires further dedicated research. Until more specific guidelines are available, it is advisable to follow product-specific recommendations or consult with a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is Davidson's plum effective for cholesterol?
Evidence from meta-analyses of plum supplementation suggests it can reduce total and LDL cholesterol, especially in individuals with unhealthy lipid profiles, though specific studies on Davidson's plum are limited.
Is Davidson's plum safe to consume?
No major safety concerns have been reported for Davidson's plum at typical consumption levels, but human data are limited, and safety in specific populations like pregnant women is not established.
How long does it take to see effects from Davidson's plum?
Benefits on lipid profiles from general plum supplementation typically appear after at least 8 weeks of consistent use, suggesting a similar timeframe might apply to Davidson's plum.
Can Davidson's plum reduce inflammation?
Potentially, due to its high content of antioxidant polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties. However, direct human clinical evidence specifically for Davidson's plum's anti-inflammatory effects is currently lacking.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36721717/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of plum supplementation, including 9 RCTs, found significant reductions in LDL-c (WMD = -11.52 mg/dL) and total cholesterol in unhealthy subjects. It highlights the potential lipid-lowering effects of plums but notes high heterogeneity and the inclusion of various plum species, not specifically Davidson's plum.
- 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 – An animal study demonstrated that Davidson's plum (*Davidsonia pruriens*) reduced symptoms of diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats. The study also observed favorable changes in the liver metabolome, suggesting metabolic benefits, though it is limited by its animal model and small sample size.
- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/fo/d4fo02067g – This review discusses Australian native plants, including Davidson's plum, for their potential in inflammation and muscle recovery. It emphasizes the high antioxidant content and potential anti-inflammatory effects but points out the lack of human trials and the need for further research to confirm efficacy and establish dosing guidelines.
