Mume
Also known as: Mume, Japanese apricot, Chinese plum, Fructus mume, Prunus mume
Overview
Prunus mume, commonly known as Mume, Japanese apricot, or Chinese plum, is a fruit native to East Asia with a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. It is consumed in various forms, including fruit extract, vinegar, and fermented products. As a dietary supplement, Prunus mume is primarily utilized for its potential benefits in metabolic health, liver function support, fatigue reduction, and modulation of gut microbiota. While research is ongoing, current evidence includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and animal studies, suggesting promising effects. However, comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on Prunus mume supplementation are still limited.
Benefits
Prunus mume offers several evidence-based benefits. For **metabolic and liver health**, a 2024 RCT involving patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) demonstrated that a combination of Prunus mume extract and choline significantly improved liver function markers (ALT, AST, γ-GT), reduced fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol over three months. This indicates a strong beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism and liver health. For **fatigue reduction**, an 8-week RCT showed that fermented Prunus mume vinegar supplementation significantly improved fatigue indices compared to a placebo group, suggesting its anti-fatigue properties. Furthermore, **gut microbiota modulation** has been observed in animal studies, where Fructus mume increased the beta diversity of intestinal flora, indicating a positive impact on gut microbial composition, which can contribute to overall health. The evidence for these benefits comes from well-designed RCTs and animal models, providing moderate-quality support.
How it works
Prunus mume exerts its effects through a combination of organic acids and various bioactive compounds. These components are believed to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. The supplement modulates the diversity of gut microbiota, which can positively influence metabolic and immune functions throughout the body. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, Prunus mume appears to improve liver enzyme profiles and lipid metabolism. In fermented forms, the bioavailability of its active compounds may be enhanced, leading to more pronounced physiological effects. The exact molecular pathways are still under investigation but likely involve interactions with metabolic enzymes and gut-brain axis signaling.
Side effects
Overall, Prunus mume supplementation appears to be well tolerated with a favorable safety profile. Animal studies have reported no significant liver or kidney toxicity, even at higher doses. Human clinical trials have also indicated no serious adverse events directly attributable to Prunus mume supplementation. Currently, there are no known significant drug interactions or contraindications reported in the reviewed scientific literature. However, it is important to note that long-term safety data, particularly for extended periods of use beyond a few months, remain limited. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, although no specific warnings have been identified.
Dosage
Clinical studies investigating Prunus mume have utilized various forms, including fermented Prunus mume vinegar and extracts. Effective dosages have been observed over intervention periods ranging from 8 weeks to 3 months. For instance, the fatigue study used a juice form of fermented Prunus mume vinegar, but specific milligram doses were not detailed in the summary. The NAFLD study used a Prunus mume extract combined with choline. Due to the variability in formulations and concentrations, a standardized optimal dosing guideline is not yet established. Further research is needed to determine precise dosage ranges, timing considerations, and specific recommendations for different health purposes and populations. Users should follow product-specific instructions or consult a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is Mume safe for liver health?
Yes, clinical evidence suggests that Prunus mume, particularly when combined with choline, can improve liver function markers and metabolic parameters without causing toxicity.
How long does it take to see benefits from Mume?
Improvements in fatigue and metabolic parameters have been observed within 8 weeks to 3 months of consistent Prunus mume supplementation in clinical studies.
Does Mume affect gut health?
Animal studies indicate that Prunus mume positively modulates gut microbiota diversity, suggesting beneficial effects on intestinal flora composition.
Are there any side effects associated with Mume?
No significant side effects have been reported in human clinical trials, and animal studies showed no liver or kidney toxicity, indicating a good safety profile.
Research Sources
- https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume13number1/analysis-of-healthy-beneficial-nutritional-components-from-fructus-mume-and-the-response-of-intestinal-flora-in-mice/ – This animal study investigated the nutritional components of Fructus mume and its effects on intestinal flora in mice. It demonstrated that Fructus mume supplementation increased the beta diversity of intestinal flora and showed no adverse effects on liver or kidney coefficients, supporting its gut health benefits and safety.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.990418/full – This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the anti-fatigue effects of fermented Prunus mume vinegar supplementation. The study, involving 40 participants per group over 8 weeks, found statistically significant improvements in fatigue indices compared to placebo, utilizing ANCOVA for robust analysis.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10921105/ – This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the effects of Prunus mume extract combined with choline in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Over 3 months, the intervention significantly reduced liver enzymes (ALT, AST, γ-GT), fasting glucose, HbA1c, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol, demonstrating robust biochemical improvements in liver and metabolic health.
