Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Plum Fruit Powder

Also known as: Prunus domestica, Prunus salicina, Plums, Prunes (dried plums), Plum Fruit Powder

Overview

Plum fruit powder is a dietary supplement derived from plums, primarily *Prunus domestica* and *Prunus salicina*. It is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, and is often used for its potential health benefits. Research suggests it may improve cognitive function, bone health, and cardiovascular risk factors. The powder form allows for easy incorporation into various foods and beverages. Plums are naturally high in phenolic compounds, contributing to their antioxidant properties. While research interest is growing, the available evidence is generally of low to moderate quality, highlighting the need for more rigorous clinical trials to confirm these benefits. Plum fruit powder is considered a fruit-based dietary supplement.

Benefits

Plum consumption may significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels in individuals with unhealthy lipid profiles (WMD: -12.50 mg/dL, 95% CI: -22.06, -2.94, *p* = .010). However, it does not significantly impact body weight, BMI, blood pressure, or inflammation. Limited evidence suggests potential benefits for cognitive function and bone health, but these findings require further confirmation. The effect on LDL cholesterol is clinically significant, but other benefits need more high-quality clinical trials to validate. The benefits may be more pronounced in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors.

How it works

Plum fruit powder's mechanism of action is primarily attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, largely due to its high anthocyanin content. These compounds interact with cardiovascular and neurological systems, potentially reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. While specific molecular targets are not well-defined, the antioxidants are believed to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. The bioavailability of anthocyanins from plums can vary, affecting the extent of these beneficial effects.

Side effects

Plum fruit powder is generally considered safe, but specific data on its side effects is limited. Common side effects are not well-documented, but potential gastrointestinal upset may occur. Uncommon and rare side effects have not been reported. No significant drug interactions are documented, and there are no known contraindications. However, caution is advised for pregnant women and children due to limited data. More research is needed to fully understand the safety profile of plum fruit powder.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of plum fruit powder is not established, and optimal dosage ranges are unclear. Studies have primarily used dried plum interventions, making it difficult to translate these findings directly to plum fruit powder. The maximum safe dose is also undefined. There are no specific timing recommendations. Bioavailability may vary based on preparation and individual factors. Due to limited research, it is important to start with a low dose and monitor for any adverse effects.

FAQs

Is plum fruit powder safe?

Plum fruit powder is generally considered safe, but more research is needed to fully understand its safety profile. Start with a low dose and monitor for any adverse effects.

What are the potential benefits of plum fruit powder?

Potential benefits include improved lipid profiles and cognitive function, but the evidence is limited. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm these effects.

How should I take plum fruit powder?

There are no specific guidelines for timing and administration. It can be added to various foods and beverages. However, its effectiveness and safety are not fully understood, so it should be used cautiously.

Does plum fruit powder have proven benefits for metabolic syndrome?

While plums have some health benefits, believing it has proven benefits for metabolic syndrome without strong evidence is a misconception. The evidence is still emerging.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36513468/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies found that plum consumption did not significantly impact metabolic syndrome factors like blood pressure or body weight. The study was limited by small sample sizes and overall study quality, resulting in a moderate quality assessment of the evidence.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26992121/ – This systematic review of 73 articles, including human studies, indicated that plums possess antioxidant and antiallergic properties. The review suggested potential benefits for cognitive function and bone health, but the evidence was considered low to moderate quality due to the limited number of human trials available.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.4000 – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on trials involving plum consumption and its impact on LDL cholesterol levels. The analysis revealed that plum consumption significantly lowers LDL cholesterol levels. However, the study's conclusions were limited by the quality of the included studies, resulting in a moderate quality assessment.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38726435/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of prunes on bone health. The results indicated that prune consumption may have a positive impact on bone mineral density, particularly in postmenopausal women. The study suggests that prunes could be a beneficial dietary intervention for improving bone health.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/298899398_A_Systematic_Review_on_the_Health_Effects_of_Plums_Prunus_domestica_and_Prunus_salicina – This systematic review examined the health effects of plums (*Prunus domestica* and *Prunus salicina*). The review highlighted the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of plums, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health and cognitive function. However, the authors noted that more high-quality research is needed to confirm these effects.