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Wild Bush Plum

Also known as: Wild Bush Plum, Green Plum, Kakadu Plum, Native Plum, Pleiogynium timoriense, Terminalia ferdinandiana

Overview

Wild Bush Plum refers to native Australian fruits, primarily species from the genus Terminalia (e.g., Terminalia ferdinandiana) or Pleiogynium (e.g., Pleiogynium timoriense). These fruits are traditionally consumed by Aboriginal communities and are recognized as functional foods or nutraceutical ingredients. They are characterized by exceptionally high vitamin C content, significant antioxidant capacity, and a rich profile of phenolic compounds. While the term 'Wild Bush Plum' can vary regionally, it generally denotes native Australian plums distinct from common Prunus species. Research into Wild Bush Plum is emerging, with most studies focusing on its nutritional composition and preliminary health benefits, particularly its potential for antioxidant support and nutritional diversification. High-quality clinical trials specifically on Wild Bush Plum are limited, though broader research on plum supplementation offers some insights.

Benefits

While direct clinical evidence for Wild Bush Plum is limited, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on plum supplementation (primarily *Prunus* species) suggest potential benefits. A meta-analysis showed significant reductions in LDL cholesterol by approximately 11.5 mg/dL (95% CI: -21.93 to -1.11 mg/dL, p=0.03) and total cholesterol in unhealthy individuals after more than 8 weeks of supplementation. This modest but clinically relevant reduction in LDL cholesterol is beneficial for cardiovascular risk reduction, particularly in individuals with dyslipidemia or metabolic syndrome. No significant effects on triglycerides or HDL cholesterol were observed. The Wild Bush Plum's high vitamin C and antioxidant content also suggests potential for improving overall nutritional status and combating dietary deficiencies, as highlighted in nutritional reviews. However, these nutritional benefits require further clinical validation specific to Wild Bush Plum.

How it works

The potential health benefits of Wild Bush Plum are primarily attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds, including vitamin C and various polyphenols. These compounds exert significant antioxidant activity, which helps to reduce oxidative stress in the body. The polyphenols and vitamin C may also modulate lipid metabolism and inflammatory pathways. Specifically, these compounds are thought to interact with pathways involved in LDL cholesterol metabolism, contributing to the observed reductions in LDL cholesterol. The antioxidant effects may also support overall immune function. While the exact mechanisms for Wild Bush Plum are still under investigation, the general bioavailability of vitamin C and polyphenols from plums suggests similar absorption and action pathways.

Side effects

No significant safety concerns or adverse effects have been reported in the literature specifically for Wild Bush Plum, which has a history of traditional consumption without documented issues. Clinical trials on general plum supplementation have also not documented common (over 5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (under 1%) side effects. There are no established drug interactions for Wild Bush Plum; however, caution is generally advised with anticoagulants for some plum varieties due to potential vitamin K content, though this has not been specifically studied for Wild Bush Plum. No contraindications have been established. Data for special populations are limited, but traditional use suggests safety in indigenous populations. Overall, Wild Bush Plum is considered safe for consumption based on available evidence and traditional use.

Dosage

Specific dosage guidelines for Wild Bush Plum have not been established due to limited direct clinical research. Studies on general plum supplementation, which often use standardized extracts or dried plum equivalents, suggest that benefits, particularly for lipid profiles, are observed with daily supplementation lasting longer than 8 weeks. An optimal or maximum safe dose for Wild Bush Plum is currently unknown. For consistent benefits, daily intake is recommended, aligning with findings from broader plum studies. The form of consumption can vary, including fresh fruit, dried fruit, or extracts, and the bioactive content may differ across these forms. While vitamin C absorption can be influenced by food matrix and individual factors, no specific cofactors are identified as required for Wild Bush Plum. Further research is needed to define precise dosing recommendations for this specific fruit.

FAQs

Is Wild Bush Plum effective for cholesterol?

Direct evidence for Wild Bush Plum is limited. However, general plum supplementation has shown modest reductions in LDL cholesterol in unhealthy individuals after consistent use for over 8 weeks.

Is it safe to consume Wild Bush Plum daily?

Based on traditional consumption and safety profiles of plum supplementation, daily consumption of Wild Bush Plum is generally considered safe, with no reported adverse effects.

How long does it take to see benefits from Wild Bush Plum?

Based on studies of plum supplementation, potential benefits, such as cholesterol reduction, typically require at least 8 weeks of consistent daily intake to become apparent.

Does Wild Bush Plum help with other health conditions?

Wild Bush Plum is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, suggesting potential for general nutritional support and combating oxidative stress, but clinical evidence for specific conditions is limited.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36721717/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of plum supplementation, including 9 RCTs, found a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol (WMD = -11.52 mg/dL) and total cholesterol in unhealthy subjects after more than 8 weeks. The study highlights the potential cardiovascular benefits of plum consumption, though it notes high heterogeneity and focuses on Prunus species rather than Wild Bush Plum specifically.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nutritionfacpub/324/ – This source appears to be a duplicate or related publication to the PubMed entry, reinforcing the findings of the systematic review and meta-analysis on plum supplementation. It supports the conclusion that plum consumption can modestly reduce LDL and total cholesterol in at-risk individuals over an extended period.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2020.600215/full – This narrative review discusses the nutritional potential of native Australian Green Plum (Wild Bush Plum), emphasizing its high vitamin C and antioxidant content. It suggests the fruit's value for improving nutritional status and calls for further clinical research to substantiate its health benefits, noting the current lack of specific RCTs.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/77618/1/77618.pdf – This ecological and agricultural study explores the role of native Australian food plants, including Wild Bush Plum, in sustainable agriculture and nutritional diversification. While it does not provide clinical data on health benefits, it underscores the cultural and nutritional importance of these native fruits and their potential contribution to food systems.