Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Kakadu Plum Extract

Also known as: Terminalia ferdinandiana, Kakadu plum, Gubinge, Billygoat plum

Overview

Kakadu plum, scientifically known as Terminalia ferdinandiana, is an Australian native fruit renowned for its exceptionally high vitamin C content and rich antioxidant profile. It is increasingly utilized as a functional food ingredient and in dietary supplements due to its bioactive compounds, including vitamin C, phenolic acids (such as ellagic acid), and other antioxidants. The extract is primarily valued for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and potential antidiabetic properties. Research on Kakadu plum is growing, with several in vitro and some in vivo studies supporting its bioactivity. However, systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically on Kakadu plum as a supplement ingredient are limited, and much evidence is from laboratory or preliminary clinical studies rather than large-scale RCTs. It is available in various forms, including powdered fruit extracts and blended products.

Benefits

Kakadu plum exhibits strong antioxidant properties, mainly attributed to its high vitamin C and phenolic content, which can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This is supported by in vitro studies demonstrating its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species. The extract also shows antibacterial activity, potentially contributing to food safety and therapeutic applications, as evidenced by in vitro assays. Some in vitro assays suggest Kakadu plum may have antidiabetic properties, though clinical evidence is currently lacking. While potential immune system support has been suggested, direct clinical evidence remains sparse. Safety profiles indicate low cytotoxicity in cell viability assays, supporting its use in food and supplements.

How it works

The antioxidant effects of Kakadu plum are primarily achieved through scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhancing cellular antioxidant defenses, largely due to its high vitamin C and polyphenol content, such as ellagic acid. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities may support immune function and reduce oxidative damage within the body. Likely molecular targets include free radicals and microbial cell components, although detailed molecular targets remain to be fully elucidated. Vitamin C from Kakadu plum is bioavailable, and while the bioavailability of phenolic compounds varies, they contribute to systemic antioxidant effects.

Side effects

Kakadu plum is generally regarded as safe based on in vitro cytotoxicity assays and toxicological screening, with low mortality rates observed in model organisms at tested concentrations. No significant side effects have been reported in available studies, but uncommon or rare side effects are not well documented due to limited human trials. There are no documented drug interactions, but caution is advised due to the high vitamin C content, especially for patients on anticoagulants or with kidney disorders. No contraindications have been established. The safety of Kakadu plum during pregnancy, lactation, or in children has not been established, warranting caution in these special populations.

Dosage

Due to the lack of clinical trials, a minimum effective dose for Kakadu plum has not been established. Optimal dosage ranges are also undefined, and doses in functional food products currently vary. A maximum safe dose has not been established, but the high vitamin C content suggests caution with excessive intake. Timing considerations have not been studied. Powdered fruit extracts and blended products are common forms. Vitamin C absorption from Kakadu plum is well-characterized, while phenolic absorption may be influenced by the food matrix. No required cofactors have been identified. Further research is needed to determine appropriate dosing guidelines.

FAQs

Is Kakadu plum extract safe?

Preliminary data indicate safety in vitro and in animal models, but human clinical safety data are limited. More research is needed to confirm its safety in humans.

Does it help with diabetes?

Some in vitro evidence suggests potential antidiabetic effects, but no robust clinical trials confirm this. Clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.

How quickly does it work?

There is currently no clinical data available on the onset of effects from Kakadu plum extract. Further research is needed to determine its time course of action.

Can it replace vitamin C supplements?

It is a natural source of vitamin C, but dosing and bioavailability compared to synthetic supplements need further study to determine its efficacy as a replacement.

Research Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/1/236 – This in vitro study investigated the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities of Kakadu plum powder and blends. The study found strong antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, with blended products showing lower bioactivity than pure powder but still superior to commercial blueberry powder. Cytotoxicity assays showed low toxicity, supporting its safety for food use.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10056586/ – This analytical study characterized the variability in vitamin C and phenolic content of Kakadu plum based on growing location. The findings support its potential use in functional foods and supplements due to the consistent presence of bioactive compounds. However, the study did not assess any clinical outcomes.
https://www.mdpi.com/1661-3821/3/1/2 – This source is not directly related to Kakadu Plum. It is an editorial for the journal 'Foods' and does not contain research information about Kakadu Plum. Therefore, it cannot be summarized in the context of Kakadu Plum research.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10535096/ – This source is not directly related to Kakadu Plum. It is a study about the effect of diet on the gut microbiota and metabolome in elderly individuals. Therefore, it cannot be summarized in the context of Kakadu Plum research.
https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/bitstream/handle/11343/334710/PMC9777714.pdf – This study assessed the phenolic profiles, antioxidant activity, and toxicity of Australian native fruits, including Kakadu plum, in model organisms. Kakadu plum showed high antioxidant activity and low toxicity at tested concentrations. The study is preclinical and lacks RCT data.