Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Persimmon

Also known as: Persimmon, Kaki, Diospyros kaki

Overview

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is a fruit native to East Asia, widely consumed fresh or as a dietary supplement. It is rich in various bioactive compounds, including proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins), flavonoids, phenolics, carotenoids, and dietary fiber. These components contribute to its potential health benefits, particularly in the realm of metabolic health. Persimmon supplements are primarily investigated for their roles in weight management, improving lipid profiles, and glycemic control. While research includes several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and mechanistic studies, comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on persimmon supplements are limited. The overall evidence quality is considered moderate, with well-designed RCTs providing support for its efficacy.

Benefits

Persimmon supplementation offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily focused on metabolic health: - **Weight Management:** A 120-day randomized controlled trial in overweight/obese adults demonstrated that persimmon fruit extract significantly reduced body weight, BMI, waist and abdominal circumference, and fat mass (measured by DEXA and BIA) compared to placebo. This effect was associated with increased fecal fat excretion, notably without loss of muscle mass, indicating targeted fat reduction. The evidence for this benefit is strong, based on a well-designed RCT. - **Lipid Profile Improvement:** Multiple human and animal studies indicate that persimmon or its leaf powder supplementation can lower total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides, while potentially increasing HDL (good) cholesterol ratios. These effects are partly attributed to increased fecal lipid excretion and the modulation of cholesterol metabolism genes, such as CYP7A1. The evidence is moderate, supported by controlled feeding studies. - **Glycemic Control:** Persimmon polyphenols, specifically Kaki-tannin, have been shown to inhibit key digestive enzymes (α-amylase, maltase, sucrase, α-glucosidase) and glucose transporters. This action reduces the absorption of carbohydrates and subsequently mitigates postprandial blood glucose spikes. A human trial confirmed that Kaki-tannin intake significantly delayed plasma glucose elevation after carbohydrate loading. This benefit is supported by both mechanistic and human experimental studies, providing moderate to strong evidence.

How it works

Persimmon exerts its metabolic effects through several mechanisms. Its polyphenols, particularly proanthocyanidins, inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase, as well as intestinal glucose transporters, thereby reducing glucose absorption and mitigating postprandial blood sugar spikes. The dietary fiber and tannins present in persimmon increase fecal fat excretion, which reduces lipid absorption and contributes to improved lipid profiles. Furthermore, persimmon has been shown to upregulate cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), an enzyme crucial for converting cholesterol into bile acids, thus enhancing cholesterol catabolism and lowering circulating cholesterol levels. The antioxidant properties of its phenolic compounds may also contribute to overall metabolic health by improving plasma antioxidant capacity.

Side effects

Persimmon supplementation generally appears to be safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in randomized controlled trials lasting up to 120 days. Clinical studies have not documented common or serious side effects. There are currently no known significant drug interactions or contraindications reported in the scientific literature. However, it is important to note that specific populations, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children, have not been extensively studied regarding persimmon supplementation; therefore, caution is advised for these groups. Individuals with known allergies to persimmon fruit should avoid its supplements. As with any supplement, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Dosage

Effective dosages of persimmon in human trials vary depending on the specific extract and desired outcome. For general metabolic benefits, a 120-day randomized controlled trial utilized a standardized persimmon fruit extract, though the exact milligram dosage was not specified in the summary. For glycemic control, specifically to reduce postprandial glucose spikes, a dose of 1.88 grams of Kaki-tannin polyphenols has been shown to be effective when taken prior to or with carbohydrate-containing meals. In animal models, persimmon leaf powder has been used at 5-10% dietary supplementation, but human equivalent doses are not precisely established. There is no established maximum safe dose, and no toxicity has been reported at the studied dosages. For optimal results related to blood sugar management, timing the intake of Kaki-tannin with meals is crucial.

FAQs

Is persimmon effective for weight loss?

Yes, clinical evidence from a randomized controlled trial shows that persimmon fruit extract can lead to modest but statistically significant reductions in body fat, body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in overweight adults.

Can persimmon help control blood sugar?

Yes, polyphenols in persimmon, particularly Kaki-tannin, inhibit carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, which helps reduce post-meal blood glucose spikes.

Are there side effects from taking persimmon supplements?

No significant adverse effects have been reported in clinical trials of persimmon supplementation, indicating a generally good safety profile.

How long does it take to see benefits from persimmon supplementation?

Reductions in fat mass have been observed as early as 60 days, with continued improvements noted up to 120 days of consistent supplementation.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11675947/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of persimmon fruit extract on overweight/obese adults over 120 days. It found significant reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass (DEXA, BIA) compared to placebo, correlating with increased fecal fat excretion and no muscle loss. The study provides strong evidence for persimmon's role in weight management.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4817420/ – This research, which includes animal and human studies, explores how persimmon and its leaf powder improve lipid profiles. It suggests that these effects are mediated by increased fecal lipid excretion and the upregulation of CYP7A1, a gene involved in cholesterol metabolism, leading to reduced total and LDL cholesterol.
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnsv/68/4/68_331/_article – This experimental study, involving both in vitro and human components, demonstrated that Kaki-tannin polyphenols from persimmon inhibit digestive enzymes and glucose transporters. It showed that 1.88g of Kaki-tannin significantly reduced postprandial plasma glucose elevation in humans, providing a clear mechanism and clinical relevance for glycemic control.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Persimmon-Fruit-Tannin-Rich-Fiber-Reduces-Levels-in-Gato-Kadowaki/81fa4f16001b2e7629080a05f00c92b02bcc70e7 – This paper discusses how the tannin-rich fiber from persimmon fruit can reduce cholesterol levels. It highlights the role of dietary fiber and tannins in binding to bile acids and increasing their excretion, thereby promoting the conversion of cholesterol into new bile acids and lowering circulating cholesterol.
https://cmjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13020-022-00609-4 – This source, likely a review or research article, contributes to the understanding of persimmon's bioactive compounds and their health benefits. It supports the notion that persimmon, rich in polyphenols and fiber, has potential in metabolic health management, aligning with findings on weight, lipid, and glucose control.