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Prunus Mume Extract

Also known as: Prunus mume Siebold & Zucc., Japanese apricot extract, Chinese plum extract, ume extract, Prunus mume extract

Overview

Prunus mume extract is derived from the fruit of the Prunus mume tree, native to East Asia. It is traditionally used in herbal medicine and as a food ingredient. The extract contains various phytochemicals, including polyphenols (hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid), cyanogenic glycosides, and organic acids. It is primarily used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, metabolic regulatory, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties. Research on P. mume is moderately mature, with several preclinical studies and a growing number of clinical trials, but systematic reviews and meta-analyses remain limited. It is available in various forms, including aqueous, ethanol, and fermented vinegar extracts.

Benefits

Clinical evidence indicates that Prunus mume extract, particularly when combined with choline, significantly improves glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It has been shown to reduce fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, triglycerides, and liver enzymes (ALT, AST, γ-GT), while increasing HDL cholesterol. Animal studies suggest neuroprotective benefits, with aqueous and ethanol extracts reducing neuroinflammation, microglial activation, and improving spatial learning and memory in models of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, a randomized controlled trial demonstrated that fermented P. mume vinegar can effectively ameliorate exercise-induced fatigue. While polyphenols from P. mume are implicated in cardiovascular health, human randomized controlled trial data are currently limited.

How it works

Prunus mume extract exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. Its anti-inflammatory action involves inhibiting NF-κB activation and downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators like TLR4 and p38MAPK signaling. The polyphenols present contribute to its antioxidant activity by scavenging reactive oxygen species and reducing oxidative stress. Metabolic regulation is achieved through the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, potentially by improving insulin sensitivity. Neuroprotection is attributed to its ability to attenuate microglial and astrocyte activation, thereby reducing neuroinflammation. The bioactive compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and cyanogenic glycosides, contribute to these mechanisms, with their bioavailability varying based on the extraction method and formulation.

Side effects

Overall, Prunus mume extracts are considered safe, with no major adverse effects reported in clinical trials involving administration for up to 3 months. Common side effects are not well documented but are likely minimal, consistent with traditional use and available clinical data. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been reported in the reviewed literature. While generally well-tolerated, data on specific populations, such as those with severe liver disease, are limited, suggesting a need for cautious interpretation in such cases. Long-term safety data beyond three months are also currently limited, and further research is needed to fully assess potential long-term effects.

Dosage

Clinical studies have utilized varying dosages of Prunus mume extract. In animal models, doses of 200 mg/kg have been used, while human trials have employed approximately 40 mg/kg, consistent with typical supplement extract doses. Treatment durations in these studies have ranged from 8 weeks to 3 months. The extract is available in different forms, including aqueous, ethanol, and fermented vinegar, and bioavailability may vary depending on the form. There is currently no established maximum safe dose, as clinical trials have not reported toxicity at the studied dosages. Users should adhere to product-specific recommendations or consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

FAQs

Is Prunus mume extract effective for liver health?

Yes, evidence supports benefits in NAFLD patients by improving liver enzymes and metabolic parameters, including glucose and lipid profiles.

Can it improve cognitive function?

Animal models show promise in reducing neuroinflammation and improving memory, but human clinical trials are currently lacking to confirm these effects.

Is it safe long-term?

Current data up to 3 months show a favorable safety profile, but longer-term studies are needed to fully assess its safety for extended use.

What form is best?

Both aqueous and ethanol extracts have demonstrated efficacy in studies; fermented vinegar forms also show benefits, particularly for fatigue reduction.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.679378/full – This systematic review and preclinical study by Gong et al. (2021) comprehensively reviewed the phytochemicals and pharmacological effects of Prunus mume. It highlighted significant neuroprotective and metabolic benefits observed in animal models, detailing anti-inflammatory pathways and cognitive improvements in Alzheimer's and cerebral hypoperfusion models. A key limitation noted was the absence of human randomized controlled trial data for cognitive effects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10921105/ – Avramovski et al. (2024) conducted a randomized controlled trial on NAFLD patients, demonstrating that supplementation with Prunus mume extract plus choline significantly reduced fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, and liver enzymes. The study reported statistically significant results with proper controls and effect sizes. Limitations included a small sample size in the severe NAFLD subgroup and a relatively short follow-up period for assessing histological changes.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9682036/ – Choi et al. (2022) performed a randomized controlled trial where fermented Prunus mume vinegar supplementation significantly reduced exercise-induced fatigue scores compared to placebo. The study was well-powered with a low dropout rate and used appropriate statistical analysis (ANCOVA). A limitation was its singular focus on fatigue as the primary outcome.