Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Bush plum ripe for anti-ageing studies

Tanya Westthorp   |  12:01am March 27, 2013

Tropical Fruit World manager Aymon Gow with a Mullumbimby plum. Pic: Scott Fletcher

A LOCAL bush fruit may hold the key to the fountain of youth.

Southern Cross University researchers believe the Davidson's plum, found in rainforests in the Gold Coast and northern NSW, contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could slow the ageing process.

Vitamin company Blackmores and local manufacturer Native Extracts are so confident in successful laboratory studies on the youthful plum, that they have commissioned local researchers to start human trials into its effectiveness.

About 40 participants will take a daily 100ml dose of a water-based plum extract for a fortnight -- the equivalent to eating four Davidson's plums a day.

Professor Stephen Myers, from the university's Southern Cross Plant Science department, said the plum, commonly known as the Mullumbimby plum, had been a staple diet to indigenous Australians for years and he was excited to investigate the health benefits of the bush food.

"Davidson's plum has a long history of use as a food, both by indigenous people and early settlers in Australia, and is now grown commercially for human consumption in jam, wine, ice-cream and sauces," said Professor Myers.

"Laboratory studies have confirmed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plum, suggesting that it may be beneficial in stopping oxidative damage, which is a major cause of cell ageing.

"We are now testing it in humans to explore this potential."

Prof Myers said the antioxidant levels of participants would be measured by blood tests and researchers would also track if there were any benefits in mood, fatigue and muscle function.

The native plum tree is usually about 5m tall and fruits in clusters on the trunk.

It is considered endangered in the wild, but is widely cultivated on the Tweed.

The plum fruits over Christmas and is currently being harvested for jams but Tropical Fruit World was yesterday one of the few places to still have plums still on the tree.

Park manager Aymon Gow said he had no idea the tangy plum could be used in anti-ageing.

"It's really sour but it's a great flavour when used in something sweet like jams," he said.

Southern Cross University researchers are looking for men and women aged between 18 and 40 to take part in the study.

Contact Shelley Robinson for more information on 0419 098 018 or at plum@scu.edu.au


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