Australia’s very own Queen Garnet plum is stepping into the spotlight – not as a fruit salad ingredient but as a potential powerhouse in the fight against dementia! Scientists from the University of Wollongong, University of Queensland, and Victoria University are busy unraveling the secrets of this dark purple plum, bred in Queensland for its eye-catching hue and exceptional anthocyanin content.
Anthocyanins are natural compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, historically celebrated for benefits ranging from heart health to diabetes control. Now, researchers are testing if these compounds can protect—and maybe even repair—the brain. At the heart of the research is an exploration of how Queen Garnet plum extract works on neuronal cells. Early experiments have shown that adding the extract to lab-grown brain cells not only reduces inflammation markers but also encourages the growth of connections between cells.
“Certainly, there are some markers of inflammation which go down when they’re taking plum extract,” notes Professor Michael Mathai from Victoria University. This encouraging insight suggests that the plum extract could play a role in delaying the progression of early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment by nurturing the very connections that underpin memory formation.
But there’s a twist that’s making this research extra appetizing: the gut-brain connection. Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa and her team are investigating how the gut’s microbiota transforms anthocyanins into health-boosting molecules. Their lab—affectionately nicknamed the “poo machine” due to its ingenious simulation of the human digestive system—has uncovered that most anthocyanin absorption happens in the large intestine. This innovative approach not only offers a peek at how our digestive system can influence brain health, but it also hints at the possibility of developing cost-effective dietary strategies for preventing or managing lifestyle diseases, including dementia.
With dementia and brain injuries exerting increasing strain on families and healthcare systems, this research is more than just a fruity fancy. It could pave the way for natural, accessible interventions that harness the power of food to protect our brains. The story of the Queen Garnet plum gets even juicier with Hollywood interest—actor Chris Hemsworth is eyeing the plum for his upcoming series on dementia prevention, adding a sprinkle of stardust to its promising legacy.
Curious to dive deeper? Check out the full ABC News article for all the details!
