By Pip Courtney, ABC
Scientists say the rich purple colour comes from natural compounds linked to health benefits. Photo: ABC / Cameron Lang
Scientists at three Australian universities believe a dark purple plum bred in Queensland could help delay or even prevent dementia.
Researchers at the University of Wollongong, the University of Queensland and Victoria University are testing juice from the Queen Garnet plum to see if it can protect the brain.
While each team's work is in its infancy, Victoria University's Michael Mathai said the results are very promising.
Plant breeder Bruce Topp and his colleague named the plum "Queen" for Queensland and "Garnet" for its flesh. Photo: ABC / Cameron Lang
"There is evidence that people with early-stage dementia or perhaps mild cognitive impairment … can be helped by this," Mathai said.
"Certainly there are some markers of inflammation which go down when they're taking plum extract."
Early research shows promising brain benefits
Mathai has been adding plum extract to lab-grown neuronal cells, which mimic brain cells.
"We see increases in genes or proteins made by the cells, which drive the formation of new connections and the lengthening of the axons, which are like the telephone wires that connect to the different cells … that's the basis for things like making new memories," he said.
Michael Mathai is exploring the plum's potential to protect and possibly repair damaged brain tissue. Photo: ABC / Supplied
While the research could have huge implications for the aged care sector, Mathai is eager to know if the plum can also repair traumatic brain injuries.
"We've already shown the extract will protect against chemically induced damage from oxidative stress, for example, that's a neuroprotection area, but … will it help to repair already damaged tissue? That's something which we need to investigate further," he said.
In Brisbane, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa said the Queen Garnet plum's high levels of anthocyanins, a compound found in purple, blue and some red fruit and vegetables, may explain its potential to improve brain health.
Anthocyanins are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest they help reduce blood pressure, delay diabetes and support heart health.
Gut health and the 'poo machine'
Sultanbawa believes eating extracts, juices and powders made from the high anthocyanin plums could one day be a cheaper way of treating lifestyle diseases than prescription drugs, and without the side effects.
Yasmina Sultanbawa is investigating how gut bacteria turn plum compounds into health-boosting molecules. Photo: ABC / Cameron Lang
Her research team is investigating the connection between gut and brain health, and the impact of eating foods high in anthocyanins.
"The brain and gut are two organs that are talking to each other all the time, but we don't have enough knowledge in that space," Sultanbawa said.
"If you can really get the gut and the brain to work together, and if you understand it more, you will get a much healthier population."
Scientists are testing Queen Garnet extract to see if it protects lab-grown brain cells from inflammation. Photo: ABC / Cameron Lang
Her lab is home to Australia's only scientific "poo machine", a series of glass chambers that recreate what happens in the human digestive system.
Tests have shown less than 5 percent of anthocyanins are absorbed in the small intestine, with most of the absorption happening in the large intestine.
"The magic happens in the colon where the poo is," Sultanbawa said.
This lab has a "poo machine" to study how the gut processes the plum's anthocyanins. Photo: ABC / Cameron Lang
"You get like 10 trillion micro-organisms in your poo, and that microbiota will convert the anthocyanins to little molecules …which are really good for your body… [they're] anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even cognitive functions will be improved."
With dementia and brain injury placing increasing pressure on families and the economy, she argues it's only logical to invest more in gut-brain research - a move that may cost millions in the short term but could save billions in healthcare in the future.
Hollywood interest boosts Queen Garnet profile
The plum season ended last month, but interest is ramping up.
Actor Chris Hemsworth recently showed interest in the Queen Garnet plum.
Several years ago, the movie star discovered he was predisposed to developing Alzheimer's and commissioned a television series looking at the latest breakthroughs in dementia prevention.
His research team contacted Sid and Bonney Ghosh, who owns a controlling share in Nutrafruit, the company with the rights to market the plum.
Bonney and Sid Ghosh are expanding the Queen Garnet plum's reach into global markets including China. Photo: ABC / Cameron Lang
The father and son team are excited the Australian-bred plum, with higher levels of anthocyanins than blueberries, might feature in Hemsworth's series.
"It is early conversations; I think they weren't expecting to find something in their own backyard, so there's a lot of energy around that," CEO of Nutrafruit Sid Ghosh said.
A spokesperson confirmed Chris Hemsworth plans to feature the Queen Garnet plum in his new YouTube series later this year.
- ABC
