The extract is currently produced by Native Extracts and is marketed by Australian vitamin company Blackmores as a supplement. It is is also sourced locally, in the Gold Coast and the Northern part of New South Wales.
Both Blackmores and Native Extracts say they are confident enough about the anti-ageing properties of the fruit extract, they have decided to commission the Southern Cross University (SCU), in New South Wales, to perform clinical trials that aim to determine its effectiveness on humans.
Clinical trials focus on fruits anti-aging properties
The clinical trials will include 40 participants who will take a daily 100ml does of the water-based plum for a fortnights, which the researchers say is the equivalent of consuming approximately four averaged sized plumbs.
The fruit has been a staple to indigenous Australians for generations, but to many other Australians and internationally it is almost unheard of.
The trees that the fruit grow on are usually about 5 meters tall and are actually endangered in the wild, although they are in relative abundance in the farms where they are cultivated in the particular region of Australia.
Laboratory studies have already identified anti-aging properties
"Davidson's plumb 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 Stephen Myers, from the SCU’s plant science department.
"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."
Although the fruit is more commonly used for food products as well as supplements, if the outcome of the clinical trials is positive, the results may determine whether or not the extract could be used for beauty from within products or even as an ingredients in topical anti-aging products.