Overview
Fresh and dried plums contain fiber and other chemicals that might help with constipation. Dried plum also contains chemicals that seem to reduce bone loss and improve joint health.
People use dried plums for constipation, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Don't confuse plum with Japanese Apricot. These are not the same.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
- Constipation. Consuming dried plums, plum juice, or plum puree seems to improve constipation. It seems to work as well as psyllium.
Side Effects
Special Precautions and Warnings
Allergy to plants in the Rosaceae family: People who are allergic to other plants in the Rosaceae family, including apricots, peaches, and cherries, might also be allergic to plum.
Interactions ?
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with PLUM
Plum might slow blood clotting. Taking plus along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
As medicine, dried plums have most often been used by adults in doses of 50-100 grams by mouth daily for up to 12 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Ahmed T, Sadia H, Batool S, Janjua A, Shuja F. Use of prunes as a control of hypertension. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2010;22(1):28-31. View abstract.
Ahmed T, Sadia H, Batool S, Janjua A, Shuja F. Use of prunes as a control of hypertension. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2010;22(1):28-31. View abstract.
Arjmandi BH, Johnson SA, Pourafshar S, et al. Bone-protective effects of dried plum in postmenopausal women: Efficacy and possible mechanisms. Nutrients. 2017;9(5). pii: E496. View abstract.
Arjmandi BH, Johnson SA, Pourafshar S, et al. Bone-protective effects of dried plum in postmenopausal women: Efficacy and possible mechanisms. Nutrients. 2017;9(5). pii: E496. View abstract.
Arjmandi BH, Khalil DA, Lucas EA, et al. Dried plums improve indices of bone formation in postmenopausal women. J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2002;11(1):61-8. View abstract.
Arjmandi BH, Khalil DA, Lucas EA, et al. Dried plums improve indices of bone formation in postmenopausal women. J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2002;11(1):61-8. View abstract.
Attaluri A, Donahoe R, Valestin J, Brown K, Rao SS. Randomised clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs. psyllium for constipation. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 2011;33(7):822-8.
Attaluri A, Donahoe R, Valestin J, Brown K, Rao SS. Randomised clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs. psyllium for constipation. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 2011;33(7):822-8.
Cheskin LJ, Mitola AH, Ridoré M, Kolge S, Hwang K, Clark B. A naturalistic, controlled, crossover trial of plum juice versus psyllium versus control for improving bowel function. Internet J Nutr Wellness. 2009;7(2).
Cheskin LJ, Mitola AH, Ridoré M, Kolge S, Hwang K, Clark B. A naturalistic, controlled, crossover trial of plum juice versus psyllium versus control for improving bowel function. Internet J Nutr Wellness. 2009;7(2).
Chiu HF, Huang YC, Lu YY, et al. Regulatory/modulatory effect of prune essence concentrate on intestinal function and blood lipids. Pharm Biol. 2017;55(1):974-979. View abstract.
Chiu HF, Huang YC, Lu YY, et al. Regulatory/modulatory effect of prune essence concentrate on intestinal function and blood lipids. Pharm Biol. 2017;55(1):974-979. View abstract.
Crespo JF, Rodríguez J, James JM, Daroca P, Reaño M, Vives R. Reactivity to potential cross-reactive foods in fruit-allergic patients: implications for prescribing food avoidance. Allergy. 2002;57(10):946-9. View abstract.
Crespo JF, Rodríguez J, James JM, Daroca P, Reaño M, Vives R. Reactivity to potential cross-reactive foods in fruit-allergic patients: implications for prescribing food avoidance. Allergy. 2002;57(10):946-9. View abstract.
Erdogan A, Rao SS, Thiruvaiyaru D, et al. Randomised clinical trial: mixed soluble/insoluble fibre vs. psyllium for chronic constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2016;44(1):35-44. View abstract.
Erdogan A, Rao SS, Thiruvaiyaru D, et al. Randomised clinical trial: mixed soluble/insoluble fibre vs. psyllium for chronic constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2016;44(1):35-44. View abstract.
Farajian P, Katsagani M, Zampelas A. Short-term effects of a snack including dried prunes on energy intake and satiety in normal-weight individuals. Eating behaviors. 2010;11(3):201-3.
Farajian P, Katsagani M, Zampelas A. Short-term effects of a snack including dried prunes on energy intake and satiety in normal-weight individuals. Eating behaviors. 2010;11(3):201-3.
Furchner-Evanson A, Petrisko Y, Howarth L, Nemoseck T, Kern M. Type of snack influences satiety responses in adult women. Appetite. 2010;54(3):564-9. View abstract.
Furchner-Evanson A, Petrisko Y, Howarth L, Nemoseck T, Kern M. Type of snack influences satiety responses in adult women. Appetite. 2010;54(3):564-9. View abstract.
Hong MY, Kern M, Nakamichi-Lee M, Abbaspour N, Ahouraei Far A, Hooshmand S. Dried Plum Consumption Improves Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women. J Med Food 2021. View abstract.
Hong MY, Kern M, Nakamichi-Lee M, Abbaspour N, Ahouraei Far A, Hooshmand S. Dried Plum Consumption Improves Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women. J Med Food 2021. View abstract.
Hooshmand S, Brisco JR, Arjmandi BH. The effect of dried plum on serum levels of receptor activator of NF-?B ligand, osteoprotegerin and sclerostin in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2014;112(1):55-60. View abstract.
Hooshmand S, Brisco JR, Arjmandi BH. The effect of dried plum on serum levels of receptor activator of NF-?B ligand, osteoprotegerin and sclerostin in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2014;112(1):55-60. View abstract.
Hooshmand S, Chai SC, Saadat RL, et al. Comparative effects of dried plum and dried apple on bone in postmenopausal women. Br J Nutr. 2011;106(6):923-30. View abstract.
Hooshmand S, Chai SC, Saadat RL, et al. Comparative effects of dried plum and dried apple on bone in postmenopausal women. Br J Nutr. 2011;106(6):923-30. View abstract.
Hooshmand S, Kern M, Metti D, et al. The effect of two doses of dried plum on bone density and bone biomarkers in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomized, controlled trial. Osteoporos Int. 2016;27(7):2271-2279. View abstract.
Hooshmand S, Kern M, Metti D, et al. The effect of two doses of dried plum on bone density and bone biomarkers in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomized, controlled trial. Osteoporos Int. 2016;27(7):2271-2279. View abstract.
Ibrahim N, Chauhan I, Nikkar-Esfahani A. 'A problematic plum pit in the piping': a case of traumatic oesophageal perforation. BMJ Case Rep. 2016;2016. pii: bcr2015213807. View abstract.
Ibrahim N, Chauhan I, Nikkar-Esfahani A. 'A problematic plum pit in the piping': a case of traumatic oesophageal perforation. BMJ Case Rep. 2016;2016. pii: bcr2015213807. View abstract.
Igwe EO, Charlton KE, Roodenrys S, Kent K, Fanning K, Netzel ME. Anthocyanin-rich plum juice reduces ambulatory blood pressure but not acute cognitive function in younger and older adults: a pilot crossover dose-timing study. Nutr. Res. 2017;47:28-43. View abstract.
Igwe EO, Charlton KE, Roodenrys S, Kent K, Fanning K, Netzel ME. Anthocyanin-rich plum juice reduces ambulatory blood pressure but not acute cognitive function in younger and older adults: a pilot crossover dose-timing study. Nutr. Res. 2017;47:28-43. View abstract.
Igwe EO, Charlton KE. A systematic review on the health effects of plums (Prunus domestica and Prunus salicina). Phytother Res. 2016;30(5):701-31. View abstract.
Igwe EO, Charlton KE. A systematic review on the health effects of plums (Prunus domestica and Prunus salicina). Phytother Res. 2016;30(5):701-31. View abstract.
Jain M, Pielage P, De-Ryke R. Plum stones: an unusual cause of ileostomy obstruction demonstrated by sonography. J Clin Ultrasound. 1998;26(8):416-7. View abstract.
Jain M, Pielage P, De-Ryke R. Plum stones: an unusual cause of ileostomy obstruction demonstrated by sonography. J Clin Ultrasound. 1998;26(8):416-7. View abstract.
Johnson MC, Fisher JK. Plum pit ileus: a case report. Mo Med. 1991;88(10):696-8. View abstract.
Johnson MC, Fisher JK. Plum pit ileus: a case report. Mo Med. 1991;88(10):696-8. View abstract.
Kasim-Karakas SE, Almario RU, Gregory L, Todd H, Wong R, Lasley BL. Effects of prune consumption on the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16alpha-hydroxyestrone. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;76(6):1422-7. View abstract.
Kasim-Karakas SE, Almario RU, Gregory L, Todd H, Wong R, Lasley BL. Effects of prune consumption on the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16alpha-hydroxyestrone. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;76(6):1422-7. View abstract.
Kong MS, Wang KL. A prune-induced small intestinal obstruction: sonographic appearance. J Clin Ultrasound. 1995;23(9):558-60. View abstract.
Kong MS, Wang KL. A prune-induced small intestinal obstruction: sonographic appearance. J Clin Ultrasound. 1995;23(9):558-60. View abstract.
Lever E, Cole J, Scott SM, Emery PW, Whelan K. Systematic review: the effect of prunes on gastrointestinal function. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014;40(7):750-8. View abstract.
Lever E, Cole J, Scott SM, Emery PW, Whelan K. Systematic review: the effect of prunes on gastrointestinal function. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014;40(7):750-8. View abstract.
Lucas EA, Hammond LJ, Mocanu V, et al. Daily consumption of dried plum by postmenopausal women does not cause undesirable changes in bowel function. J Appl Res. 2004;4(1):37-43.
Lucas EA, Hammond LJ, Mocanu V, et al. Daily consumption of dried plum by postmenopausal women does not cause undesirable changes in bowel function. J Appl Res. 2004;4(1):37-43.
Mirza F, Lorenzo J, Drissi H, Lee FY, Soung DY. Dried plum alleviates symptoms of inflammatory arthritis in TNF transgenic mice. J Nutr Biochem. 2018;52:54-61. View abstract.
Mirza F, Lorenzo J, Drissi H, Lee FY, Soung DY. Dried plum alleviates symptoms of inflammatory arthritis in TNF transgenic mice. J Nutr Biochem. 2018;52:54-61. View abstract.
Pastorello EA, Ortolani C, Farioli L, et al. Allergenic cross-reactivity among peach, apricot, plum, and cherry in patients with oral allergy syndrome: an in vivo and in vitro study. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1994;94(4):699-707. View abstract.
Pastorello EA, Ortolani C, Farioli L, et al. Allergenic cross-reactivity among peach, apricot, plum, and cherry in patients with oral allergy syndrome: an in vivo and in vitro study. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1994;94(4):699-707. View abstract.
Piirainen L, Peuhkuri K, Bäckström K, Korpela R, Salminen S. Prune juice has a mild laxative effect in adults with certain gastrointestinal symptoms. Nutr. Res. 2007;27(8):511-3.
Piirainen L, Peuhkuri K, Bäckström K, Korpela R, Salminen S. Prune juice has a mild laxative effect in adults with certain gastrointestinal symptoms. Nutr. Res. 2007;27(8):511-3.
Santhakumar AB, Kundur AR, Fanning K, Netzel M, Stanley R, Singh I. Consumption of anthocyanin-rich Queen Garnet plum juice reduces platelet activation related thrombogenesis in healthy volunteers. J. Functional Foods. 2015;12:11-22.
Santhakumar AB, Kundur AR, Fanning K, Netzel M, Stanley R, Singh I. Consumption of anthocyanin-rich Queen Garnet plum juice reduces platelet activation related thrombogenesis in healthy volunteers. J. Functional Foods. 2015;12:11-22.
Santhakumar AB, Kundur AR, Sabapathy S, Stanley R, Singh I. The potential of anthocyanin-rich Queen Garnet plum juice supplementation in alleviating thrombotic risk under induced oxidative stress conditions. J. Functional Foods. 2015;14:747-57.
Santhakumar AB, Kundur AR, Sabapathy S, Stanley R, Singh I. The potential of anthocyanin-rich Queen Garnet plum juice supplementation in alleviating thrombotic risk under induced oxidative stress conditions. J. Functional Foods. 2015;14:747-57.
Simonavice E, Liu PY, Ilich JZ, Kim JS, Arjmandi B, Panton LB. The effects of a 6-month resistance training and dried plum consumption intervention on strength, body composition, blood markers of bone turnover, and inflammation in breast cancer survivors. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014;39(6):730-9. View abstract.
Simonavice E, Liu PY, Ilich JZ, Kim JS, Arjmandi B, Panton LB. The effects of a 6-month resistance training and dried plum consumption intervention on strength, body composition, blood markers of bone turnover, and inflammation in breast cancer survivors. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014;39(6):730-9. View abstract.
Stacewicz-Sapuntzakis M. Dried plums and their products: composition and health effects--an updated review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013;53(12):1277-302. View abstract.
Stacewicz-Sapuntzakis M. Dried plums and their products: composition and health effects--an updated review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013;53(12):1277-302. View abstract.
Tinker LF, Schneeman BO, Davis PA, Gallaher DD, Waggoner CR. Consumption of prunes as a source of dietary fiber in men with mild hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991;53(5):1259-65. View abstract.
Tinker LF, Schneeman BO, Davis PA, Gallaher DD, Waggoner CR. Consumption of prunes as a source of dietary fiber in men with mild hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991;53(5):1259-65. View abstract.
Wallace TC. Dried plums, prunes and bone health: A comprehensive review. Nutrients. 2017;9(4). pii: E401. View abstract.
Wallace TC. Dried plums, prunes and bone health: A comprehensive review. Nutrients. 2017;9(4). pii: E401. View abstract.
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