Plum Consumption Research Articles

The effects of plum products consumption on lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

Consumption of plum does not yet clearly affect the lipid profile. To ascertain the advantages of plum consumption on adult lipid profiles, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We used pertinent keywords to search the databases of PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to November 10th, 2022, in order to find trials that were eligible. According to the analyses, eating plum significantly lowers LDL levels compared to controls (WMD: -12.50 mg/dL, 95% CI: -22.06, -2.94, p = .010). Although plum consumption did not result in significant changes in TG (WMD: 0.56 mg/dL, 95% CI: -6.02, 7.15, p = .866), TC (WMD: -12.35 mg/dL, 95% CI: -25.05, 0.37, p = .057), and HDL concentrations (WMD: -0.39 mg/dL, 95% CI: -4.69, 3.89, p = .855) compared to the control group. Intake of plums, particularly the intervention type of dried plums, significantly decreased TC levels in unhealthy subjects, according to subgroup analysis. The consumption of plums had a notably statistically significant effect on LDL levels when the intervention type was dried plum and unhealthy subjects were enrolled. Due to the very low to moderate quality of meta-evidence, to show how eating plum improves lipid profile, further high-quality research are still essential.

Establishing a Consumer Quality Index for Fresh Plums (Prunus salicina Lindell)

Plums are primarily marketed for fresh consumption, canning, freezing, jam and jelly. Unfortunately, plum consumption has remained steady or declined. Consumers complain about a lack of flavor quality but are willing to pay for higher quality. Thus, absence of flavor and cold storage disorders are the main barriers to consumption. Plum cultivars are sensitive to gel breakdown, flesh browning and ‘off flavors’. Consumer approval and postharvest life are controlled by genotype, quality attributes, harvest date and proper postharvest handling. A consumer quality index (CQI) based on soluble solids concentration (SSC) and minimum firmness is proposed to maximize flavor and postharvest life. In most cases, late harvest increases quality attributes. Our work and industry experience demonstrated that using critical bruising thresholds (CBT) based on minimum firmness measured at harvest acts as a reliable predictor of how late to harvest safely for maximum visual and sensory quality. Plums tolerated late harvest well because of their high tolerance to bruising damage, but suitable postharvest temperature management and selling within the potential postharvest life are required to maintain flavor and avoid the beginning of chilling injury. Thus, to maximize flavor and postharvest life, a CQI based on SSC and minimum firmness measured at consumption is proposed. This article provides guidance on using this CQI, combined with proper postharvest handling techniques, such as correct harvest date determination and temperature management, to maintain quality and increase consumption.

The Role of Prunes in Modulating Inflammatory Pathways to Improve Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women

The prevalence of osteoporosis among women aged 50 y and older is expected to reach 13.6 million by 2030. Alternative nonpharmaceutical agents for osteoporosis, including nutritional interventions, are becoming increasingly popular. Prunes (dried plums; Prunus domestica L.) have been studied as a potential whole-food dietary intervention to mitigate bone loss in preclinical models of osteoporosis and in osteopenic postmenopausal women. Sixteen preclinical studies using in vivo rodent models of osteopenia or osteoporosis have established that dietary supplementation with prunes confers osteoprotective effects both by preventing and reversing bone loss. Increasing evidence from 10 studies suggests that, in addition to antiresorptive effects, prunes exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ten preclinical studies have found that prunes and/or their polyphenol extracts decrease malondialdehyde and NO secretion, increase antioxidant enzyme expression, or suppress NF-κB activation and proinflammatory cytokine production. Two clinical trials have investigated the impact of dried plum consumption (50-100 g/dfor 6-12 mo) on bone health in postmenopausal women and demonstrated promising effects on bone mineral density and bone biomarkers. However, less is known about the impact of prune consumption on oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in humans and their possible role in modulating bone outcomes. In this review, the current state of knowledge on the relation between inflammation and bone health is outlined. Findings from preclinical and clinical studies that have assessed the effect of prunes on oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, and bone outcomes are summarized, and evidence supporting a potential role of prunes in modulating inflammatory and immune pathways is highlighted. Key future directions to bridge the knowledge gap in the field are proposed.

The Effects of Dried Plum Consumption on Bone Mineral Density in Those Ages 50 and Older: An Interventional Clinical Trial

The Effects of Dried Plum Consumption on Bone Mineral Density in Those Ages 50 and Older: An Interventional Clinical Trial

Dried Plum Consumption Improves Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women.

Dried plums contain bioactive components that have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to determine if dried plum consumption reduces the risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women, specifically examining lipid profiles, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. We conducted a 6-month, parallel-design controlled clinical trial, where 48 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to consume 0, 50, or 100 g of dried plum each day. After 6 months of intervention, total cholesterol (TC) in the 100 g/day treatment group (P = .002) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the 50 g/day treatment group (P = .005) improved significantly compared to baseline. Inflammatory biomarkers interleukin-6 (P = .044) and tumor necrosis factor-α (P = .040) were significantly lower after 6 months within the 50 g/day dried plum group compared to baseline. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity increased significantly within the 50 g/day group (P = .046), and superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly within both 50 and 100 g/day groups (P = .044 and P = .027, respectively) after 6 months compared to baseline. In addition, plasma activities of alanine transaminase (P = .046), lactate dehydrogenase (P = .039), and creatine kinase (P = .030) were significantly lower after 6 months in the 50 g/day dried plum group. These findings suggest that daily consumption of 50-100 g dried plum improves CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women as exhibited by lower TC, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers with no clear dose dependence.

Modulation of Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties by Drying of Prunus domestica L. Plum Juice Extracts

The consumption of plums in a fresh form is seasonal, therefore the transformation of plum juice extracts into powdered form is a good alternative for its longer availability throughout the year. The drying process can moderate the physical and chemical properties of the plum extracts, thus, this study examined the changes in biological activity, i.e., antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties moderated by freeze, vacuum, and spray drying. It was suggested that the drying processes and the applied parameters might moderate the content of polyphenolic compounds in the powders, which influence the different levels of growth inhibition against the foodborne pathogens (17% to 58% of inhibition), demonstrating a strain-dependent effect. These powders could also induce cellular protection against oxidative stress by preventing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation (23% to 37% of reduction), but the level of antioxidant capacity may be determined by the conditions applied during the drying process. Moreover, plum extract powders exhibited a greater anti-inflammatory capacity (24% to 39% of inhibition), which would be influenced both, by the type of treatment used and by the temperature used in each treatment. The results demonstrate that the selection of the drying method can be an effective tool for modulating the composition, physical, and bioactive properties of plum extracts powders.

Effects of Dried Plum on Bone Biomarkers in Men (P01-028-19)

ObjectivesOsteoporosis in men is an overlooked yet increasingly important clinical problem that, historically, has not received the same degree of awareness as with women. Epidemiologic studies demonstrate that male osteoporosis contributes significantly to the burden of osteoporotic fractures, especially among the aging population. Although several studies of male animals have demonstrated bone protective effects of dried plum, no human study has evaluated the effect of dried plum on bone metabolism in men. For this purpose, we conducted a randomized controlled clinical study to test if daily inclusion of 100 g dried plum will positively influence serum markers of bone metabolism in men. MethodsSixty-six men (50–79 years old) were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: 1) control (0 g dried plum) or; 2) 100 g dried plum with fifty-eight subjects completing the study. All groups received 500 mg calcium and 300 IU vitamin D (Shaklee Chewable Cal Mag Plus) as a daily supplement. Blood samples were collected at baseline, and after three and six months to assess biomarkers of bone turnover. ResultsSerum bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) levels decreased significantly at 6 months in both control and dried plum groups. 100 g/day dried plum consumption resulted in a time-dependent reduction in serum tartrate resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRAP5b) levels, a marker of bone resorption, at three- and six-month time intervals compared to baseline while there were no significant changes in serum TRAP5b levels of the control group. Dried plum consumption significantly decreased C-terminal collagen cross-links (CTX), another marker of bone resorption, three- and six-months compared to baseline. No changes were observed in the control group for CTX levels. ConclusionsThe results of the current study suggest that daily consumption of 100 g dried plum for 6 months has modest bone protective effects in men that are somewhat similar to those observed in postmenopausal osteopenic and older osteopenic women. Funding SourcesThis study was funded by the California Dried Plum Board.

Dried salted plum consumption ameliorates hyperbaric oxygen therapy-induced otalgia severity at the first chamber session: a prospective randomized controlled study.

One of the most common complications of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) therapy is middle ear barotrauma (MEB), occasionally causing otalgia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dried salted plum consumption on MEB and otalgia associated with HBO₂ therapy. Patients undergoing the first chamber session of HBO₂ therapy were included in the present prospective randomized controlled trial. The Valsalva maneuver was administered to all patients before HBO₂. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: one that ate a dried salted plum during HBO₂ treatment and the other that did not. An otoscopic examination was performed after HBO₂ therapy. The MEB was graded according to Teed scores. The degree of otalgia was recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Ninety patients were enrolled. The overall incidence of MEB (Teed score grade 1~4) was 39.6% (21 of 53) for patients administered a dried salted plum versus 37.8% (14 of 37) for the control group (P=1.000). The incidence of mild MEB (Teed score grade 1~2) and severe MEB (Teed score Grade 3~4) between the two groups was not significantly different. Otalgia was present in 5.7% (3 of 53) of patients administered a dried salted plum versus 18.9% (7 of 37) for the control group (P=.085). No patients administered a dried salted plum had a VAS score ≥4 for otalgia versus 10.8% (4 of 37) for the control group (P=.026). Dried salted plum consumption does not decrease the incidence of MEB, but may ameliorate the severity of first chamber session HBO₂-induced otalgia.

Dried Plum Consumption Modulates Bone Turnover Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia

It is estimated that ten million Americans suffer from osteoporosis which is a major health concern, particularly in postmenopausal women, where one in two women over the age of 50 suffer from an osteoporotic fracture. Aside from drug therapies, many postmenopausal women are looking for natural therapies such as functional foods and dietary supplements. Polyphenol‐rich foods have received considerable attention due to their beneficial effects on bone health. Preliminary in vivo and clinical studies from our lab have shown that dried plum, a rich source of polyphenols including chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acid, not only prevents but reverses bone loss in both animal models and postmenopausal women. As such, it is important to understand how dried plum influences biomarkers of bone turnover. Thus, in the current randomized control trial, the effect of dried plum on biomarkers of bone turnover was investigated. For this purpose, a total of 123 postmenopausal women with mild bone loss (T‐score between −0.05 and −2.5) received either 100 grams of dried plum or 75 grams of dried apple (comparative control) per day for three months along with 500 mg calcium in the form of citrate plus 250 IU vitamin D. At baseline and after three months, serum bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b) were assessed. Significant increases in OC (P=0.03) and significant decreases in TRAP5b (P=0.00) and CRP (P=0.03) were observed in both groups while no changes in BAP were observed within or between groups. TRAP5b was deceased in the dried plum group by 8.3% in comparison with dried apple. The increases in OC were similar in both groups, yet the decreases in CRP in terms of magnitude were much more pronounced in the dried plum group than the dried apple group (42.0% vs. 9%, respectively). The results of this three‐month study indicate that dried plum's beneficial effects on bone may be, in part, associated with its anti inflammatory properties.

Dried Plum Consumption Improves Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Postmenopausal Women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and menopause significantly raises risk in women. Abnormal blood lipids, inflammation and oxidative stress play significant roles in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease development. Dried plums contain bioactive components that have demonstrated antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects and therefore may be beneficial in reducing CVD risk. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dried plum consumption on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity and inflammation in postmenopausal women. Another goal was to determine if a moderate dose of 50 g/day is equally effective to a high dose (100 g/day). A 6‐month controlled clinical trial was conducted in which 48 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to consume 0, 50 or 100 g of dried plum each day. Serum lipid profiles, antioxidant capacity, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory biomarkers and liver function enzyme activities were analyzed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of intervention. No significant differences in outcome variables were detected between the 50 g and 100 g dried plum groups at any time point, so data from the two dried plum groups were combined. At 3 and 6 months, total cholesterol (p=0.037), lipid peroxidation (p=0.031) and interleukin‐6 (p=0.046) were significantly lower in the combined dried plum group compared to the control group. Total antioxidant capacity (p=0.036), superoxide dismutase (p=0.038) and catalase (p=0.05) activities were significantly greater after dried plum consumption at 3 and 6 months compared to the control group. Additionally, serum levels of the liver function enzymes alanine transaminase (p=0.001), alkaline phosphatase (p=0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (p=0.038) and creatine kinase (p=0.044) were significantly lower at 3 and 6 months in the dried plum groups than the control group. These findings indicate that consumption of 50–100 g of dried plum per day improves CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women as exhibited by lower total cholesterol, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.Support or Funding InformationThe study was funded by San Diego State University, the Kasch‐Boyer Endowed Scholarship in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, and the California Dried Plum Board.

Dried Plum Consumption and Bone Mineral Density Retention in Postmenopausal Women: a Follow‐up Study

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition characterized by low bone density and an increased risk of fracture. Although it affects both women and men, there is a much greater incidence in postmenopausal women. Certain lifestyle and nutritional factors are known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and thereby the risk of fracture. In terms of nutrition, dried plum has been shown to be one of the most efficacious interventions in preventing and even reversing bone loss in postmenopausal women. In 2010, we finished a study in which we examined the effect of consuming 100 g dried plum versus a comparative control fruit (75 g dried apples) daily for one year in 160 postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Our published data indicated that women consuming dried plum had significantly higher bone mineral density (BMD) of the ulna and spine in comparison with those consuming dried apple. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a follow‐up evaluation on the extent to which individuals who received the dried plum intervention were able to retain BMD compared with those who received the dried apple intervention. A total of 20 participants were available for this follow‐up evaluation. BMD of the lumbar spine, forearm, hip, and whole body were assessed using DXA. Results showed that those who were in the dried plum group had significantly higher values of BMD of spine (P=0.012; %6) and ulna (P=0.002; %23) compared with those in the dried apple group. Importantly, participants in either group did not regularly consume dried plums as noted in their diet history. Our findings suggest that women in the dried plum group retained their BMD to a greater extent than those in the dried apple group, even after a 5‐year period in the absence of regular dried plum consumption. Our observations suggest a long‐lasting bone‐protective effect of dried plum; however, other dietary, lifestyle, and pharmaceutical factors need to be evaluated.Support or Funding InformationCalifornia Dried Plum Board

Analysis of Purchasing Recognition and Purchasing Characteristics of a Plum Purchaser

Purpose – Given an increase in the consumption of plums, prices have fluctuated in an unstable manner, making it difficult for farmhouses to...

Dried Plums Promote Increased Antioxidant Capacity in Smokers and Nonsmokers

Smokers suffer from decreased antioxidant capacity, a risk factor for numerous chronic diseases. Consumption of antioxidant‐rich foods such as dried plums may increase antioxidant capacity and reduce disease risk. Nonsmokers (n=14) and smokers (n=6) between the ages of 18 and 45 years were recruited to participate in 2 randomly ordered trials in which they received 100 g of dried plums at one visit and an isocaloric control food (muffins) at another. Antioxidant capacity was examined in blood samples collected at baseline and 60, 90, and 120 minutes post‐feeding. No significant differences in postprandial antioxidant capacity were detected over time when consuming the muffin snack in smokers or nonsmokers. Dried plum consumption elicited significant increases (p<.05) in antioxidant capacity in both groups together from baseline throughout all time points, with peak values achieved at 90 minutes. Dried plums promoted higher antioxidant capacity compared to muffins at all time points (p<.05). Smokers had significantly lower (p<.05) levels of antioxidant capacity at all time points compared to nonsmokers. Although antioxidant capacity remained elevated (p<0.05) at each time point in comparison to baseline, it decreased (p<0.05) from minutes 90 to 120 for smokers but continued to rise up to the 120 min time point for nonsmokers. Results suggest that dried plums are efficient in increasing antioxidant capacity for both smokers and nonsmokers and that they may be an effective way to reduce disease risk factors in smokers that are struggling with cessation. Future research should evaluate the use of dried plums as a chronic intervention to promote health of smokers. Funded by the California Dried Plum Board.

Abstract P389: Flavonoid intake and incident hypertension in French women

Background: Flavonoids have been shown to lower blood pressure, however, there is limited information on the relation of long-term intake of flavonoids and the incidence of hypertension. Methods and Results: We evaluated the relations of total flavonoid and flavonoid subclasses (flavonols, flavones, flavanones, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and polymers) intake to self-reported hypertension in a prospective cohort study among 40,574 disease-free French women in the E3N cohort, a component of the EPIC cohort. Diet was assessed in 1993 using a validated diet history questionnaire. We used the Phenol-Explorer database to estimate total flavonoid and flavonoid subclass intake and categorized them in quintiles. Between 1993 and 2007, 9,348 cases of incident self-reported hypertension were identified using follow-up questionnaires. The validity of self-reported hypertension was evaluated using a health claims database and the positive predictive value was 82%. In multivariable analyses we adjusted for age, education, smoking, BMI, physical activity, menopausal status, hormone use, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and intake of calories, alcohol, processed meat, caffeine, magnesium, potassium and omega-3. In multivariable Cox regression models, comparing the highest quintile of total flavonoid intake to the lowest, high flavonoid intake was inversely associated with the rate of self-reported hypertension (HR=0.91; 95%CI 0.85, 0.98; p-trend=0.01). When comparing extreme quintiles of intake, we observed inverse associations with flavonols (HR=0.90; 95%CI 0.84, 0.97; p-trend=0.03), anthocyanins (HR=0.91; 95%CI 0.84, 0.97; p-trend=0.008) and polymers (HR=0.91; 95%CI 0.85, 0.97; p-trend=0.005). We evaluated these relations restricting analyses to individuals ≤ 60 years and results did not change. The main foods contributing to total flavonoid intake were tea, chocolate, plums and wine. Comparing the highest to the lowest quintile of plum intake we observed a 14% lower rate of self-reported hypertension (HR=0.86; 95%CI 0.81, 0.93; p-trend=<0.0001). No associations were observed for the other main contributors. Conclusion: In this large prospective cohort of French women, we observed a weak association between intake of total flavonoid, flavonols, anthocyanins and polymers intake and self-reported hypertension. Plum consumption appears to be associated with a lower rate of hypertension.

Carotenoids, polyphenols and micronutrient profiles of Brassica oleraceae and plum varieties and their contribution to measures of total antioxidant capacity

The consumption of phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols within whole fruits and vegetables has been associated with decreased incidence of various inflammation and oxidative stress related chronic diseases, which may be due to direct antioxidant effects, or indirect mechanisms such as affecting signal transduction/gene expression. Within the present study, we investigated the antioxidant composition of two major groups of vegetables and fruits, Brassica oleraceae and prunus spp., and estimated their contribution to antioxidant capacity. For this purpose, 17 plum and 27 Brassica varieties were collected in Luxembourg, and analysed for their individual polyphenol and carotenoid profile, vitamin C, dietary fibre, and minerals/trace elements, and their correlation with markers of antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS, Folin–Ciocalteu). Total carotenoid and polyphenol content varied considerably between the different Brassica and plum varieties, with highest concentrations in the variety Kale (13.3±0.58mg/100g wet weight) and Cherry plum (1.96±0.28mg/100g) for carotenoids; and Kale (27.0±0.91mg/100g) and Kirks plum (185±14mg/100g) for polyphenols. In developed multiple linear-regression-models for Brassica, flavonoids, anthocyanins, lutein and vitamin C were found to be the best predictors of antioxidant capacity as assessed by FRAP (R2=0.832) and flavonoids, neochlorogenic acid and vitamin C as assessed by ABTS (R2=0.831); while for plums these were selenium, total sugars, chlorogenic acid and vitamin C (R2=0.853), and selenium, chlorogenic acid and flavonoids for FRAP (R2=0.711). When considering Brassica and plum consumption in Luxembourg, it is estimated that both contribute to an antioxidant intake equivalent to 26 and 6mg per day of ascorbic acid equivalents, respectively.

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.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of resistance training (RT) and dried plum (DP) consumption on strength, body composition, blood markers of bone, and inflammation in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Twenty-three BCS (RT, n = 12; RT+DP, n = 11), aged 64 ± 7 years, were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months of intervention on the following: muscular strength (chest press and leg extension) via 1-repetition maximums (1RMs); body composition, specifically bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; biochemical markers of bone turnover (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP-5b)); and inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP)). Target RT prescription was 2 days/week of 10 exercises, including 2 sets of 8-12 repetitions at ∼60%-80% of 1RM. RT+DP also consumed 90 g of DP daily. There were no baseline differences between groups or any group-by-time interactions for any of the variables. BCS increased upper (p < 0.05) (RT: 64 ± 14 to 80 ± 17 kg; RT+DP: 72 ± 23 to 91 ± 20 kg) and lower (p < 0.05) (RT: 69 ± 20 to 87 ± 28 kg; RT+DP: 78 ± 19 to 100 ± 21 kg) body strength. Body composition and BMD improvements were not observed. TRAP-5b decreased in the RT group (p < 0.05) (4.55 ± 1.57 to 4.04 ± 1.63 U/L) and the RT+DP group (p = 0.07) (5.10 ± 2.75 to 4.27 ± 2.03 U/L). Changes in BAP and CRP were not observed. RT was effective for improving biochemical markers of bone turnover and muscular strength in BCS. A longer and higher intensity intervention may be needed to reveal the true effects of RT and DP on body composition and biochemical markers of inflammation.

Long‐term effects of dried plum consumption on insulin and glucose levels in postmenopausal women

Insulin and glucose play a crucial role in glycemic control. Postmenopausal women have an increased risk of imbalances in maintaining stable blood sugar levels as a result of changes in body composition. Dried plums are a good source of nutrients including fiber, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and boron. Nonetheless, the consumption of dried plums is often avoided due to their high sugar content (51.5%). However, the sugar in dried plums is composed of 28.5% sorbitol, which is not readily absorbed, and 25.4% fructose, which promotes a stable insulin response. Although short‐term studies evaluating the effects of dried plum consumption on serum insulin levels have been conducted, there is a lack of long‐term studies. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to identify the long‐term effects of consuming dried plum on insulin and glucose levels. One hundred women, 1–10 years postmenopausal, were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups: dried plum (100 g/d) or dried apple (comparative control). Blood samples were collected at baseline and 12 months to assess insulin and glucose levels. No significant changes were found in insulin and glucose levels between dried plum and control groups (p=0.6720 and 0.7855, respectively). Therefore, long‐term consumption of dried plums can be recommended to postmenopausal women for their health benefits without negatively affecting glycemic control.

Consumption of Oriental Plums Improved the Cognitive Performance and Modulated the Cerebral Neurodegeneration-Related Protein Expressions in Rats with Nicotinamide/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

To examine the effect of consuming polyphenol-rich Oriental plum (Prunus salicina Lindl) on the cognitive performance and the expressions of cerebral neurodegeneration-related proteins in diabetic rats, Wistar rats were assigned into 4 groups: control (C, n = 14), nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced DM rats (DM, n = 13), DM rats fed metformin (0.05% w/w in the diet, MT, n = 18), and DM rats fed freeze-dried oriental plum powder (2% w/w in the diet, OP, n = 16) for 2 months. The cognitive performance was evaluated by testing in a Morris water maze. The insulin resistance, serum lipid peroxidation, expressions of pathological proteins of AD, beta-amyloid (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau protein were also measured. Consumption of plums significantly improved the spatial learning ability, reduced the insulin resistance, lipid peroxidation, Aβ and phosphorylated tau protein expressions in the cerebral cortex (all P β deposition in the hippocampus of diabetic rats. In conclusion, polyphenol-rich Oriental plums ameliorated the cognitive decline and reduced the expressions of pathological proteins of AD by possibly reducing hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress in diabetic rats.

シラカバ花粉関連食物を含む果物,野菜,ナッツ類の摂取と過敏症に関するアンケート調査

In Hokkaido and Scandinavia, birch pollen allergic persons are common and they often report oral and pharyngeal hypersensitivity to fruits and vegetables (oral allergy syndrome, OAS), because of immunological cross-reactivity. In Scandinavia, nuts as well as Rosaceae fruits such as apples were the foods most often reported to elicit symptoms. On the other hand, nuts are minor foods causing hypersensitivity in Japan. Even in Japan, regional differences of foods causing hypersensitivity have been reported, which may be related to the regional differences of elementary habit and pollen dispersion. In the present study, we evaluated the intake history of the foods and the frequency of food hypersensitivity in adults from the general population. Three hundreds and thirty nine subjects (20-67 years old) took part in the study. With a questionnaire survey, we asked them about their intake history and hypersensitive symptoms for 33 kinds of fruit, vegetables, and nuts. 30% of subjects had eaten Brazil nuts, 80% had eaten pomegranates, and 81% had eaten hazelnuts. And over 95% of subjects had eaten the other 30 foods. Those who had lived in Hokkaido for more than 20 years had a higher frequency of plum consumption than the others. Those who had lived in Hokkaido for more than 20 years had a lower frequency of loquat, fig and pomegranate consumption than the others. Food hypersensitivity was found in 52 subjects (15.3%). The most common symptom was OAS (46 subjects, 13.6%), and foods most frequently causing OAS were peach (21 subjects, 6.2%), cherry (19 subjects, 5.6%) and apple (17 subjects, 5.0%). 26 subjects (7.7%) reported OAS to Rosaceae fruits. The ratio of having OAS to consuming Rosaceae fruits was 11.0% in the group who had lived in Hokkaido for more than 20 years, which was higher than the group who has lived in Hokkaido for less than 20 years. The intake history of hazelnuts and Brazil nuts was very low, with a correspondingly low frequency of food hypersensitivity associated with these nuts. The frequency of intake and hypersensitivity of some foods differ among different regions.

EVOLUTION OF PLUM CULTURE; CONSTRAINS AND PERSPECTIVES

European plum (Prunus domestica) and Japanese plum (Prunus salicina and hybrids) culture are facing a relative critical period world wide. In the last two decades the annual world plum production went up to more then 7 million tones, which has 2 to 5% increase over the 1970-1990 period, although large variation from one year to another were recorded. The European plum type production is 5.5 to 5.6 million tons per year and the Japanese type plums represent 1.5 to 1.6 million tons (21 to 23% of the total plum production). The plum culture situation is dependent on the human society demands either for fresh consumption plums or processed plums. Decrease of demands for plums are due to the competitively with other fruits (apples, peaches, oranges, bananas, etc.) and availability of those all year long as result of trade globalization. The morphological characteristics of plum fruits (size, shape, and color), taste, storage ability, etc., are only several elements that contribute to decrease of demand. Advertising and information on plum consumption benefits for healthy and balanced diet are less and less present. Investments in new plum orchards in the traditional plum growing countries like Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Moldova or in Greece are very low; this can be explained by the last period economical situation of these countries which is continuing due to the financial crisis. In order to have perspectives in favor of plum culture improvements have to be done regarding cultivar assortment and behavior to virus diseases, rootstocks and orchard management. The cultivar assortment needs commercial valuable and productive genotypes, which produce large and tasty fruits that can be stored and shipped extensively. Plum rootstocks are necessary to be more available, especially those of low vigor and having good compatibility with many cultivars. Issues regarding virus infection and their reaction on plums have to be solved as soon as possible. Plum orchard management requires modernizing from all points of vue especially for the super-intensive culture.