How does Kakadu plum work as an antioxidant?

Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) exerts antioxidant effects primarily through its exceptionally high vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content, which can reach up to 5% of the fruit's dry weight. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals by donating electrons, preventing oxidative damage to cells. Additionally, compounds like ellagic acid, gallic acid, and luteolin contribute to antioxidant activity through multiple pathways, including metal chelation and enzyme modulation. Evidence level: C.

Does Kakadu plum interact with any medications?

No significant drug interactions have been well documented for Kakadu plum. However, due to its high vitamin C content, caution is advised when taking it with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, as vitamin C may affect blood clotting parameters at high doses. Those on chemotherapy should consult their oncologist, as high-dose antioxidants may theoretically interfere with treatment efficacy. Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you are taking. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

What is the recommended daily dosage of Kakadu plum powder?

The typical adult dosage for Kakadu plum fruit powder is 1-3 grams daily. This amount provides substantial vitamin C and antioxidant compounds without exceeding tolerable upper intake levels. The powder can be mixed into water, smoothies, or food. Start with a lower dose (1 gram) to assess tolerance, as higher doses may cause gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals. Consult a healthcare practitioner for personalized dosing recommendations. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

Is Kakadu plum safe to take during pregnancy?

Kakadu plum is generally considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in food amounts or at recommended supplemental doses. The high vitamin C content supports immune function and collagen synthesis, which are beneficial during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should avoid excessive intake, as very high doses of vitamin C may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

What is Kakadu plum good for?

Kakadu plum is primarily used for immune support, wound healing, anti-aging, and general nutrition. Its exceptionally high vitamin C content—up to 100 times more than oranges—makes it one of nature's most concentrated sources of this essential nutrient. Traditional Indigenous Australian use includes treating colds, flu, and skin conditions. Modern applications focus on its potent antioxidant properties for cellular protection and collagen synthesis support. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana)

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) is a native Australian fruit recognized for its exceptionally high vitamin C content and strong antioxidant properties [PMID:36985798, PMID:22654402].

Background

Terminalia ferdinandiana, commonly known as Kakadu plum, is a plant endemic to Australia [PMID:36985798, PMID:29649154]. It is utilized in the dietary supplement industry and as a functional food ingredient [PMID:24423529, PMID:36985798].

Traditional uses

It is a traditional medicinal plant of Australia [PMID:31343981] and has been consumed by Indigenous Australians for centuries [PMID:35415635].

Active compounds

Key bioactive compounds include ascorbic acid (vitamin C), ellagic acid, and a novel ellagitannin named terminalagin [PMID:41391874, PMID:28460910]. It also contains hydrolysable tannins (such as corilagin, punicalagin, and chebulagic acid), phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and pectin [PMID:33933967, PMID:22654402, PMID:30263725]. Kernels contain omega-6 (linoleic acid), monounsaturated oleic acid, and saturated fatty acids [PMID:29649154].

Mechanism of action

The herb exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and down-regulating cytosolic NF-κB levels and COX-2 expression [PMID:31343981, PMID:38581641]. Its juice has been shown to reactivate the functions of the retinoblastoma (RB) tumor suppressor gene, leading to G1 phase arrest in human colon cancer cells [PMID:41391874, PMID:37743524].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DInflammation

Methanolic fruit and leaf extracts significantly inhibited the secretion of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in LPS-stimulated macrophages [PMID:38581641]

Evidence DBacterial Infections

Fruit and leaf extracts demonstrate strong antibacterial activity against various pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Shewanella spp. [PMID:31597166, PMID:30497593]

Evidence DCancer (In Vitro)

Juice reactivates RB functions to inhibit the growth of human colon cancer LIM1215 cells [PMID:37743524]; leaf-conjugated gold nanoparticles inhibited breast cancer (MCF-7) and cervical carcinoma cells [PMID:41465768]

Evidence DOxidative Stress

Aqueous ellagic acid enriched extract significantly reduced ROS production in Caco-2 and KERTr cell lines [PMID:31343981]

Safety & adverse effects

In vitro studies on human intestinal and liver cells showed IC50 values between 3650 and 14400 µg/mL, suggesting low toxicity [PMID:35415635]. However, the fruit contains oxalic acid, which may interfere with calcium absorption and contribute to kidney stone formation [PMID:28460910, PMID:33425972].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro, in vivo animal models (zebrafish, rats), and phytochemical analyses (Level D). There are no human clinical trials provided in the source material.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 36985798 (2023) — Bioactive Properties of Kakadu Plum-Blended Products. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 39766223 (2024) — Green Synthesis of Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Antibacterial Performance. · Biomolecules
3.PMID: 29649154 (2018) — Chemical and Nutritional Composition of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Kernels: A Novel Nutrition Source. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 41391874 (2025) — Terminalagin, a New Ellagitannin from Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana). · Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin
5.PMID: 28460910 (2016) — Organic acids in Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana): The good (ellagic), the bad (oxalic) and the uncertain (ascorbic).

Kakadu Plum

Sources & Citations