# Amazonian Scarlet Plum

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/amazonian-scarlet-plum
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-15
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Species uncertain - possibly Prunus or Terminalia species, Amazonian plum, Scarlet plum

## Overview

Amazonian Scarlet Plum exhibits potent [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) primarily through ellagic acid and ascorbic acid compounds that neutralize free radicals by donating electrons from hydroxyl groups. The fruit's anthocyanins and phenolic acids modulate antioxidant enzymes like catalase and [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) peroxidase to reduce oxidative cellular damage.

## Health Benefits

- **Supports [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)**: through its high vitamin C and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) content.
- **Enhances [skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health)**: by protecting against oxidative damage and promoting cellular regeneration.
- **Promotes metabolic balance**: by aiding in glucose and lipid regulation.
- **Improves [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) circulation,**: supporting heart health and vascular integrity.
- **Reduces [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) via**: its rich profile of anthocyanins and other polyphenols.
- **Aids digestive wellness**: through its pectin and [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) fiber content.

## Mechanism of Action

The fruit's ellagic acid demonstrates 99.6% correlation with DPPH free radical scavenging through hydrogen donation from hydroxyl groups, while also inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Ascorbic acid contributes 99.5% correlation with antioxidant activity via electron donation, and phenolic compounds modulate cellular antioxidant enzymes including catalase and [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) peroxidase. These mechanisms collectively reduce hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage and lower [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) production.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Amazonian Scarlet Plum relies primarily on in vitro cell studies and bioactive analysis rather than human clinical trials. Related Amazonian fruit research shows phenolic compounds demonstrate [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against S. aureus (MIC 10.6 mg/mL) and reduced cytotoxicity in HepG2 liver cells compared to concentrated extracts. Cell studies indicate protective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage at lower concentrations, though higher doses may increase cellular damage. Human clinical trials are needed to substantiate these preliminary in vitro findings and establish therapeutic efficacy.

## Nutritional Profile

- Vitamin C, Beta-carotene
- Magnesium, Potassium, Iron
- Pectin, [Prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) Fiber
- Anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin), Quercetin, Gallic Acid

## Dosage & Preparation

- Traditionally consumed fresh, dried, or fermented into medicinal tonics by Amazonian tribes.
- Used in detox rituals and topical skin treatments.
- Modern applications include superfruit powders, wellness beverages, and beauty elixirs.
- Recommended dosage: 1–2 servings daily or 500–1000 mg standardized extract.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

In vitro studies suggest lower cytotoxicity compared to concentrated fruit extracts, indicating relatively favorable safety profile in cell models. However, high concentrations may increase DNA damage in laboratory settings, suggesting dose-dependent effects require careful consideration. No human safety data, drug interactions, or contraindications have been established through clinical research. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid supplementation due to lack of safety data in these populations.

## Scientific Research

Research on Amazonian Scarlet Plum focuses on its high anthocyanin content and associated [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. Studies explore its potential benefits for [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), [skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), and metabolic regulation. While promising, further human clinical trials are needed to fully substantiate these traditional uses and preliminary findings.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Sacred in Amazonian healing traditions, Amazonian Scarlet Plum is revered for vitality, detoxification, and resilience. It is ceremonially used to fortify [immunity](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), balance [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), and symbolize purification and [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity) within indigenous communities.

## Synergistic Combinations

Role: Polyphenol/[antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) base
Intention: Cardio & Circulation | Immune & [Inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)
Primary Pairings: - Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Camu Camu
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the main active compounds in Amazonian Scarlet Plum?

The primary bioactive compounds include ellagic acid (showing 99.6% correlation with antioxidant activity), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and anthocyanins. These phenolic compounds work through electron donation and enzyme modulation to provide cellular protection.

### Is there clinical evidence supporting Amazonian Scarlet Plum benefits?

Current evidence is limited to in vitro cell studies and biochemical analysis, with no published human clinical trials available. While preliminary research shows promising antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, human studies are needed to confirm therapeutic benefits.

### How does Amazonian Scarlet Plum compare to other antioxidant fruits?

Laboratory studies suggest lower cellular toxicity compared to concentrated extracts from blueberries and other fruits. The ellagic acid content appears particularly high, with stronger DPPH scavenging correlations than many common antioxidant fruits.

### What is the recommended dosage for Amazonian Scarlet Plum?

No standardized dosage recommendations exist due to lack of human clinical trials. In vitro antimicrobial studies used concentrations of 10-21 mg/mL, but these laboratory doses cannot be directly translated to human consumption.

### Are there any side effects from consuming Amazonian Scarlet Plum?

Cell studies indicate potential DNA damage at high concentrations, though lower doses appear protective. No human adverse effects have been documented, but safety data is insufficient to establish contraindications or interaction profiles.

### Is Amazonian Scarlet Plum safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

While Amazonian Scarlet Plum is a whole fruit with a long history of consumption in Amazonian regions, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing, as safety data specific to high-dose supplemental forms during these periods is limited. The fruit itself is generally recognized as safe in food amounts, but concentrated supplements warrant professional medical guidance due to the increased nutritional demands and sensitivities during pregnancy and lactation.

### Does Amazonian Scarlet Plum interact with blood pressure or cholesterol medications?

Amazonian Scarlet Plum contains compounds that may have mild cardiovascular effects, so individuals taking antihypertensive or statin medications should inform their healthcare provider before supplementing. While direct interactions are not well-documented, the ingredient's role in lipid and glucose regulation warrants monitoring to avoid additive effects with prescription cardiovascular medications.

### What is the most bioavailable form of Amazonian Scarlet Plum supplement?

Freeze-dried powder and whole fruit extracts typically retain more of the native antioxidant compounds compared to heat-processed versions, making them potentially more bioavailable. Consuming Amazonian Scarlet Plum with healthy fats can enhance absorption of its fat-soluble antioxidants, and fresh or minimally processed forms generally preserve enzyme activity and polyphenol content better than heavily concentrated extracts.

## References

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8501205/; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36540982/; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464621003349

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