Foreword
Recent research has revealed that this unique Australian plum not only aids in weight loss but may also slow down or even prevent dementia. Even “Thor” himself is a fan…

#01: Australia’s Unique Plum Found to Fight Dementia
In the early 2000s, researchers at Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries developed the “Queen Garnet plum.” Originally bred as a disease-resistant variety, it unexpectedly turned out to be an extraordinary fruit. Since its creation, scientists have been exploring the potential of this antioxidant-rich plum. A major discovery has now been announced: the Queen Garnet plum not only helps with weight loss but also has the ability to slow or even prevent dementia. Dementia is a growing public health concern in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), more than 400,000 Australians currently live with dementia, and this number is expected to more than double in the next 34 years. Against this alarming backdrop, researchers from three Australian universities have shared good news: the Queen Garnet plum grown in Queensland may help delay or even prevent dementia. Teams from the University of Wollongong, the University of Queensland, and Victoria University are currently studying whether juice made from this dark purple plum can protect the brain. Although the research is still in its early stages, Professor Michael Mathai of Victoria University described the findings as very promising. He explained that evidence suggests people with early dementia or mild cognitive impairment may benefit from the extract, with inflammation markers decreasing after consumption. In laboratory tests, when plum extract was added to neuron cells, researchers observed an increase in genes and proteins that encourage new neural connections and axonal growth—key processes for forming memory. While this research could have a profound impact on aged care, Professor Mathai is particularly interested in whether the fruit can help repair traumatic brain injury. He noted that while the extract has been shown to protect neurons from oxidative stress and chemical damage, more research is needed to see if it can repair already damaged tissue.

#02: The Secret Weapon of the Australian Plum – A Powerful Compound
Nutrifruit, a company based in Brisbane, currently holds the commercial rights to this fruit. Company directors have said that the Queen Garnet plum was not a planned creation but a fortunate outcome that led to its development. Even though the plum season ended last month, public interest continues to rise. Actor Chris Hemsworth, known as “Thor,” has also shown strong interest. After discovering his genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease, he produced a documentary series exploring dementia prevention. His team has now reached out to Sid and Bonney Ghosh, majority owners of Nutrifruit, to feature the Queen Garnet plum in an upcoming YouTube series. So what exactly makes this plum so special in the fight against dementia? Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa from Brisbane explained that the Queen Garnet plum contains exceptionally high levels of anthocyanins—compounds found in purple, blue, and some red fruits and vegetables—that are believed to play a crucial role in improving brain health. Known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, anthocyanins have been linked to lowering blood pressure, slowing the onset of diabetes, and supporting heart health. Sultanbawa believes that extracts, juices, and powders made from this anthocyanin-rich plum may one day provide a more affordable, side-effect-free alternative to prescription medications for lifestyle-related diseases. Her team is also studying the connection between gut health and brain health and how high-anthocyanin foods influence this link. She explained that the brain and gut are in constant communication, but much remains unknown. By improving this understanding, overall human health could greatly benefit. Her lab is home to Australia’s only scientific “fecal machine,” a glass-based system that mimics the human digestive process. Tests reveal that less than 5% of anthocyanins are absorbed in the small intestine, with most absorption taking place in the large intestine, particularly the colon. Here, trillions of microbes break down anthocyanins into smaller compounds that are highly beneficial—possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and even enhancing cognitive function.

#03: Beyond Dementia Prevention – Weight Loss Benefits
Even before its potential role in fighting dementia was discovered, the Queen Garnet plum was already popular for its weight-loss effects. Animal trials have demonstrated that obese mice given the plum showed significant health improvements. Professor Lindsay Brown of the University of Southern Queensland explained that mice maintained on a high-calorie diet but supplemented with the plum lost weight and regained normal blood pressure, liver function, hormone balance, and other metabolic markers. Tissue samples revealed the absence of inflammatory cells in treated mice. Despite these impressive benefits, the plum is challenging to cultivate. Brendon Dunn, a grower from southern Stanthorpe, noted that unlike other plums that can ripen off the tree, the Queen Garnet must stay on the tree until nearly soft to fully develop its antioxidants and deep color. However, this extended ripening period exposes the fruit to risks such as storms, bird damage, and skin splitting during heavy rain. Nonetheless, Dunn stated that the return is worthwhile, with the plums fetching around AUD 8 to 10 per kilogram, and supermarket prices averaging AUD 9.5 per pound. Many major fruit-growing nations—including Spain, the United States, China, and the UK—are expressing strong interest in this superfruit and may pay significant fees to the Queensland government for licensing rights. With its newly discovered dementia-fighting potential, global demand is expected to soar.

Conclusion
This latest discovery not only renews attention on the Queen Garnet plum, once nicknamed the “weight-loss plum,” but also brings new hope to countless families affected by dementia.