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Kakadu Plum (Gubinge)

Terminalia ferdinandiana
Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Kakadu plum, also known as gubinge or billygoat plum, is a small green fruit native to the Northern Territory and Kimberley region of Australia and a culturally significant food and medicine for Aboriginal peoples for tens of thousands of years. It is best known for its exceptionally high vitamin C content — typically 3,000-5,000 mg per 100 g of fresh fruit, the highest natural concentration documented in any food. Beyond vitamin C, Kakadu plum is rich in ellagic acid, gallic acid, ellagitannins, and other phenolics that give it strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Most existing research is compositional or preclinical, characterizing its nutrient profile and in vitro bioactivity, with growing interest in its potential as a functional food ingredient. Direct human clinical trial evidence remains limited, so claims should remain modest and grounded in its nutrient density.

Studied Dose No formal clinical dose is established; functional food products typically supply 250-1,000 mg of Kakadu plum powder per serving, providing ~10-50 mg of vitamin C.
Active Compound Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), ellagic acid, gallic acid, ellagitannins, and other polyphenols.

Benefits

Exceptional Source of Vitamin C

Kakadu plum contains the highest documented natural concentration of vitamin C of any food, providing meaningful amounts of this essential nutrient that supports immune function, collagen formation, and antioxidant defense.

Supported by Trial 1

Supports Antioxidant Defense

The combination of vitamin C, ellagic acid, and gallic acid gives Kakadu plum strong antioxidant activity, helping defend cells against everyday oxidative stress from environmental and metabolic sources.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Promotes Skin Wellness

Vitamin C is a cofactor in collagen biosynthesis, while ellagic acid contributes additional polyphenol support — making Kakadu plum extracts popular in beauty-from-within and topical products aimed at supporting skin firmness and radiance.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Supports Immune Function

The vitamin C density of Kakadu plum contributes to normal immune cell function and the integrity of physical barriers such as skin and mucous membranes.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Provides Traditional Australian Bush Food Heritage

Beyond its nutrient profile, Kakadu plum carries cultural and culinary value, offering a tart, citrus-like ingredient that connects modern consumers with traditional Aboriginal food knowledge when ethically sourced.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Vitamin C Antioxidant Action

Ascorbic acid donates electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species in aqueous compartments, regenerates other antioxidants like vitamin E, and supports collagen-related enzymes in skin and connective tissues.

2

Ellagic Acid Polyphenol Activity

Ellagic acid scavenges free radicals, modulates inflammatory signaling, and has shown antimicrobial activity in vitro, complementing the vitamin C-driven antioxidant profile of the fruit.

3

Synergistic Polyphenol Matrix

The combination of vitamin C with ellagitannins, gallic acid, and other phenolics may provide a more sustained antioxidant effect than vitamin C alone, supporting cellular defense over a broader timeframe.

Clinical trials

1
Phytochemistry and Bioactivity Review

Comprehensive review of the phytochemical profile and bioactive potential of Terminalia ferdinandiana

Compilation of laboratory and preclinical studies

Kakadu plum was characterized as exceptionally rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, with documented in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity, supporting its potential as a functional food ingredient pending human trial confirmation.

2
Organic Acids in Kakadu Plum

Compositional analysis of organic acids in Kakadu plum fruit

Laboratory analysis of fruit samples from northern Australia

Analyses confirmed extremely high concentrations of ascorbic acid alongside ellagic acid and other organic acids, while also noting the presence of oxalic acid that informs guidance on portion sizes for at-risk individuals.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated as a food and at typical supplement doses.
High-dose intake may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to vitamin C content.
Oxalic acid content may be a concern for individuals prone to calcium-oxalate kidney stones.
Rare allergic reactions in those sensitive to related fruits.
Acidic profile may aggravate symptoms in individuals with reflux at large servings.

Important Drug interactions

Vitamin C content may modestly enhance iron absorption when taken with iron supplements.
Very high vitamin C intake can interfere with certain laboratory tests, including stool occult-blood tests.
May interact with chemotherapy agents; consult an oncologist before use.
Could affect anticoagulant therapy at extreme intakes.

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Frequently asked questions about Kakadu Plum (Gubinge)

What is the recommended dosage of Kakadu Plum (Gubinge)?

The clinically studied dose for Kakadu Plum (Gubinge) is No formal clinical dose is established; functional food products typically supply 250-1,000 mg of Kakadu plum powder per serving, providing ~10-50 mg of vitamin C.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Kakadu Plum (Gubinge) used for?

Kakadu Plum (Gubinge) is studied for exceptional source of vitamin c, supports antioxidant defense, promotes skin wellness. Kakadu plum contains the highest documented natural concentration of vitamin C of any food, providing meaningful amounts of this essential nutrient that supports immune function, collagen formation, and antioxidant defense.

Are there side effects from taking Kakadu Plum (Gubinge)?

Reported potential side effects may include: Generally well tolerated as a food and at typical supplement doses. High-dose intake may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to vitamin C content. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Does Kakadu Plum (Gubinge) interact with medications?

Known drug interactions may include: Vitamin C content may modestly enhance iron absorption when taken with iron supplements. Very high vitamin C intake can interfere with certain laboratory tests, including stool occult-blood tests. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Is Kakadu Plum (Gubinge) good for antioxidant?

Yes, Kakadu Plum (Gubinge) is researched for Antioxidant support. Kakadu plum contains the highest documented natural concentration of vitamin C of any food, providing meaningful amounts of this essential nutrient that supports immune function, collagen formation, and antioxidant defense.

References(2 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Mohanty S, Cock IE. The chemotherapeutic potential of Terminalia ferdinandiana: phytochemistry and bioactivity. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2012;Pharmacogn Rev. 2012 Jan;6(11):29-36..PubMedUsed to support: Comprehensive review of Terminalia ferdinandiana phytochemistry documenting exceptionally high vitamin C and polyphenol content along with in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
  2. Williams DJ, Edwards D, Pun S, et al. Organic acids in Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana): the good (ellagic), the bad (oxalic) and the uncertain (ascorbic). Food Research International. 2016;Food Res Int. 2016 Nov;89(Pt 1):237-244..PubMedUsed to support: Compositional study confirming high ascorbic and ellagic acid levels in Kakadu plum while also documenting oxalic acid content relevant to safe intake guidance.