Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Plum fruit (Prunus domestica) has a long history of use in traditional medicine across various cultures, often valued for its laxative properties and general benefits to digestion. In the context of gout, which is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints, plums have been traditionally recommended in some folk practices. This recommendation is largely based on their perceived ability to "cleanse" the body or reduce acidity, due to their fiber content and mild diuretic effects. Some traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic sources mention plums in dietary guidelines for conditions involving excess uric acid or inflammation, but these references are not extensive or specific.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited direct evidence linking plum fruit consumption to a reduction in uric acid levels or the prevention/treatment of gout. Plums are rich in antioxidants and contain small amounts of vitamin C, which may offer minor anti-inflammatory benefits. However, the amount of vitamin C in plums is much lower than the doses shown in studies to reduce gout risk. No robust clinical trials have specifically investigated plums as a treatment for gout. Therefore, the support for using plums for gout is primarily traditional, with only weak scientific plausibility and no high-quality evidence to substantiate its effectiveness.

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