Home Ingredients Kakadu Plum (Gubinge)
AntioxidantImmune Support

Kakadu Plum (Gubinge)

Terminalia ferdinandiana
Evidence Level
Preliminary
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
1/5 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, which is usually reported as the highest of any food, with camu camu next. Measured levels vary enormously between trees and harvests, so any single figure is an average rather than a guarantee. 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. There are no published human trials of Kakadu plum taken by mouth, so claims should remain modest and grounded in its nutrient density.

Studied Dose No established clinical dose; products typically 250-1,000 mg Kakadu plum powder/serving, which supplies anywhere from about 6 to over 200 mg vitamin C, because published analyses of dried fruit span roughly 2,500 to 21,000 mg vitamin C per 100 g and retail powders test across that whole spread, so read the label.
Active Compound Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), ellagic acid, gallic acid, ellagitannins, and other polyphenols.

Benefits

Exceptional Source of Vitamin C

Kakadu plum is usually reported as the richest food source of vitamin C, with camu camu next. How much actually reaches you depends heavily on the powder: published analyses of dried fruit range from about 2,500 to 21,000 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, so a 250 mg to 1,000 mg serving can supply anywhere from roughly 6 mg to over 200 mg. Vitamin C supports immune function, collagen formation, and antioxidant defense, so look for a product that states a measured amount rather than assuming the headline figure.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Supports Antioxidant Defense

The combination of vitamin C, ellagic acid, and gallic acid gives Kakadu plum strong antioxidant activity in laboratory assays. Those assays are run in test tubes rather than in people, so treat this as a property of the fruit's chemistry rather than a measured effect on anyone's oxidative stress.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Skin Support Has Only Been Tested Topically

Vitamin C is a cofactor in collagen biosynthesis, and ellagic acid adds polyphenol content, which is why Kakadu plum appears in beauty-from-within and skincare products. Nothing published has tested swallowed Kakadu plum for a skin outcome. The only human skin data comes from a small trial of a Kakadu plum extract cream applied to the face, which tests a cosmetic on the skin rather than a powder taken by mouth.

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. That is established nutrition for vitamin C itself at ordinary adequate intakes of roughly 45 to 90 mg a day, and it depends on the powder actually delivering that much. No study has tested Kakadu plum for an immune outcome in people.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Cultural Heritage, Not a Health Benefit

Kakadu plum has been a food and a bush medicine for Aboriginal peoples of the Northern Territory and the Kimberley for tens of thousands of years, and it carries real 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, Trial 2

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 is often said to give a more sustained antioxidant effect than vitamin C alone, but nothing cited here tested that idea for this fruit, so it stays a hypothesis rather than a measured result.

Clinical trials

1
Phytochemistry Review, Not a Clinical Trial

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

No human participants; a compilation of laboratory and preclinical work

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. The word chemotherapeutic in the paper's title refers to possible drug-like activity explored in the laboratory, not to any finding in people, and nothing in it shows that Kakadu plum treats or prevents cancer.

2
Organic Acids in Kakadu Plum, a Laboratory Analysis

Compositional analysis of organic acids in Kakadu plum fruit

No human participants; laboratory analysis of fruit and leaves from six trees in the Wadeye district, Northern Territory

Analyses confirmed extremely high concentrations of ascorbic acid alongside ellagic acid and other organic acids, while also placing the fruit in the high-oxalate category at roughly 2,700 mg total oxalate per 100 g of dried fruit, with a larger share of it in the readily absorbed water-soluble form than star fruit. The authors warn this could raise urinary oxalate in susceptible people and say intake of fruit-derived products should be closely monitored.

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.
Oxalate: the dried fruit is in the high-oxalate category, and vitamin C itself is metabolized to oxalate, so people who form calcium-oxalate kidney stones should be careful. Two analyses put dried fruit at roughly 14 to 27 mg total oxalate per gram of powder, against the 40 to 50 mg daily ceiling often used for stone formers, so a 1 g serving can use a large share of that allowance.
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.

More Antioxidant Ingredients

Antioxidant
Green Tea
Green tea extract, derived from Camellia sinensis leaves, is rich in antioxidants like cat…
Antioxidant
Lutein
Lutein is a yellow carotenoid antioxidant that plays a key role in eye health, particularl…
Antioxidant
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a family of fat-soluble antioxidants, the most active being alpha-tocopherol,…
Antioxidant
Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that the body uses to build antioxidant enzymes (su…

Explore Other Ingredients

Cognitive
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in cold northern regions to comba…
Immune Support
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble essential nutrient that humans cannot synth…
Antioxidant
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, from the Silybum marianum plant, contains silymarin, a group of plant compou…

Frequently asked questions about Kakadu Plum (Gubinge)

What is Kakadu plum used for?

Kakadu plum is an Australian native fruit renowned as possibly the world's richest natural source of vitamin C. It is used as a whole-food vitamin C and antioxidant supplement and in skincare for brightening and antioxidant protection.

Why is Kakadu plum famous for vitamin C?

It contains extraordinarily high levels of vitamin C, far above most fruits, which is why it is prized both as a natural vitamin C source and as a skincare antioxidant ingredient for an even, radiant complexion.

How much Kakadu plum should I take?

As a powder it is used in small amounts to provide vitamin C; follow product labeling. In skincare it appears within antioxidant serums. It is a potent, concentrated source.

Is Kakadu plum safe?

Kakadu plum is generally very safe as a food and skincare ingredient. As with any high vitamin C source, very large amounts may cause digestive upset. The fruit is also high in oxalate, so anyone who forms calcium-oxalate kidney stones should keep servings small. Topically it is well tolerated by most skin types.

What is Kakadu Plum?

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.

What is the recommended dosage of Kakadu Plum?

The clinically studied dose is No established clinical dose; products typically 250-1,000 mg Kakadu plum powder/serving, which supplies anywhere from about 6 to over 200 mg vitamin C, because published analyses of dried fruit span roughly 2,500 to 21,000 mg vitamin C per 100 g and retail po… Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Kakadu Plum safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Kakadu Plum is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can 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. It may also interact with some medications. Kakadu Plum is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Kakadu Plum interact with any medications?

Possible interactions 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. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Kakadu Plum?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Kakadu Plum as Preliminary (1 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 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: Narrative review of Terminalia ferdinandiana with no participants, no dose and no route, because nothing was given to anyone, so it is not a clinical trial. It reports the fruit as an exceptionally rich source of ascorbic acid, more than 900 times the level in blueberries per gram of fruit, along with phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, and it summarizes laboratory antioxidant work. The word chemotherapeutic in its title refers to possible drug-like activity explored in the laboratory and is not a claim about people.
  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: Analytical chemistry on Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and leaves from six trees in the Wadeye district of the Northern Territory, plus a bulk sample from the 2014 harvest. No participants and nothing administered, so it is not a clinical trial. It found high ascorbic acid and ellagic acid in the fruit, higher ellagic acid but little or no ascorbic acid in the leaves, and substantial oxalic acid at around 2,700 mg per 100 g of dried fruit, which places the fruit in the high-oxalate category with a greater water-soluble share than star fruit. The authors conclude that intake of fruit-derived products should be closely monitored because of the potential to raise urinary oxalate.
  3. Akter S, Netzel M, Tinggi U, et al. Interactions Between Phytochemicals and Minerals in Terminalia ferdinandiana and Implications for Mineral Bioavailability. Front Nutr. 2020;7:598219..PubMedUsed to support: Analytical chemistry of Kakadu plum fruit, leaf and seedcoat, with no participants and nothing administered. Reports oxalic acid across tissues at 327 to 1,420 mg per 100 g dry weight, phytic acid at 8.44 to 121.72 mg per 100 g and calcium at 131 to 1,343 mg per 100 g, with fruit specifically at 1,420 mg oxalic acid, 295 mg calcium and 21.1 g total vitamin C per 100 g dry weight. It calculates that a 1 g serving of freeze-dried powder carries about 14.2 mg of total oxalate against the under 40 to 50 mg daily limit advised for people who form kidney stones, and reports a fruit oxalate to calcium molar ratio of 1.51, below the 2.0 threshold considered problematic. Supports both the oxalate caution and the vitamin C content, and is what keeps the caution proportionate rather than alarmist.
  4. Bobasa EM, Phan ADT, Netzel ME, et al. Nutritional and Functional Properties of Terminalia ferdinandiana Fruits Wild Harvested from Western Australia. Foods. 2024;13(18)..PubMedUsed to support: Analytical study of wild-harvested Kakadu plum fruit from two Western Australian locations, with no participants and nothing administered. Total vitamin C measured 25.2 to 131.5 mg per gram dry weight at Karajarri and 42.5 to 122.3 mg per gram dry weight at Yawuru, a more than fivefold spread between individual trees within a single region. This is the newest measurement of the fruit's vitamin C and it is the reason this page gives a per-serving range rather than a single figure.