Dried prunes, whole and halved.

Fruits · Fruit

Prunes

Q: What are prunes good for?

They are a fibre-rich dried fruit. Small trials looked at constipation and bone density, with mixed results. They are a food, not a proven treatment.

Q: Do prunes help constipation?

Small trials found improved bowel counts, but a 2025 dietitian guideline rated the evidence very low certainty. See a doctor if constipation lasts or comes with warning signs.

Q: Are prunes better than psyllium?

One trial said yes on stool counts, but the 2025 guideline found no difference on stool form or straining and said the trials do not show prunes are equal.

Q: Does prune juice work for constipation?

One placebo-controlled trial found fewer hard stools with prune juice. The juice maker partly funded it, and juice is not the same as the fruit.

Q: Do prunes protect bones?

In women after menopause, one 12-month trial found slower hip bone loss, but a pooling of 11 trials found only a borderline effect. In men, two trials found no change in bone density.

Q: Do prunes lower cholesterol?

A pooling of plum products found LDL about 12.5 mg/dL lower, but it mixed fresh plums, prunes and juice. A 12-month prune trial found no change in blood fats.

Q: Are prunes safe for people with diabetes?

Prunes hold 38 g of sugar per 100 g (USDA). A 12-month trial in postmenopausal women found no change in blood sugar markers, but people with diabetes were not tested.

Q: Do prunes help with weight loss?

A pooling of 14 trials found lower body weight with prunes but no change in BMI, waist or fat mass. Prunes are energy-dense: 240 kcal per 100 g.

Q: Are prunes high in potassium?

Yes. USDA lists 732 mg per 100 g and 1,274 mg in a cup. People with kidney disease or a potassium limit should ask their care team.

Q: Do prunes interact with warfarin or other medicines?

Prunes hold vitamin K (59.5 micrograms per 100 g), which affects warfarin. No study read links prunes to a change in warfarin control. Ask a pharmacist.

Prunus domestica (dried) · also called Dried plums, ciruelas pasas (Spanish)

Prunes are dried plums, eaten as a sweet fruit and as a home help for a sluggish bowel. Small trials found prunes improved bowel counts, but a 2025 dietitian guideline rated the evidence very low certainty and could not say they beat psyllium. Bone, cholesterol and weight results are mixed. Prunes are packed with sugar, potassium and vitamin K, and the plum stone kernel should not be eaten.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

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About Prunes

Prunes are dried plums: a sweet, sticky fruit rich in fibre, potassium and vitamin K. They are a food, not a proven remedy. Bowel trials are small and mixed, and bone results differ between women and men.

What it is

Prunes are plums (Prunus domestica) that have been dried, usually with the stone removed. People eat them as a snack, in cooking and as a stewed fruit, and drink the juice.

USDA data for dried plums (prunes), uncooked, per 100 g: 240 kcal, 7.1 g fibre, 38.13 g sugars, 732 mg potassium, 59.5 micrograms vitamin K and almost no vitamin C. One pitted prune (9.5 g) has about 23 kcal, 0.7 g fibre, 3.6 g sugars and 70 mg potassium. One cup of pitted prunes (174 g) has about 418 kcal, 12.4 g fibre, 66.3 g sugars and 1,274 mg potassium. Drying concentrates sugar and potassium, so prunes differ a lot from fresh plums.

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What the research shows

The bowel is the best-studied use. In an 8-week crossover trial of 40 adults with chronic constipation, dried plums gave more complete bowel movements a week than psyllium, but straining did not differ. A 2025 dietitian guideline later rated the prune evidence very low certainty and said the trials do not show prunes are as good as psyllium.

The 12-month Prune Study in postmenopausal women found slower hip bone loss with 50 g of prunes a day. A pooling of 11 trials found a borderline effect at the lower spine and very uneven results. In men, two one-year trials found no change in bone density.

Cholesterol results come from a pooling that mixed fresh plums, prunes and juice. Blood sugar and blood pressure showed no clear change. One trial was sponsor-linked and many do not state their funding.

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Prunes, prune juice and plums compared

Most trials used whole dried prunes. One used prune juice, which has less fibre. The cholesterol pooling mixed fresh plums, prunes and juice. Results for one form do not carry over to another.

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Amounts

This page gives no amounts to eat or drink. Ask a doctor or pharmacist what is right for you, especially if you take medicine, have diabetes or kidney disease, or have long-lasting constipation.

At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Eaten as a sweet dried fruit and used in cooking
Eaten or drunk as prune juice as a home help for a sluggish bowel; long use is not proof it works

Studied for research

Chronic constipation, mixed (small trials; guideline very low certainty)
Constipation with prune juice, low certainty (one trial, sponsor-linked)
Bowel problems after rectal cancer surgery, low certainty (one non-blinded trial)
Bone density after menopause, mixed
Bone density in men, insufficient
LDL cholesterol, mixed (mixed plum products)
Blood sugar, weight and blood pressure, low certainty

Main compounds

Fibre (7.1 g per 100 g)
Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol
Sugars (38 g per 100 g, concentrated by drying)
Potassium (732 mg per 100 g)
Vitamin K (59.5 micrograms per 100 g)
Carotenoid pigments in small amounts (USDA)

Common forms

Whole dried prunes, usually pitted (used in most trials)
Prune juice (used in one constipation trial; contains sorbitol, pectin and polyphenols)
Fresh plums (a different, less concentrated food; see the Plums page)

Research links: NHS: Constipation · British Dietetic Association guideline on chronic constipation (2025) · Meta-analysis: prunes and bone density (2026) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

What it is and its history

Accepted scientific name: Prunus domestica
Naming authority: L. (GBIF accepted; usageKey 7931731)
Common names: Prunes (English); Dried plums (English); Ciruelas pasas (Spanish)
Family or group: Rosaceae (the rose family), which also includes peaches, cherries, apricots, almonds and apples.
Classification: Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Rosales > Rosaceae > Prunus > Prunus domestica
Native range: Not verified from a source read.
Habitat: Not verified from a source read.
What it looks like: Roots: Not verified.; Stems: Not verified.; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: Prunes are the dried fruit, usually sold with the stone removed. USDA lists a pitted prune as 9.5 g and a cup of pitted prunes as 174 g.
Cultivation: Not verified from a source read.
Harvest and processing: Plums are dried whole and sold as prunes, or pressed into prune juice. Trials used whole prunes or prune juice.
Look-alikes and adulterants: Name: Fresh plums; Note: A different food with far less sugar and potassium per 100 g; research on fresh plums should not be assumed for prunes.; Name: Other dried fruit (raisins, figs, apricots); Note: Different fruits with their own nutrients and trials.
Sustainability and conservation: Not assessed.

Photographs

Dried prunes, whole and halved — Dried prunes.

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Traditional use for the bowel	The 2011 constipation trial says dried plums have been used traditionally for constipation but their efficacy was not known.	p21323688
Food industry research funding	A 2017 commentary says food commodity boards, including the California Dried Plum Board, are important funders of nutrition research, with benefits and biases to watch for.	p28216794

Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
Dietary fibre	fibre	Fruit flesh USDA: 7.1 g per 100 g; 0.7 g in one pitted prune	The trials gave about 6 g of fibre a day from 50 g twice daily in the 2011 comparison with psyllium. Fibre is one proposed reason for the bowel effect. ^{25 2}	Composition and human
Sorbitol PubChem 5780	sugar alcohol	Fruit flesh and juice No figure in the USDA record read. The prune juice trial describes its juice as containing sorbitol, pectin and polyphenol.	A poorly absorbed sugar alcohol. The NHS lists sorbitol fruit among foods that soften stool, and does not name prunes. ^{24 13 22}	Composition and health agency
Sugars	carbohydrate	Fruit flesh USDA: 38.13 g total sugars per 100 g	Drying concentrates the sugar. Relevant to people managing blood sugar. ²⁵	Composition only
Potassium	mineral	Fruit flesh USDA: 732 mg per 100 g	Relevant to people on potassium limits. ²⁵	Composition only
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	vitamin	Fruit flesh USDA: 59.5 micrograms per 100 g	Matters to people on warfarin; no prune-warfarin study was found. ²⁵	Composition only
Plant pigments (beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin)	carotenoid	Fruit flesh USDA per 100 g: 394 micrograms beta-carotene, 148 micrograms lutein plus zeaxanthin	Listed in the USDA record; no prune trial of these was read. Polyphenols are often named for dried plums but no polyphenol value was read. ²⁵	Composition only

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
Stool softening and bulk	Not specified	Prunes give fibre and sorbitol. In non-constipated people prunes increased wet stool weight in one trial. This is the authors' reading, not direct proof of why. ^{15 13 22}	Human data
Bone breakdown markers	TRAP5b, CTX, osteoprotegerin (markers)	In men, bone-breakdown markers fell with prunes in one trial and differed from control in another, but bone density did not change. The authors of the newer trial call this exploratory. ^{11 16}	Human data

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: Not studied for prunes in the sources read.
Distribution: Not found.
Metabolism: Not found.
Elimination: Not found.
Bioavailability: Not established.

Isolated compounds versus whole extracts

Most trials gave whole prunes or prune juice. The cholesterol pooled analysis mixed fresh plums, dried plums, juice and extracts. Prune juice is not the same as the fruit, because juice has less fibre. Results from one form do not carry over to another.

Nutritional composition

Nutrition from USDA FoodData Central: Plums, dried (prunes), uncooked (FDC 168162, SR Legacy). Values were read from a saved copy of that USDA record in our research folder on 2026-10-25, because the live USDA service was rate-limited that day. Per 100 g: 240 kcal, 63.88 g carbohydrate of which 38.13 g sugars, 7.1 g fibre, 2.18 g protein, 0.38 g fat, 30.92 g water, 732 mg potassium, 43 mg calcium, 41 mg magnesium, 0.93 mg iron, 59.5 micrograms vitamin K, 0.28 mg copper, 0.30 mg manganese, 0.6 mg vitamin C, 2 mg sodium. One pitted prune (9.5 g): about 23 kcal, 0.7 g fibre, 3.6 g sugars, 70 mg potassium, 5.7 micrograms vitamin K (USDA per-100-g values scaled by 0.095, rounded). One cup of pitted prunes (174 g): about 418 kcal, 12.4 g fibre, 66.3 g sugars, 1,274 mg potassium, 103.5 micrograms vitamin K. Prunes have almost no vitamin C. Values vary with variety and drying.

10benefits and uses looked at

25studies and sources checked

Low certaintybest evidence rating found

4lab markers tracked in trials

3 mixed findings4 low certainty3 not enough evidence

What was looked at

The 10 benefits and uses checked for Prunes, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.

Chronic constipation: prunes compared with psylliumMixed findings
Chronic constipation: prune juiceLow certainty
Constipation in older women: prunes versus massageNot enough evidence
Stool softness and weight in people who are not constipatedNot enough evidence
Bowel problems after rectal cancer surgery (low anterior resection syndrome)Low certainty
Bone density after menopauseMixed findings
Bone density in older menNot enough evidence
LDL cholesterol and other blood fatsMixed findings
Blood sugar controlLow certainty
Body weight, waist and blood pressureLow certainty

Lab markers tracked in the studies

Complete spontaneous bowel movements per weekStool form (Bristol stool scale)Total hip bone mineral densityLDL cholesterol

What is Prunes good for?

The main studied uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. Most results are from small trials of whole prunes or prune juice.

Chronic constipation (prunes compared with psyllium)Mixed findingsDried plums improved bowel counts in three small trials. A 2025 guideline found no difference from psyllium on stool form or straining and rated this very low certainty. Constipation: prune juiceLow certaintyOne placebo-controlled trial found fewer hard stools and more normal stools with prune juice. The company that makes the juice partly funded it. Juice is not the whole fruit. Constipation in older womenNot enough evidenceIn 105 older women, Thai abdominal massage beat prunes on bowel measures. Prunes gave the biggest quality-of-life gain. The prune amount was small (twice a week). Stools in people without constipationNot enough evidencePrunes softened stool in one trial and raised stool weight in another (628 g vs 514 g over 72 hours). Gut symptoms did not differ. Bowel problems after rectal cancer surgeryLow certaintyIn a Korean non-blinded trial, 27.3% of people who ate prunes after surgery had low anterior resection syndrome at 3 weeks, against 74.6% of those who did not. Bone density after menopauseMixed findingsIn the Prune Study (235 women), hip bone density fell 0.3% with 50 g a day against 1.1% in controls. A 2026 pooling found only a borderline lumbar spine effect. Bone density in menNot enough evidenceTwo one-year trials (66 and 59 men) found no change in bone density with prunes. A few bone markers moved; the authors call it exploratory. LDL cholesterolMixed findingsA pooling of all plum products found LDL 12.5 mg/dL lower. The 12-month Prune Study found no change in blood fats. Blood sugar controlLow certaintyPrunes did not change blood sugar markers over 12 months in 183 postmenopausal women. Not tested in people with diabetes. Weight and blood pressureLow certaintyA 2025 pooling of 14 trials found lower body weight with prunes but no change in BMI, waist, fat mass or blood pressure.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Chronic constipation: prunes compared with psyllium

Mixed findings

Three small trials and a systematic review looked at prunes in adults with long-term constipation. Two found prunes did at least as well as psyllium on stool counts, but a 2025 dietitian guideline rated the prune evidence very low certainty and said it cannot conclude prunes are equal to psyllium.

5 studiesWhole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amoun…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Attaluri 2011 (40 constipated adults, single-blind crossover, 3 weeks each) found more complete spontaneous bowel movements a week and better stool consistency with dried plums than psyllium (both P<0.05); straining and global symptoms did not differ. A 2014 systematic review of four trials reported 3.5 vs 2.8 complete bowel movements a week and 3.2 vs 2.8 on the Bristol stool scale with prunes (100 g a day) vs psyllium, but said evidence for other outcomes was weak. Chey 2021 (79 adults, partly randomised, prunes 100 g a day for 4 weeks) found similar responder rates for prunes, kiwifruit and psyllium; stool consistency and straining improved with prunes compared with the start. The 2025 British Dietetic Association guideline made two prune statements (no difference from psyllium on stool consistency or straining), both rated very low certainty, and said the trials were not built to prove prunes equal psyllium.

Results

Results are mixed. Prunes improved bowel counts and straining compared with the start in all three trials, but the guideline found no clear advantage over psyllium and rated its certainty very low.

Effect sizes as reported

Complete bowel movements a week 3.5 vs 2.8 (prunes vs psyllium, one trial). Guideline: stool consistency difference +0.45 (95% CI -0.24 to 1.14), straining SMD -0.13 (95% CI -0.69 to 0.43), both not significant.

Why this rating

Small trials (24 to 40 people on prunes), no placebo group, 3 to 4 weeks long, and a guideline that rates the prune evidence very low. Some guideline authors have received research grants from the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council.

Form and dose studied

Whole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amounts, which is trial detail and not advice.

Who was studied

Adults with chronic constipation, mostly women.

Limits

Short trials, no placebo, mostly women; not shown to work better than psyllium. Not a treatment for constipation that lasts or has warning signs.

Why researchers looked

Prunes are the best-known food for sluggish bowels, so trials compared them with psyllium, a fibre supplement known to help.

Traditional use

Prunes have long been eaten as a sweet dried fruit and as a home remedy for a sluggish bowel; long use is not proof that it works.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Prunes hold fibre and sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that is poorly absorbed (the NHS lists sorbitol fruit among foods that soften stool). Prune juice in one trial contained sorbitol, pectin and polyphenols. How much each part matters in people has not been shown.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

See a doctor for blood in the stool, weight loss without trying, or sudden changes in bowel habits (NHS).

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Chronic constipation: prune juice

Low certainty

One placebo-controlled trial of prune juice in Japanese adults with chronic constipation found fewer hard stools and more normal stools. This is juice, not whole prunes, and the trial was partly paid for by the company that makes the juice.

1 studiesPrune juice containing sorbitol, pectin and polyphenols; the amount i…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial (Koyama 2022) reported that prune juice cut hard and lumpy stools, raised normal stools, did not raise loose or watery stools, and eased constipation complaints, with no adverse events or abnormal liver or kidney tests. The abstract gives no group sizes or numbers.

Results

Prune juice beat placebo on stool form and complaints. Numbers are not shown in the abstract.

Effect sizes as reported

Not available from the abstract.

Why this rating

One trial; no numbers in the abstract; juice, not the fruit; sponsor-linked.

Form and dose studied

Prune juice containing sorbitol, pectin and polyphenols; the amount is not given in the abstract.

Who was studied

Japanese adults with chronic constipation.

Limits

Partly funded by MIKI Corporation; two authors are employees of it. The authors say the sponsor did not control interpretation or publication.

Why researchers looked

Prune juice is a common home drink for constipation, so it was tested in a double-blind trial.

Traditional use

Prunes have long been eaten as a sweet dried fruit and as a home remedy for a sluggish bowel; long use is not proof that it works.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Prune juice is a different food from whole prunes.

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Constipation in older women: prunes versus massage

Not enough evidence

In 105 older Iranian women, a Thai abdominal massage worked better than prunes or no treatment for constipation. The prune group improved most on quality of life.

1 studiesPrunes 50 g twice a week for 8 weeks (trial detail).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A single-blind randomised trial of 105 older women (35 per group) with functional constipation compared Thai abdominal massage, prunes (50 g twice a week) and no treatment for 8 weeks. Massage reduced constipation severity, pain and stool consistency scores more than prunes or control. The prune group had the greatest quality-of-life gain (+0.75). The abstract does not say how prunes compared with the control group on constipation severity.

Results

Massage beat prunes on bowel outcomes; prunes gave the biggest quality-of-life gain.

Effect sizes as reported

Quality of life +0.75 (SD 0.44) in the prune group.

Why this rating

One small trial, women only, with a low amount of prunes (twice a week); the key comparison of prunes against control is not given in the abstract.

Form and dose studied

Prunes 50 g twice a week for 8 weeks (trial detail).

Who was studied

Older women with functional constipation.

Limits

Small and from one region; the abstract does not show prunes versus control on bowel outcomes.

Why researchers looked

Prunes are often suggested for constipation in older adults, so one trial compared them with another low-cost method.

Traditional use

Prunes have long been eaten as a sweet dried fruit and as a home remedy for a sluggish bowel; long use is not proof that it works.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None specific.

Stool softness and weight in people who are not constipated

Not enough evidence

In the systematic review, prunes softened stool in one trial and raised stool weight in another when people were not constipated. The evidence is thin.

1 studiesWhole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amoun…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

The 2014 systematic review found three trials in people without constipation. Prunes softened stool in one, and increased 72-hour wet stool weight (628 g vs 514 g, P=0.001) in another. No trial found a difference in gut symptoms between prunes and the comparison.

Results

Softer and heavier stools in single trials; no change in gut symptoms.

Effect sizes as reported

Stool weight 628 g vs 514 g over 72 hours (one trial).

Why this rating

Three small trials; the review says evidence for non-constipated people is weak.

Form and dose studied

Whole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amounts, which is trial detail and not advice.

Who was studied

Adults without constipation.

Limits

Few trials; stool weight is not a health outcome.

Why researchers looked

Some people eat prunes to keep regular rather than to treat constipation.

Traditional use

Prunes have long been eaten as a sweet dried fruit and as a home remedy for a sluggish bowel; long use is not proof that it works.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None specific.

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Bowel problems after rectal cancer surgery (low anterior resection syndrome)

Low certainty

A Korean trial of people recovering from rectal cancer surgery found far fewer bowel-function problems at 3 weeks in those who ate prunes daily for two weeks. It was a single hospital, not blinded, and this is a specialised post-surgery group.

1 studiesPrunes daily for 2 weeks after surgery; the amount is not given in th…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

In a non-blinded randomised trial (130 randomised, 118 finished), low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) was found in 27.3% of the prune group (15 of 55) and 74.6% of the no-prune group (47 of 63), P<0.001. Major LARS was 18.2% vs 61.9% (P<0.001). The prune group also reported better emotional scores and fewer constipation, sleep and appetite problems. Prunes were eaten daily for 2 weeks after surgery.

Results

Large difference in a single, non-blinded trial.

Effect sizes as reported

LARS 27.3% vs 74.6%; major LARS 18.2% vs 61.9%.

Why this rating

One hospital, non-blinded, symptom questionnaire, short follow-up (3 weeks).

Form and dose studied

Prunes daily for 2 weeks after surgery; the amount is not given in the abstract.

Who was studied

People who had low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Limits

Not blinded; subjective outcome; applies only to this surgical group.

Why researchers looked

Prunes are a fibre-rich fruit used for constipation, so surgeons tested them for bowel problems after rectal surgery.

Traditional use

Prunes have long been eaten as a sweet dried fruit and as a home remedy for a sluggish bowel; long use is not proof that it works.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

People after bowel surgery should follow their surgical team's diet advice.

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Bone density after menopause

Mixed findings

In the 12-month Prune Study of 235 women, a daily 50 g of prunes kept hip bone density from falling as much as in women who ate none. A 2026 pooling of 11 trials found only a borderline effect at the lower spine, with very uneven results.

4 studiesWhole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amoun…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

In the Prune Study (235 postmenopausal women, 12 months), total hip bone density fell 1.1% in controls and 0.3% in the 50 g prune group (P<0.05); the 100 g group did not differ from controls and 41% of that group dropped out. A scan study of the same trial found cortical bone density and estimated strength at the lower leg shaft fell in controls but not in the pooled prune group. A 2026 meta-analysis of 11 randomised trials (747 people) found a borderline effect at the lumbar spine (SMD 1.30, 95% CI -0.03 to 2.63, I2 98%), no significant difference at other sites, and no significant change in bone markers.

Results

Hip bone loss was slower with 50 g a day in one trial; the pooled result is borderline and very uneven.

Effect sizes as reported

Total hip BMD -1.1% (control) vs -0.3% (50 g); pooled lumbar spine SMD 1.30 (95% CI -0.03 to 2.63).

Why this rating

One large trial favours the 50 g group at the hip, but the pooled analysis is borderline with very high heterogeneity, the 100 g group did not differ, and no fracture outcome was measured. Funding of these trials is not stated in the abstracts; the California Dried Plum Board is described in a commentary as a funder of dried plum research.

Form and dose studied

Whole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amounts, which is trial detail and not advice.

Who was studied

Postmenopausal women, average age 62.

Limits

Bone density is a stand-in for strength; no fracture data. Many outcomes were tested.

Why researchers looked

Animal studies suggested dried plums protect bone, so human trials followed in older women.

Traditional use

Prunes have long been eaten as a sweet dried fruit and as a home remedy for a sluggish bowel; long use is not proof that it works.

Proposed mechanism Hypothesis

Researchers have proposed that polyphenols and other compounds in dried plums slow bone breakdown. This has not been shown as the cause in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None specific; see Safety.

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Bone density in older men

Not enough evidence

Two one-year trials in men (66 and 59) found no change in bone density with prunes. A few bone markers moved, which the authors call exploratory.

2 studiesWhole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amoun…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

In 66 men, 100 g of dried plum a day for 12 months did not change bone density at total body, spine, hip or ulna; bone-breakdown markers (TRAP5b, CTX) fell in the dried plum group. In 59 men aged 55 to 80, 100 g or 50 g of prunes a day for 12 months did not change total or lumbar bone density; osteoprotegerin and TRAP5b differed from controls, which the authors call exploratory rather than a clinical benefit.

Results

No bone density change in either trial; some marker changes.

Effect sizes as reported

No change in bone mineral density.

Why this rating

Two small trials with no density benefit; marker changes do not show stronger bone.

Form and dose studied

Whole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amounts, which is trial detail and not advice.

Who was studied

Men; one trial of men aged 55 to 80 at risk of low bone mass.

Limits

Small trials; funding not stated in the abstracts.

Why researchers looked

After the results in women, prunes were tested in men.

Traditional use

Prunes have long been eaten as a sweet dried fruit and as a home remedy for a sluggish bowel; long use is not proof that it works.

Proposed mechanism Hypothesis

Researchers have proposed that dried plum compounds slow bone breakdown. Not shown in men.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None specific.

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LDL cholesterol and other blood fats

Mixed findings

A 2024 pooling of trials of all plum products (not just prunes) found LDL cholesterol about 12.5 mg/dL lower. In the Prune Study, prunes did not change blood fats over 12 months.

2 studiesMixed plum products in the meta-analysis; whole prunes in the Prune S…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of plum products (fresh, dried, juice and others) found LDL lower by 12.50 mg/dL (95% CI -22.06 to -2.94, P=0.010); total cholesterol -12.35 mg/dL was not significant (P=0.057); triglycerides and HDL did not change. In unhealthy people, dried plums lowered total cholesterol and LDL. The authors rate the evidence very low to moderate quality. In 183 postmenopausal women who completed the Prune Study, 50 g or 100 g prunes a day for 12 months did not change blood lipids compared with control (all P>0.05).

Results

LDL lowered in the pooled analysis of mixed plum products; no change in the longest prune trial.

Effect sizes as reported

LDL -12.50 mg/dL (95% CI -22.06 to -2.94) in the pooled analysis.

Why this rating

The pooled result covers all plum products, not prunes alone, and rests on very low to moderate quality evidence; the 12-month prune trial found no lipid change.

Form and dose studied

Mixed plum products in the meta-analysis; whole prunes in the Prune Study.

Who was studied

Adults in trials of plum products; postmenopausal women in the Prune Study.

Limits

Mixed products; exploratory outcome in the bone trial.

Why researchers looked

Plums and prunes contain fibre and polyphenols, so researchers measured cholesterol.

Traditional use

Prunes have long been eaten as a sweet dried fruit and as a home remedy for a sluggish bowel; long use is not proof that it works.

Proposed mechanism Hypothesis

Fibre and polyphenols are suggested explanations. Not shown in people for prunes.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None specific.

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Blood sugar control

Low certainty

In the 12-month Prune Study, prunes did not change blood sugar control markers in postmenopausal women.

1 studiesWhole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amoun…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

In 183 postmenopausal women who completed 12 months, prunes at 50 g or 100 g a day did not alter blood sugar control markers compared with control (all P>0.05). These were exploratory outcomes.

Results

No change.

Effect sizes as reported

No significant difference (P>0.05).

Why this rating

One trial, exploratory outcome, postmenopausal women only, many dropouts in the 100 g group. No data in people with diabetes were read.

Form and dose studied

Whole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amounts, which is trial detail and not advice.

Who was studied

Postmenopausal women.

Limits

Exploratory; not tested in people with diabetes.

Why researchers looked

Prunes contain sugar and fibre, so researchers checked blood sugar markers.

Traditional use

Prunes have long been eaten as a sweet dried fruit and as a home remedy for a sluggish bowel; long use is not proof that it works.

Proposed mechanism Unknown

Not applicable: no change was found.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

People with diabetes should ask a clinician about dried fruit sugar.

⁵

Body weight, waist and blood pressure

Low certainty

A 2025 pooling of 14 trials found body weight was lower with prunes, but BMI, waist, fat mass and blood pressure did not change. In the Prune Study, belly-area fat rose in controls but not in the 100 g group.

3 studiesWhole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amoun…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomised trials found body weight fell significantly with prunes (P<0.001), while BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change significantly. The abstract does not give the size of the weight change. In the Prune Study, android (belly) fat mass rose 3.19% in controls and fell 0.02% in the 100 g group (P<0.01), an exploratory result.

Results

A weight fall in the pooled analysis; no blood pressure change.

Effect sizes as reported

Weight: significant fall (size not in abstract); blood pressure not significant.

Why this rating

Size of the weight change not shown; other body measures did not move; exploratory belly-fat result from one trial.

Form and dose studied

Whole dried plums (prunes) eaten as food; trials gave set daily amounts, which is trial detail and not advice. Prunes are energy-dense (240 kcal per 100 g, USDA).

Who was studied

Adults in trials; postmenopausal women in the Prune Study.

Limits

Varied trials; no dose-response read.

Why researchers looked

Prunes are a fibre-rich food, and researchers asked whether they affect weight or blood pressure.

Traditional use

Prunes have long been eaten as a sweet dried fruit and as a home remedy for a sluggish bowel; long use is not proof that it works.

Proposed mechanism Hypothesis

Fibre and fullness are a suggested explanation. Not shown.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None specific.

^{10 5 25}

Connections to the rest of health

How Prunes connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

A. Wellness goals

Connected to	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Digestive Support	Mixed findings	Chronic constipation: prunes compared with psyllium: Three small trials and a systematic review looked at prunes in adults with long-term constipation. Two found prunes did at least as well as psyllium on stool counts, but a 2025 dietitian guideline rated the prune evidence very low certainty and said it cannot conclude prunes are equal to psyllium.	^{2 15 4 7 22}
Gut Health	Mixed findings	Chronic constipation: prunes compared with psyllium: Three small trials and a systematic review looked at prunes in adults with long-term constipation. Two found prunes did at least as well as psyllium on stool counts, but a 2025 dietitian guideline rated the prune evidence very low certainty and said it cannot conclude prunes are equal to psyllium.	^{2 15 4 7 22}
Digestive Support	Low certainty	Chronic constipation: prune juice: One placebo-controlled trial of prune juice in Japanese adults with chronic constipation found fewer hard stools and more normal stools. This is juice, not whole prunes, and the trial was partly paid for by the company that makes the juice. Bowel problems after rectal cancer surgery (low anterior resection syndrome): A Korean trial of people recovering from rectal cancer surgery found far fewer bowel-function problems at 3 weeks in those who ate prunes daily for two weeks. It was a single hospital, not blinded, and this is a specialised post-surgery group.	^{13 18}
Digestive Support	Not enough evidence	Constipation in older women: prunes versus massage: In 105 older Iranian women, a Thai abdominal massage worked better than prunes or no treatment for constipation. The prune group improved most on quality of life. Stool softness and weight in people who are not constipated: In the systematic review, prunes softened stool in one trial and raised stool weight in another when people were not constipated. The evidence is thin.	^{1 15}
Joint Support	Mixed findings	Bone density after menopause: In the 12-month Prune Study of 235 women, a daily 50 g of prunes kept hip bone density from falling as much as in women who ate none. A 2026 pooling of 11 trials found only a borderline effect at the lower spine, with very uneven results.	^{6 12 19 3}
Healthy Aging	Mixed findings	Bone density after menopause: In the 12-month Prune Study of 235 women, a daily 50 g of prunes kept hip bone density from falling as much as in women who ate none. A 2026 pooling of 11 trials found only a borderline effect at the lower spine, with very uneven results.	^{6 12 19 3}
Menopause Support	Mixed findings	Bone density after menopause: In the 12-month Prune Study of 235 women, a daily 50 g of prunes kept hip bone density from falling as much as in women who ate none. A 2026 pooling of 11 trials found only a borderline effect at the lower spine, with very uneven results.	^{6 12 19 3}
Joint Support	Not enough evidence	Bone density in older men: Two one-year trials in men (66 and 59) found no change in bone density with prunes. A few bone markers moved, which the authors call exploratory.	^{11 16}
Healthy Aging	Not enough evidence	Bone density in older men: Two one-year trials in men (66 and 59) found no change in bone density with prunes. A few bone markers moved, which the authors call exploratory.	^{11 16}
Heart Health	Mixed findings	LDL cholesterol and other blood fats: A 2024 pooling of trials of all plum products (not just prunes) found LDL cholesterol about 12.5 mg/dL lower. In the Prune Study, prunes did not change blood fats over 12 months.	^{9 5}
Cholesterol Balance	Mixed findings	LDL cholesterol and other blood fats: A 2024 pooling of trials of all plum products (not just prunes) found LDL cholesterol about 12.5 mg/dL lower. In the Prune Study, prunes did not change blood fats over 12 months.	^{9 5}
Blood Sugar Balance	Low certainty	Blood sugar control: In the 12-month Prune Study, prunes did not change blood sugar control markers in postmenopausal women.	⁵
Weight Management	Low certainty	Body weight, waist and blood pressure: A 2025 pooling of 14 trials found body weight was lower with prunes, but BMI, waist, fat mass and blood pressure did not change. In the Prune Study, belly-area fat rose in controls but not in the 100 g group.	^{10 5 25}
Blood Pressure Support	Low certainty	Body weight, waist and blood pressure: A 2025 pooling of 14 trials found body weight was lower with prunes, but BMI, waist, fat mass and blood pressure did not change. In the Prune Study, belly-area fat rose in controls but not in the 100 g group.	^{10 5 25}

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Digestive System	Biological association	Mixed findings	Studied for: Chronic constipation: prunes compared with psyllium Studied for: Chronic constipation: prune juice	^{2 15 4 7 22 13 1 18}
Musculoskeletal System	Biological association	Mixed findings	Studied for: Bone density after menopause Studied for: Bone density in older men	^{6 12 19 3 11 16}
Cardiovascular System	Biological association	Mixed findings	Studied for: LDL cholesterol and other blood fats Studied for: Body weight, waist and blood pressure	^{9 5 10 25}
Blood Sugar Support	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Blood sugar control	⁵
Metabolism Weight	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Body weight, waist and blood pressure	^{10 5 25}

C. Body parts and organs

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Bowel	Biological association	Mixed trials	Prunes improved bowel counts in small trials but were not clearly better than psyllium. Preparation or compound: Dried plums, prune juice	^{2 15 7}

E. Health conditions

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Oral allergy syndrome	Adverse effect or risk	Cross reactivity shown for fresh fruit	Peach-allergic people can react to plum. Preparation or compound: Plum and related fruit	^{17 23}

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Complete spontaneous bowel movements per week	Biological association	Mixed findings	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{2 15 4}
Stool form (Bristol stool scale)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{7 13 4}
Total hip bone mineral density	Biological association	Mixed findings	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{6 16}
LDL cholesterol	Biological association	Mixed findings	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{9 5}

K. Biological pathways

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Potassium	Preliminary mechanism	Composition	Prunes are a concentrated potassium food.	²⁵
Vitamin K	Preliminary mechanism	Composition	Prunes contain vitamin K; relevant to warfarin.	²⁵

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Dietary fibre	Biological association	Composition and human	The trials gave about 6 g of fibre a day from 50 g twice daily in the 2011 comparison with psyllium. Fibre is one proposed reason for the bowel effect. Preparation or compound: Fruit flesh	^{25 2}
Sorbitol	Biological association	Composition and health agency	A poorly absorbed sugar alcohol. The NHS lists sorbitol fruit among foods that soften stool, and does not name prunes. Preparation or compound: Fruit flesh and juice	^{24 13 22}
Sugars	Biological association	Composition only	Drying concentrates the sugar. Relevant to people managing blood sugar. Preparation or compound: Fruit flesh	²⁵
Potassium	Biological association	Composition only	Relevant to people on potassium limits. Preparation or compound: Fruit flesh	²⁵
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	Biological association	Composition only	Matters to people on warfarin; no prune-warfarin study was found. Preparation or compound: Fruit flesh	²⁵
Plant pigments (beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin)	Biological association	Composition only	Listed in the USDA record; no prune trial of these was read. Polyphenols are often named for dried plums but no polyphenol value was read. Preparation or compound: Fruit flesh	²⁵

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 4 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Other4

The evidence

The research centre for Prunes. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Chronic constipation: prunes compared with psyllium 5 studies Mixed findings Chronic constipation: prune juice 1 study Low certainty Constipation in older women: prunes versus massage 1 study Not enough evidence Stool softness and weight in people who are not constipated 1 study Not enough evidence Bowel problems after rectal cancer surgery (low anterior resection syndrome) 1 study Low certainty Bone density after menopause 4 studies Mixed findings Bone density in older men 2 studies Not enough evidence LDL cholesterol and other blood fats 2 studies Mixed findings Blood sugar control 1 study Low certainty Body weight, waist and blood pressure 3 studies Low certainty

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing prune summary, re-checked nutrition against the USDA FoodData Central record, and read PubMed abstracts for trials, reviews and safety. The 2025 guideline prune statements were read in its open-access full text. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.

Study library: every study we checked 25

Design Research type Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Assadollahzadeh 2025 Comparative effects of traditional Thai abdominal massage versus prune consumption on constipation and quality of life in elderly women: A randomized controlled trial. Aging Clin Exp Res · PMID 41288808 · DOI	Randomised controlled trial	105 105 older women with functional constipation, Iran	Prunes (dried plums) Fruit 50 g twice a week; trial detail, not advice 8 weeks · vs Thai abdominal massage group and a control group (35 each)	Thai massage reduced constipation severity, pain and stool consistency scores more than the prune and control groups. The prune group showed the greatest improvement in quality of life (+0.75). The abstract does not say whether prunes beat the control group on constipation severity. Quality of life +0.75 (SD 0.44) in the prune group (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Constipation severity, stool consistency, pain, quality of life Limitations: Single-blind, one region, women only, small amounts (twice a week). The abstract does not compare prunes with control on bowel outcomes. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Registration: IRCT20150519022320N35 Read: abstract
Attaluri 2011 Randomised clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs. psyllium for constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther · PMID 21323688 · DOI	Randomised crossover trial	40 40 adults with chronic constipation (3 men, 37 women, mean age 38)	Dried plums (prunes), whole dried fruit Fruit 50 g twice a day (about 6 g fibre a day); trial detail, not advice 3 weeks each, 1-week washout, 8 weeks total · vs Psyllium 11 g twice a day (same fibre)	More complete spontaneous bowel movements a week and better stool consistency with dried plums than psyllium (both P<0.05). Straining and global constipation symptoms did not differ. Both were rated equally palatable, safe and well tolerated. Prunes better than psyllium on the primary outcome (P<0.05); exact numbers not in the abstract (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Complete spontaneous bowel movements a week (primary), stool consistency, straining, global relief Limitations: Single-blind, 40 people, mostly women, 3 weeks per treatment. The BDA 2025 guideline notes these prune trials were not designed to prove prunes equal psyllium. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Bowen PE. 2017 Role of Commodity Boards in Advancing the Understanding of the Health Benefits of Whole Foods: California Dried Plums. Nutr Today · PMID 28216794 · DOI	Commentary n/a	Food industry funding of nutrition research (California Dried Plum Board as the example)	Dried plums Fruit	Commodity boards are now important funders of nutrition research. The author lists biases toward health benefits, failure to publish negative results and aggressive promotion of single studies as cautions, and says the California Dried Plum Board uses independent advisory panels. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Role and risks of commodity-board funding Limitations: A commentary, not a trial. It does not say which of the trials on this page were board-funded. Funding and conflicts: Author is a retired professor; the commentary is about board funding in general. Read: abstract
Chey 2021 Exploratory Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Green Kiwifruit, Psyllium, or Prunes in US Patients With Chronic Constipation. Am J Gastroenterol · PMID 34074830 · DOI	Partially randomised trial	79 79 US adults with chronic constipation (87% female); 75 with complete data (24 on prunes)	Prunes (dried plums) Fruit 100 g a day; trial detail, not advice 4 weeks · vs Green kiwifruit (2 a day) or psyllium (12 g a day)	Responder rates were similar across the three treatments. Weekly complete bowel movements rose with all three. Compared with the start, stool consistency improved with prunes (P=0.049) and straining improved with prunes (P<0.001). Kiwifruit had the fewest adverse events and the lowest dissatisfaction. No difference between treatments in the primary outcome (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Share of people with at least 1 more complete spontaneous bowel movement a week (primary); stool frequency, consistency, straining Limitations: Partly randomised (not fully randomised), no placebo, 24 people on prunes, mostly women. Changes were measured against baseline, not against a placebo group. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Damani 2024 Effects of Prune (Dried Plum) Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women: An Ancillary Analysis of a 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial, The Prune Study. J Nutr · PMID 38490532 · DOI	Randomised controlled trial (secondary analysis)	183 183 postmenopausal women who finished the Prune Study (70 control, 67 on 50 g, 46 on 100 g)	Dried plums (prunes), whole dried fruit Fruit 50 g or 100 g a day; trial detail, not advice 12 months · vs No-prune control group	Neither 50 g nor 100 g prunes changed blood sugar control markers or blood lipids compared with control (all P>0.05). Belly-area (android) fat mass rose 3.19% in controls and fell 0.02% in the 100 g group (P<0.01). No change in blood sugar or lipids; android mass +3.19% (control) vs -0.02% (100 g) (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Blood sugar control markers, blood lipids, body fat (all exploratory) Limitations: Exploratory outcomes in a bone trial; only people who completed 12 months; 100 g group had many dropouts. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract. Registration: NCT02822378 Read: abstract
De Souza 2022 Prunes preserve hip bone mineral density in a 12-month randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women: the Prune Study. Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 35798020 · DOI	Randomised controlled trial	235 235 postmenopausal women, average age 62 (the Prune Study)	Dried plums (prunes), whole dried fruit Fruit 50 g or 100 g a day; trial detail, not advice 12 months · vs No-prune control group	Total hip bone density fell 1.1% in the control group and 0.3% in the 50 g prune group (P<0.05). The 100 g group did not differ from control. Dropout was 41% in the 100 g group against 10% control and 15% in the 50 g group. The hip fracture risk score worsened in controls at 6 months and was maintained in the pooled prune groups. Total hip BMD -1.1% (control) vs -0.3% (50 g) (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Total hip bone mineral density (primary), bone markers, fracture risk score Limitations: Single centre; high dropout in the 100 g group; bone density, not fractures, was measured. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract. Registration: NCT02822378 Read: abstract
Dimidi 2025 British Dietetic Association Guidelines for the Dietary Management of Chronic Constipation in Adults. Neurogastroenterol Motil · PMID 41081381 · DOI	Practice guideline	Adults with chronic constipation; four systematic reviews covering 75 randomised trials	Prunes (as food) Fruit · vs Psyllium (in the trials the prune statements are based on)	The guideline made two statements on prunes. Its full text says prunes were no different from psyllium on stool consistency (2 trials, 86 people) or on straining (2 trials, 89 people), both on very low certainty evidence. It also says the trials were not designed to show prunes are as good as psyllium, and that a placebo-controlled or properly designed comparison trial is needed. Stool consistency: mean difference +0.45 (full text); straining: SMD -0.13 (full text) (95% CI -0.24 to 1.14 and -0.69 to 0.43 (full text)) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Dietary recommendation statements graded by GRADE Limitations: A guideline built on very low certainty evidence for prunes. Funding and conflicts: Two authors report research grants from the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (conflict-of-interest statement). Read: abstract and open-access full text (Europe PMC)
Gangemi 2026 The Role of Nut Sensitization in Pru p 3-Sensitized Patients: A XGBoost and Generalized Linear Model Application. Int J Mol Sci · PMID 41683649 · DOI	Observational patient study	Patients sensitised to the peach allergen Pru p 3, with symptoms to peach and/or nuts (Italy)	Peach allergen Pru p 3 (a lipid transfer protein) Fruit	The authors say Pru p 3 is a panallergen with close similarity to proteins in other Rosaceae fruits and also in nuts and pollens. Among Pru p 3 patients, walnut sensitisation was the strongest predictor of severity. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Which nut sensitisations go with symptoms and severity Limitations: About peach allergy, not prunes; plum is not named in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Read: abstract
Heydarian 2024 The effects of plum products consumption on lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Food Sci Nutr · PMID 38726435 · DOI	Systematic review meta analysis	Adults in trials of plum products (fresh plums, dried plums, juice and others)	Plum products of all kinds, including dried plums Fruit Various; dose-response analysis Varied · vs Controls	Plum intake lowered LDL by 12.50 mg/dL (95% CI -22.06 to -2.94, P=0.010) versus controls. Total cholesterol fell 12.35 mg/dL, not significant (P=0.057); triglycerides and HDL did not change. In unhealthy people, dried plums lowered total cholesterol and LDL. The authors rate the evidence very low to moderate quality. LDL -12.50 mg/dL (-22.06 to -2.94) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL Limitations: The pool mixes plum products and is not prunes alone; very low to moderate quality. Funding and conflicts: The authors declared no conflicts of interest. Read: abstract
Heydarian 2025 The effects of prune products consumption on anthropometric measurements and blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Diabetes Metab Syndr · PMID 39721492 · DOI	Systematic review meta analysis	14 randomised trials in adults of prune products	Prune products Fruit Various Varied · vs Controls	Body weight fell significantly with prunes (P<0.001). BMI, waist circumference, fat mass and systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change significantly. Weight: significant fall (size not in abstract); blood pressure: no significant change (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Body weight, BMI, waist, fat mass, blood pressure Limitations: Size of the weight change is not in the abstract; trials were varied. Funding and conflicts: The authors declared no conflicts of interest. Read: abstract
Hooshmand 2022 Effects of 12 Months Consumption of 100 g Dried Plum (Prunes) on Bone Biomarkers, Density, and Strength in Men. J Med Food · PMID 34714130 · DOI	Randomised controlled trial	66 66 men	Dried plums (prunes), whole dried fruit Fruit 100 g a day; trial detail, not advice 12 months · vs No dried plum	Bone density at total body, spine, hip and ulna did not change in either group. Bone-breakdown markers (TRAP5b, CTX) fell in the dried plum group. The authors describe this as a modest bone-protective effect. No change in bone density; marker falls (P values not in abstract) (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Bone density (DXA, pQCT) and bone markers Limitations: Small; density did not change; a marker change is not the same as stronger bone. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract. Registration: NCT04720833 Read: abstract
Koltun 2024 Prunes preserve cortical density and estimated strength of the tibia in a 12-month randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women: The Prune Study. Osteoporos Int · PMID 38349471 · DOI	Randomised controlled trial	235 235 postmenopausal women (the Prune Study, tibia and radius scans)	Dried plums (prunes), whole dried fruit Fruit 50 g or 100 g a day; trial detail, not advice 12 months · vs No-prune control group	At the lower leg (tibia) shaft, cortical bone density (P=0.012) and estimated bone strength (P=0.024) fell in the control group but did not change in the pooled prune group. Group-by-time P=0.012 (cortical density) and P=0.024 (strength) (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Volumetric bone density, bone shape and estimated strength of the radius and tibia by pQCT Limitations: Same single-centre trial as the hip result; changes in scans, not fractures; "most notable" findings reported from several sites tested. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract. Registration: NCT02822378 Read: abstract
Koyama 2022 Prune Juice Containing Sorbitol, Pectin, and Polyphenol Ameliorates Subjective Complaints and Hard Feces While Normalizing Stool in Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Am J Gastroenterol · PMID 35971232 · DOI	Randomised placebo controlled trial	Japanese adults with chronic constipation (number not given in the abstract)	Prune juice (contains sorbitol, pectin and polyphenols) Fruit (juice) Not given in the abstract Not given in the abstract · vs Placebo drink	Prune juice decreased hard and lumpy stools, increased normal stools, did not increase loose or watery stools, and eased constipation complaints. No adverse events or liver or kidney test changes were reported. Qualitative; numbers not in the abstract (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Stool form, subjective constipation complaints Limitations: Juice, not whole prunes. The abstract does not give group sizes or numbers. Funding and conflicts: Partly funded by MIKI Corporation; two authors are MIKI employees and others received grants or payments from it. The authors say the sponsor did not control interpretation or publication. Registration: UMIN 000041384 Read: abstract
Kristl 2024 Dynamics of cyanogenic glycosides in apple and plum fruits, products, and byproducts: A concise review. J Food Sci · PMID 39349973 · DOI	Narrative review plant chemistry review	Apples and plums (Prunus domestica) fruits, products and by-products	Plum seeds and fruit Seed and fruit	Plum seeds are rich in cyanogenic glycosides, which release toxic hydrogen cyanide when plant cells are damaged. Content varies a lot between cultivars and fruit parts. Seed separation, soaking and microwave heating reduced cyanide in the studies reviewed. There is not enough evidence to explain the variation. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cyanogenic glycoside content and processing effects Limitations: The abstract gives no amounts and no human poisoning data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Lever 2014 Systematic review: the effect of prunes on gastrointestinal function. Aliment Pharmacol Ther · PMID 25109788 · DOI	Systematic review	4 randomised trials: 1 in constipation, 3 in non-constipated people	Prunes (dried plums) Fruit 100 g a day in the constipation trial (22 g a day psyllium comparison); trial detail, not advice 3 weeks in the constipation trial · vs Psyllium; or control in non-constipated trials	In constipation, prunes gave 3.5 vs 2.8 complete spontaneous bowel movements a week (P=0.006) and 3.2 vs 2.8 on the Bristol stool scale (P=0.02) compared with psyllium. In non-constipated people, prunes softened stool in one trial and raised 72-hour wet stool weight (628 g vs 514 g, P=0.001) in another. No trial found a difference in gut symptoms. Two of four trials had unclear risk of bias. 3.5 vs 2.8 stool movements a week; 3.2 vs 2.8 stool consistency (P values only in abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Stool frequency, stool consistency, stool weight, gut symptoms Limitations: Only four trials; no pooled analysis because of mixed populations and methods. The authors say the evidence for other outcomes and for non-constipated people is weak. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Ormsbee 2026 Prune Consumption and Bone Health in Older Men: A One-Year Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients · PMID 42356242 · DOI	Randomised controlled trial	59 59 men aged 55 to 80 at risk of or with low bone mass	Dried plums (prunes), whole dried fruit Fruit 100 g or 50 g a day; trial detail, not advice 12 months · vs No prunes (all groups got calcium and vitamin D in a multivitamin)	No significant change in total or lumbar spine bone density in any group. A few markers (osteoprotegerin, TRAP5b) differed between groups, which the authors call exploratory, not a clinical bone benefit. No bone density change (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Total and lumbar spine bone density; bone markers Limitations: Small, 59 men; markers explored after no density change. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Read: abstract
Pastorello 1994 Allergenic cross-reactivity among peach, apricot, plum, and cherry in patients with oral allergy syndrome: an in vivo and in vitro study. J Allergy Clin Immunol · PMID 7930303 · DOI	Allergy cross reactivity study human + lab	23 23 people with oral allergy syndrome to peach and positive tests to other Prunoideae fruits	Fresh peach, cherry, apricot and plum Fruit Skin prick tests and open food challenges	A 13 kd protein was the only major allergen shared by all four fruits and caused wide cross-reactivity within this fruit group. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cross-reactivity between peach, cherry, apricot and plum Limitations: Fresh fruit, not dried; small group of people already allergic to peach. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Pyo 2025 Effects of prune consumption on the incidence of low anterior resection syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Coloproctol · PMID 41382254 · DOI	Randomised controlled trial (non blinded)	118 130 people randomised after low anterior resection for rectal cancer; 118 completed (55 prunes, 63 no prunes)	Prunes (dried plums) Fruit Daily; amount not given in the abstract 2 weeks after surgery, outcome at 3 weeks · vs No prunes	LARS in 27.3% of the prune group and 74.6% of the no-prune group (P<0.001). Major LARS 18.2% vs 61.9% (P<0.001). The prune group also had higher emotional scores and lower constipation, sleep disturbance and appetite-loss symptom scores. LARS 27.3% vs 74.6%; major LARS 18.2% vs 61.9% (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS: bowel-function problems after surgery) at 3 weeks Limitations: One hospital, not blinded, symptom questionnaire outcome, 12 of 130 did not finish, only 3 weeks. Results apply to people recovering from this surgery. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest reported. Registration: CRIS KCT0006085 Read: abstract
Treister-Goltzman 2026 Effects of Prunes on Bone Density in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients · PMID 42123941 · DOI	Systematic review meta analysis	747 11 randomised trials (747 people) of prune intake and bone	Dried plums (prunes), whole dried fruit Fruit 50 to 100 g a day in the trials; trial detail, not advice Varied · vs Control groups	In postmenopausal women the effect at the lumbar spine was borderline (SMD 1.30, 95% CI -0.03 to 2.63; I2 98%). No significant difference at other sites. Bone formation and resorption markers did not differ significantly. The authors rate this as preliminary evidence of modest benefit, and say the research is limited. Lumbar spine SMD 1.30 (-0.03 to 2.63; heterogeneity I2 = 98%) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Bone mineral density at several sites; bone formation and resorption markers Limitations: Very high heterogeneity; the confidence interval includes no effect; only 11 trials. Funding and conflicts: Both authors work for a non-profit health service; no other funding named in the abstract. Read: abstract
s-fda-produce FDA: Selecting and Serving Produce Safely · Source	Regulator n/a			Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
s-gbif-prunus-domestica GBIF Backbone: Prunus domestica L. (usageKey 7931731) · Source	Reference database n/a			Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
s-nhs-constipation NHS: Constipation · Source	Health agency n/a			Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
s-nhs-food-allergy NHS: Food allergy · Source	Health agency n/a			Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
s-pubchem-sorbitol PubChem: Sorbitol (CID 5780) · Source	Reference database n/a			Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
s-usda-fdc-168162 USDA FoodData Central: Plums, dried (prunes), uncooked (FDC 168162) · Source	Reference database n/a			Methods, limits and funding Read: saved copy of the record

What we do not know yet

No placebo-controlled trial of whole prunes for constipation was found; the guideline says one is needed.
No trial measured bone fractures, and trials in men found no bone density change.
The cholesterol pooling mixed plum products and does not describe prunes alone.
Funding is not stated in many abstracts; food board funding of dried plum research is described in a commentary.
Sulfite treatment, pesticide residues, mould, loose stool rates, choking risk, pregnancy and breastfeeding were not researched beyond what is stated.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Other 4

↕

Complete spontaneous bowel movements per week

Mixed results in trials

The number of bowel movements per week that happen without a laxative and feel complete.

Mixed findings

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It is the main way constipation trials count whether the bowel is working better.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Counts rose in each trial, but the trials do not agree that prunes beat psyllium.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
²	Improved more with dried plums than psyllium (P<0.05)	40 adults with chronic constipation	Dried plums, crossover, 3 weeks each
¹⁵	3.5 vs 2.8 a week with prunes vs psyllium (P=0.006)	Constipated adults in one trial	Prunes, 3 weeks
⁴	Rose with prunes, kiwifruit and psyllium alike; responder rates were similar	75 adults with chronic constipation	Prunes, kiwifruit or psyllium, 4 weeks

^{2 15 4}

↕

Stool form (Bristol stool scale)

Mixed results in trials

A seven-point picture scale for how hard or soft a stool is.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Hard, lumpy stools go with constipation; softer, formed stools are the aim.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Shows softer stools in short studies; does not show a lasting benefit.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁷	No difference between prunes and psyllium on stool consistency (very low certainty)	2 trials, 86 people	Prunes vs psyllium
¹³	Fewer hard and lumpy stools, more normal stools with prune juice versus placebo	Japanese adults with chronic constipation	Prune juice
⁴	Stool consistency improved with prunes compared with the start (P=0.049)	24 adults on prunes	Prunes 4 weeks

^{7 13 4}

↕

Total hip bone mineral density

Mixed results in trials

How dense the bone of the upper thigh and hip is, measured by a DXA scan.

Mixed findings

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Lower density goes with weaker bones and a higher fracture risk.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Slower loss in one trial in women; no change in men. Density is a stand-in, not fractures.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁶	Fell 1.1% in controls and 0.3% in the 50 g prune group (P<0.05); 100 g group no different from control	235 postmenopausal women	Prunes 50 g or 100 g a day, 12 months
¹⁶	No change in total or lumbar bone density in any group	59 older men	Prunes 50 g or 100 g a day, 12 months

^{6 16}

↕

LDL cholesterol

Mixed results in trials

The cholesterol carried in low-density lipoproteins, often called bad cholesterol.

Mixed findings

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

High LDL raises the risk of heart disease.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Mixed products pooled; no change in the longest prune trial.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁹	Lower by 12.50 mg/dL (95% CI -22.06 to -2.94) with plum products	Adults in pooled trials	Mixed plum products
⁵	No change versus control	183 postmenopausal women	Prunes 50 g or 100 g a day, 12 months

^{9 5}

Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 4

Sugar and potassium are concentrated in dried fruit. Prunes are dried, so the sugar and potassium are packed into a small weight. USDA lists 38.13 g of sugars and 732 mg of potassium in 100 g, and 66.3 g of sugars and 1,274 mg of potassium in a cup of pitted prunes (174 g). People with diabetes, kidney disease, or a doctor-set potassium limit should ask their care team about prunes. No source read links prunes to harm in these groups; this is a composition fact. Nutrient database ²⁵
Vitamin K is present, which matters to people on warfarin. USDA lists 59.5 micrograms of vitamin K in 100 g of prunes. Warfarin users are usually told to keep vitamin K steady. We did not find a source that links prunes to a change in warfarin control, so this is a nutrient fact, not a proven interaction. Nutrient database ²⁵
Allergy: people allergic to peach may also react to plum. A 1994 study of 23 people with oral allergy syndrome to peach found one major allergen protein shared by peach, cherry, apricot and plum, with wide cross-reactivity. A 2026 paper says the peach allergen Pru p 3 closely resembles proteins in other rose-family fruits and in nuts. The NHS says oral allergy syndrome gives an itchy mouth and throat after raw fruit, is not usually serious, and that well-cooked fruit helps. These studies used fresh fruit; we found no source that tested dried plums. Trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat needs emergency help. Laboratory and clinical study ^{17 8 23}
Plum seeds contain cyanide-forming compounds: do not eat the stone kernel. A 2024 review says plum seeds are rich in cyanogenic glycosides, which release toxic hydrogen cyanide when the plant cell is damaged. Amounts vary widely. Prunes are normally sold pitted (USDA lists the portion as pitted); a stray pit or kernel is the concern. The review gives no human poisoning data. Review ^{14 25}

Side effects 2

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
Loose stools or wind (the gut effect that makes prunes a laxative food) Prunes were called safe and well tolerated in the 2011 trial, and no adverse events were reported in the prune juice trial. The 2014 review found no difference in gut symptoms. In the 12-month Prune Study, 41% dropped out in the 100 g group (against 10% control and 15% in the 50 g group); the abstract does not give the reasons. We did not read a source that measures loose stools from prunes.	Not established	mild Not stated	Not reported in trials read ^{2 13 15 6}
Allergic reaction to plum or related fruit, from an itchy mouth to, rarely, a severe reaction Cross-reactivity is shown for fresh fruit; how often prunes cause it is not stated.	Not established	mild to severe Not stated in the abstracts	Laboratory and clinical study ^{17 8 23}

Liver

No liver injury from eating prunes was found in the sources read. The prune juice trial reported no abnormal liver or kidney laboratory results. LiverTox was not checked for prunes. ¹³

How often. No frequency was found.

Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Prunes supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 3

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
Warfarin and other vitamin K sensitive medicines prescription	Prunes contain vitamin K (59.5 micrograms per 100 g, USDA). Vitamin K affects how warfarin works.	No source read links prune intake to a change in warfarin control. The figure is a food composition fact.	Nutrient database Not enough evidence ²⁵	People on warfarin are usually told to keep vitamin K intake steady; ask your clinician about prunes.
Medicines that raise potassium, and kidney disease prescription	Prunes contain 732 mg potassium per 100 g (USDA).	No source read describes a prune-medicine interaction. The figure is a food composition fact.	Nutrient database Not enough evidence ²⁵	People on a potassium limit or potassium-raising medicines should ask their care team about prunes.
Other laxatives and medicines taken by mouth prescription	Prunes may speed the bowel. Whether this changes how a medicine is absorbed has not been studied in the sources read.	Not studied. The trials compared prunes with psyllium and did not combine them.	Theoretical Not enough evidence ^{2 15}	Ask a pharmacist if the timing of a medicine matters.

Who should check first 3

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Known allergy to peach, plum, apricot or cherry, or to nuts with peach allergy	Ask an allergist before eating prunes. Call emergency services for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.	Laboratory and clinical study ^{17 8}
Diabetes, kidney disease or a potassium limit	Ask a clinician: prunes are concentrated in sugar and potassium.	Nutrient database ²⁵
Constipation that is lasting, new, or comes with warning signs	See a doctor. The NHS lists blood in the stool, weight loss without trying, sudden bowel changes and tummy pain as reasons to see a GP.	Health agency ²²

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. No toxicity from prunes as a food was found in the sources read. The concern is the seed of the plum, not the dried flesh.

Animal. Not reviewed.

Human doses studied. Trials gave 50 to 100 g of prunes a day for 3 weeks to 12 months, or prune juice. The 2011 and juice trials reported no safety problems; the 12-month trial lost 41% of its 100 g group, reasons not stated in the abstract.

Overdose response. Not found.

Genotoxicity. Not researched.

Toxic or hazardous parts. Plum seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides (review). Amounts vary; no human case was read.

Washing produce is general food-safety advice. Pesticide residues, sulfite treatment, mould or heavy metals in dried plums were not researched.

Food safety handling. The FDA advises washing produce under running water and not using soap or produce wash. This page is written for fresh produce and does not mention dried fruit. ²⁰

Body	Action	Date
NHS (UK) (United Kingdom)	Constipation page: diet changes are safe to try in pregnancy; lists sorbitol fruit such as apples, apricots and grapes among foods that soften stool; lists signs to see a GP. Prunes are not named in the page text read. source	2023-10-26
NHS (UK) (United Kingdom)	Food allergy page: oral allergy syndrome gives an itchy mouth and throat after raw fruit; well-cooked fruit helps source	2026-08-20
FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Produce safety guidance: wash under running water, no soap or produce wash source
USDA FoodData Central (United States)	Nutrient values for dried plums (prunes), uncooked (FDC 168162) source

When to get medical help

Trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, face or throat, or widespread hives after eating prunes or related fruit
Blood in the stool, weight loss without trying, or sudden changes in bowel habits (NHS lists these as reasons to see a GP)
Constipation that is not getting better, or severe tummy pain
Feeling unwell after someone has chewed or swallowed plum stone kernels: call a doctor or poison centre

Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What are prunes good for?

They are a fibre-rich dried fruit. Small trials looked at constipation and bone density, with mixed results. They are a food, not a proven treatment.

^{15 19}

Do prunes help constipation?

Small trials found improved bowel counts, but a 2025 dietitian guideline rated the evidence very low certainty. See a doctor if constipation lasts or comes with warning signs.

^{2 7 22}

Are prunes better than psyllium?

One trial said yes on stool counts, but the 2025 guideline found no difference on stool form or straining and said the trials do not show prunes are equal.

^{2 7}

Does prune juice work for constipation?

One placebo-controlled trial found fewer hard stools with prune juice. The juice maker partly funded it, and juice is not the same as the fruit.

¹³

Do prunes protect bones?

In women after menopause, one 12-month trial found slower hip bone loss, but a pooling of 11 trials found only a borderline effect. In men, two trials found no change in bone density.

^{6 19 11 16}

Do prunes lower cholesterol?

A pooling of plum products found LDL about 12.5 mg/dL lower, but it mixed fresh plums, prunes and juice. A 12-month prune trial found no change in blood fats.

^{9 5}

Are prunes safe for people with diabetes?

Prunes hold 38 g of sugar per 100 g (USDA). A 12-month trial in postmenopausal women found no change in blood sugar markers, but people with diabetes were not tested.

^{25 5}

Do prunes help with weight loss?

A pooling of 14 trials found lower body weight with prunes but no change in BMI, waist or fat mass. Prunes are energy-dense: 240 kcal per 100 g.

^{10 25}

Are prunes high in potassium?

Yes. USDA lists 732 mg per 100 g and 1,274 mg in a cup. People with kidney disease or a potassium limit should ask their care team.

²⁵

Do prunes interact with warfarin or other medicines?

Prunes hold vitamin K (59.5 micrograms per 100 g), which affects warfarin. No study read links prunes to a change in warfarin control. Ask a pharmacist.

²⁵

Can I be allergic to prunes?

People allergic to peach may react to plum or related fruit. Trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat needs emergency help. Do not eat the kernel inside a plum stone.

^{17 8 14 23}

Are prunes safe in pregnancy?

The NHS says simple diet changes for constipation are safe to try in pregnancy, but it does not name prunes. No prune trial in pregnancy was found. Ask your doctor.

²²

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Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We started from our existing prune summary, re-checked nutrition against the USDA FoodData Central record, and read PubMed abstracts for trials, reviews and safety. The 2025 guideline prune statements were read in its open-access full text. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.

Sources 25

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

Assadollahzadeh A, Ravari A, Assadollahi Z, Mirzaei T.. Comparative effects of traditional Thai abdominal massage versus prune consumption on constipation and quality of life in elderly women: A randomized controlled trial.. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2025. PMID 41288808. DOI 10.1007/s40520-025-03227-w. (abstract)
Attaluri A, Donahoe R, Valestin J, Brown K, Rao SS.. Randomised clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs. psyllium for constipation.. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2011. PMID 21323688. DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04594.x. (abstract)
Bowen PE.. Role of Commodity Boards in Advancing the Understanding of the Health Benefits of Whole Foods: California Dried Plums.. Nutr Today. 2017. PMID 28216794. DOI 10.1097/NT.0000000000000187. (abstract)
Chey SW, Chey WD, Jackson K, Eswaran S.. Exploratory Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Green Kiwifruit, Psyllium, or Prunes in US Patients With Chronic Constipation.. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021. PMID 34074830. DOI 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001149. (abstract)
Damani JJ, Rogers CJ, Lee H, Strock NC, Koltun KJ, Williams NI, et al.. Effects of Prune (Dried Plum) Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women: An Ancillary Analysis of a 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial, The Prune Study.. J Nutr. 2024. PMID 38490532. DOI 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.03.012. (abstract)
De Souza MJ, Strock NCA, Williams NI, Lee H, Koltun KJ, Rogers C, et al.. Prunes preserve hip bone mineral density in a 12-month randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women: the Prune Study.. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022. PMID 35798020. DOI 10.1093/ajcn/nqac189. (abstract)
Dimidi E, van der Schoot A, Barrett K, Farmer AD, Lomer MC, Scott SM, et al.. British Dietetic Association Guidelines for the Dietary Management of Chronic Constipation in Adults.. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2025. PMID 41081381. DOI 10.1111/nmo.70173. (abstract and open-access full text (Europe PMC))
Gangemi S, Caristi G, Alessandrello C, Dimasi F, Nuccio F, Morabito M, et al.. The Role of Nut Sensitization in Pru p 3-Sensitized Patients: A XGBoost and Generalized Linear Model Application.. Int J Mol Sci. 2026. PMID 41683649. DOI 10.3390/ijms27031223. (abstract)
Heydarian A, Tahvilian N, Asbaghi O, Cheshmeh S, Nadery M, Aryaeian N.. The effects of plum products consumption on lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.. Food Sci Nutr. 2024. PMID 38726435. DOI 10.1002/fsn3.4000. (abstract)
Heydarian A, Moradi S, Asbaghi O, Tahvilian N, Cheshmeh S, Nadery M, et al.. The effects of prune products consumption on anthropometric measurements and blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2025. PMID 39721492. DOI 10.1016/j.dsx.2024.103173. (abstract)
Hooshmand S, Gaffen D, Eisner A, Fajardo J, Payton M, Kern M.. Effects of 12 Months Consumption of 100 g Dried Plum (Prunes) on Bone Biomarkers, Density, and Strength in Men.. J Med Food. 2022. PMID 34714130. DOI 10.1089/jmf.2021.0080. (abstract)
Koltun KJ, Strock NCA, Weaver C, Lee H, Williams NI, Rogers CJ, et al.. Prunes preserve cortical density and estimated strength of the tibia in a 12-month randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women: The Prune Study.. Osteoporos Int. 2024. PMID 38349471. DOI 10.1007/s00198-024-07031-6. (abstract)
Koyama T, Nagata N, Nishiura K, Miura N, Kawai T, Yamamoto H.. Prune Juice Containing Sorbitol, Pectin, and Polyphenol Ameliorates Subjective Complaints and Hard Feces While Normalizing Stool in Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022. PMID 35971232. DOI 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001931. (abstract)
Kristl J, Golenač LP, Sem V.. Dynamics of cyanogenic glycosides in apple and plum fruits, products, and byproducts: A concise review.. J Food Sci. 2024. PMID 39349973. DOI 10.1111/1750-3841.17377. (abstract)
Lever E, Cole J, Scott SM, Emery PW, Whelan K.. Systematic review: the effect of prunes on gastrointestinal function.. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014. PMID 25109788. DOI 10.1111/apt.12913. (abstract)
Ormsbee LT, Akhavan NS, Munoz J, Mullins A, George KS, Dawkins KE, et al.. Prune Consumption and Bone Health in Older Men: A One-Year Randomized Controlled Trial.. Nutrients. 2026. PMID 42356242. DOI 10.3390/nu18121854. (abstract)
Pastorello EA, Ortolani C, Farioli L, Pravettoni V, Ispano M, Borga A, et al.. Allergenic cross-reactivity among peach, apricot, plum, and cherry in patients with oral allergy syndrome: an in vivo and in vitro study.. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1994. PMID 7930303. DOI 10.1016/0091-6749(94)90177-5. (abstract)
Pyo DH, Shin JK, Huh JW, Kim HC, Yun SH, Lee WY, et al.. Effects of prune consumption on the incidence of low anterior resection syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.. Ann Coloproctol. 2025. PMID 41382254. DOI 10.3393/ac.2025.00514.0073. (abstract)
Treister-Goltzman Y, Peleg R.. Effects of Prunes on Bone Density in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.. Nutrients. 2026. PMID 42123941. DOI 10.3390/nu18091338. (abstract)
. FDA: Selecting and Serving Produce Safely. . . (full-text)
. GBIF Backbone: Prunus domestica L. (usageKey 7931731). . . (full-text)
. NHS: Constipation. . . (full-text)
. NHS: Food allergy. . . (full-text)
. PubChem: Sorbitol (CID 5780). . . (full-text)
. USDA FoodData Central: Plums, dried (prunes), uncooked (FDC 168162). . . (saved copy of the record)

Where to buy

Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:

Unsweetened with no added sugar, if you want the fruit alone
Sulfur dioxide (sulfites) listed on the label: some people react
A best-by date and a resealable bag
Dried fruit is high in sugar and calories, so watch portions

Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.

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Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.