Experimental assessment of biostimulants on mung bean growth on a soilless culture system using superabsorbent pectin based hydrogel.

Sustainable agriculture initiatives are needed to ensure the food security of the people all over the world. Soilless cultivation methods using hydrogels may give a revolutionary response as well as a more ecological and productive alternative to conventional farming. This study attempted extraction of pectin from the rind of albedo yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa Degener)and hydrogels from pectin and activated carbon was compared with pure pectin hydrogel; Pectin- Activated Carbon hydrogels (PAC) showed a microporous structure with excellent hydrophilicity and showed superior water holding capacity. Then the prepared hydrogels were examined with various instrumental techniques like FTIR, SEM, XRD, Raman, BET and rheological properties. In the BET analysis, PAC3 shows the highest surface area of 28.771 m2/g when compared to PAC0 at 15.063 m2/g. The germination experiments were performed using mung beans. This study provides an opportunity for the application of pectin hydrogels in agriculture field specifically for home garden or rooftop cultivation.

Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis): A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, phytochemical profile and associated health effects.

Passiflora is a highly diverse genus where taxonomic lack of consensus remains. This may be the reason why numerous studies do not specify to the infraspecific level the plant material used or lack consistency in the nomenclature of botanical formae of Passiflora edulis. Ultimately, this may contribute to inaccurate chemical composition and health effects attributed to different Passiflora edulis species and formae. Hence, this review aims to overcome these challenges by exploring the phytochemical profile, specific nutritional value and potential health benefits of purple passion fruit (PPF). PPF is often consumed fresh for its pulp (including seeds) or juice, either directly or added to food dishes. It is also used industrially to produce a wide range of products, where peels and seeds are abundant by-products, most often discarded or used in low-value applications. Herein, in a perspective of integral valorisation of the fruit, the potential use of all PPF fractions (peel, pulp and seeds) is discussed as a source of important macro and micronutrients, adequate to integrate a balanced and healthy diet. In addition, the phytochemical profile of such fractions is also discussed along with the associated in vitro biological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal) and in vivo beneficial effects in the management of several diseases (asthma, hypertension, osteoarthritis, diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis). In summary, this review gathers the current knowledge on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of PPF and highlights the potential of using all fractions as a source of ingredients in food formulations that promote health and well-being. At the same time, it also contributes to defining sustainable strategies for an integrated valorisation of this natural product.

Assessment of Passiflora incarnata L for conscious sedation of patients during the extraction of mandibular third molars: a randomized, split-mouth, double-blind, crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Passiflora incarnata L for the control of anxiety during third mandibular molar extraction and compare it to midazolam, the most used benzodiazepine in dentistry. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The investigators implemented a prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study. The degree of anxiety of the patients was assessed before the surgical procedure. The surgeries took place in two sessions: one on each side of the hemi-mandible and, on each of them, the patient received one of the drugs, crosswise. Anxiety control was measured through physical parameters, at the following periods during the surgery: (1) immediately administration of anxiolytic medication, (2) 30 minutes after anxiolytic medication, (3) after extraoral antisepsis, (4) after local anesthesia, (5) during incision, (6) during osteotomy, (7) between osteotomy and odontosection, (8) during odontosection, (9) during surgical store curettage, (10) during suture, and (11) immediately after postoperative care guidelines. Lastly, the volunteers received a self-assessment form in order to report their experience. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The final sample was composed of 20 patients, with a mean age of 22.5 years. The results of the physical parameters showed statistically significant differences (P < .05) for certain times and physical parameters, especially heart rate (P = .036), which showed the highest control for Passiflora at time point (3). The undesirable effects reported by patients such as drowsiness, muscle relaxation, and dizziness were greater with benzodiazepine. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that Passiflora may be considered as an alternative to midazolam in controlling anxiety in dentistry. Future studies will focus on other benzodiazepines and herbal medicines.

Cost-Effectiveness of Passion Fruit Albedo versus Turmeric in the Glycemic and Lipaemic Control of People with Type 2 Diabetes: Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Robust evidence has related yellow passion fruit albedo and long turmeric to the metabolic and glycemic control of diabetes. AIM: To analyze the incremental cost-effectiveness of the flour made from yellow passion fruit albedo versus long turmeric merged with piperine in the glycemic and lipid control of individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHOD: Eighty-nine patients were enrolled in this randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial for 120 days. The first group was prescribed 500 mg capsules, three times a day, of yellow passion fruit albedo flour (FAMA). The second group was prescribed long turmeric capsules (500 mg), merged with piperine (5 mg) (CURPI), at fasting. The third group followed the standard advice recommendations, and ingested a placebo of carboxymethyl cellulose (500 mg) at fasting. RESULTS: The group using FAMA showed a higher reduction (-5.9%) of glycemia after fasting, compared to placebo (+9%), and CURPI (-3.2%) (p < 0.05). Regarding HbA1c, the study observed a significant and similar statistical reduction (-0.8%) in the intervention groups, in contrast with the placebo group (p < 0.05). The reduction in HOMA-IR in the CURPI group (-9.4%) was higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). The CURPI group also showed a higher reduction of serum triglyceride levels (-20.8%) compared to the placebo (-0.09%) and FAMA (+1.8%) (p < 0.05) groups. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that turmeric is the most cost-effective in comparison with yellow passion fruit albedo, because of its decrease in the levels of triglycerides and HOMA-IR, even when adjusted for confounding variables. On the other hand, HbA1c cost-effectiveness relation was similar.

Garlic passion fruit (Passiflora tenuifila Killip): Assessment of eventual acute toxicity, anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects using in vivo assays.

Several Passiflora species are known for their sedative and anxiolytic properties. However, the functional properties of Passiflora tenuifila Killip are still unexplored. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenolic composition and acute toxicity, anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects using in vivo assays. The whole fruit (peel, pulp, and seed) was lyophilized and used for all assays. LC-MS showed 19 phenolic compounds, tentatively identified as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Acute treatment with single doses of up to 2000 mg kg-1 in Wistar rats showed no signs of mortality or toxicity over 14 days. The assay of functional effects was performed with Swiss mice, four groups, received by gavage, doses of P. tenuifila (200 or 400 mg kg-1 body weight), water, and diazepam (as negative and positive control), and behavior tests were performed after 60 min of the treatments. The animals treated with P. tenuifila fruit showed a significant decrease in locomotor activity, indicating a sedative and anxiolytic activity. No significant changes were observed in the rotarod apparatus, suggesting that the P. tenuifila fruit did not cause muscle relaxation. The 400 mg kg-1 dose of P. tenuifila exerted a protective effect against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures, decreasing the severity and not causing the death of the animals. In conclusion, P. tenuifila showed no acute toxicity and had a promising effect as an anxiolytic agent, hypnotic-sedative and anticonvulsant, which could be related to its composition of flavonoids and phenolic acids.

The Benefit of Passion Fruit as an Anti-ulcerogenic Diet: Scientific Evidence by In vitro and In silico H+/K+ATPase Inhibitory Activity Assessment.

BACKGROUND: H+/K+ ATPase a protein present in the gastric parietal cells is a better target for the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcer. Plant flavonoids have been reported to elicit anti-ulcer activity by inhibiting the proton pump as well as by antioxidant defense mechanism. METHODS: Chloroform fraction of hydro-alcoholic extract of passion fruit was screened for proton pump inhibitory assay using goat parietal cell. In-silico computational docking studies were carried out using Glide program in order to validate the inhibitory action of selected constituents. RESULTS: The flavonoid rich fruit possess a promising radical scavenging activity against DPPH. 10.41µg/mL is sufficient to inhibit 50% of ATPase enzyme activity. A synergistic activity was also achieved by the fruit with sub-effective doses of lansoprazole. Fenton's oxidation induced by H2O2 was also blunted by the fruit extract. CONCLUSION: The in-vitro and in-silico findings indicated that, passion fruit can be a good dietary supplement for the prevention and management of ulcer.

Avaliação da estabilidade da capacidade antioxidante e de parâmetros físico-químicos de néctares de frutas caseiros / Assessment of the antioxidant capacity and of the physicalchemicals parameters stability in homemade fruit nectars

Este estudo avaliou a capacidade antioxidante e os indicadores físico-químicos de néctares caseiros de laranja, manga e maracujá, mantidos sob refrigeração (5 ± 2 o C) por 24 horas. Os néctares foram preparados em laboratório e mantidos sob refrigeração, simulando as condições domésticas. As análises foram realizadas após o preparo (T0) e durante o acondicionamento sob refrigeração (1 h, 4 h e 24 h). Os sólidos solúveis, pH e cor foram determinados respectivamente por refratometria, potenciometria e colorimetria. Carotenoides e ácido ascórbico foram analisados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência; a concentração de compostos fenólicos foi determinada utilizando-se o reagente de Folin Ciocalteau e a atividade antioxidante pelo teste do DPPH. Ácido ascórbico, β-caroteno e compostos fenólicos foram identificados em todos os néctares. Foram encontrados α-caroteno e β-criptoxantina no néctar de laranja e licopeno no néctar de manga. Durante 24 horas de refrigeração, os compostos analisados e a atividade antioxidante mantiveram-se estáveis. De forma geral, os parâmetros físico-químicos também se mantiveram estáveis durante o período avaliado. Em conclusão, sob as condições utilizadas no presente estudo, os néctares não apresentaram alteração da capacidade antioxidante, podendo ser considerados fontes de carotenoides e vitamina C, mesmo se consumidos após 24 horas de preparo.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and the physical-chemical indicators of homemade nectars of orange, mango and passion fruit, kept under refrigeration (5 ± 2 °C) for 24 hours. The nectars were prepared in laboratory and kept under refrigeration simulating the domestic conditions. The samples analyses were performed after their preparations (T0) and during the refrigerated storage (1 h, 4 h and 24 h). Soluble solids, pH and color were determined by refractometry, colorimetry and potentiometry, respectively. Carotenoids and ascorbic acid were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography, the concentration of phenolic compounds were determined by using Folin Ciocalteau reagent, and the antioxidant activity by the DPPH test. Ascorbic acid, β-carotene and phenolic compounds were identified in all of the analyzed nectars samples. The α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were found in orange nectar and the lycopene in mango nectar samples. During the refrigeration for 24 hours, the analyzed compounds and the antioxidant activity remained stable. In general, the physical-chemicals parameters also remained stable during the storage for 24 hours. In conclusion, under the conditions used in this study, the nectars might be considered as antioxidant sources, even if consumed after being prepared 24 hours before.

Assessment of total phenolic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of Passiflora species.

This study focused on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the leaves and stems of Passiflora quadrangularis, P. maliformis, and P. edulis extracted using three solvents: petroleum ether, acetone, and methanol. The maximum extraction yields of antioxidant components from the leaves and stems were isolated using methanol extracts of P. edulis (24.28%) and P. quadrangularis (9.76%), respectively. Among the leaf extracts, the methanol extract of P. maliformis had the significantly highest TPC and the strongest antioxidant activity, whereas among the stem extracts, the methanol extract of P. quadrangularis showed the highest phenolic amount and possessed the strongest antioxidant activity. The antibacterial properties of the Passiflora species were tested using the disc diffusion method against 10 human pathogenic bacteria. The largest inhibition zone was observed for the methanol extract of P. maliformis against B. subtilis. Generally, extracts from the Passiflora species exhibit distinct inhibition against Gram-positive but not Gram-negative bacteria. Based on the generated biplot, three clusters of bacteria were designated according to their performance towards the tested extracts. The present study revealed that methanol extracts of the Passiflora contain constituents with significant phenolic, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical uses.

Assessment of sedative effects of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa and Passiflora alata extracts in mice, measured by telemetry.

Several Passiflora species have been used widely as a folk medicine due to their sedative and anxiolytic activities. In Brazil, a number of native plants of the genus Passiflora exist, but only Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa (PE) and Passiflora alata (PA) are of commercial value. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the sedative effects of aqueous extracts obtained from the pericarp as well as from the leaves of PE and PA in mice using radiotelemetry. Aqueous extracts from PE and PA were tested for effects on locomotion over 180 min in 300 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg, in male C57BL/6J mice after oral administration. For validation of the telemetry system, caffeine (negative control) and midazolam (positive control) were used. All tested extracts decreased locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner in comparison to the control group. The two lower concentrations of each extract showed the highest decrease in locomotion after 24 min, while 1200 mg/kg had a significant sedative effect already after 18 min. Interestingly, aqueous extracts of PA were more active in comparison to aqueous extracts of PE and the pericarp extracts of both plants showed more pronounced effects on locomotor activity if compared to leaf extracts. In conclusion, the present study represents an innovative, objective approach to measure sedative effects of plant extracts with minimized handling-related stress and remote data collection.

Avaliação do perfil lipídico, glicêmico, conteúdo de glicogênio hepático ecardíaco em ratos diabéticos suplementados com farinha de casca de maracujá (Passiflora edulis) / Assessment of the profile of lipids, glucose, liver and heart glucogen, in diabetic mice supplemented withpassion-fruit rind flour (Passiflora edulis) / Evaluación del perfil de lípidos, glucosa, contenido de glicógeno hepático y cardíaco, en ratones diabéticoscomplementados con harina de cáscara de maracuyá (Pasiflora edulis)

A ingestão de fibras alimentares está associada a redução do risco das complicações do diabetes mellitus, caracterizado pelos níveis elevados de glicose sangüínea. Com base nisto, o presente estudo propôs verificar o efeito da suplementação com farinha de casca de maracujá (Passiflora edulis) sobre os níveis plasmáticos de glicose, triglicérides, colesterol total e frações, e conteúdo de glicogênio hepático e cardíaco de ratos diabéticos. Utilizou-se 25 ratos, divididos em 5 grupos (n=5): grupo controle (GI) e grupo diabético (GII) que receberam ração comercial, dois grupos diabéticos tratados com ração suplementada com farinha de maracujá nas concentrações de 50 (GIII) e 100% (GIV) da dose correspondente à ingestão diária recomendada (IDR) de fibras, e grupo GV com ração suplementadacom 150% da IDR. Após o tratamento, coletou-se o plasma sangüíneo para análise dos parâmetros bioquímicos. No fígado e no coração, dosou-se o conteúdo de glicogênio. Em relação aos níveis lipídicos, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos. A glicemia do GIII (137,60 ± 10,24 mg/dL)e GIV (153,60 ± 14,99 mg/dL) foi reduzida quando comparada ao GII (399,20 ± 37,21 mg/dL). O teor de glicogênio hepático e cardíaco, respectivamente, em GIII (22,91 ± 7,78 mg/g e 0,65 ± 0,09 mg/g)e GIV (28,29 ± 7,99 mg/g e 2,1 ± 0,19 mg/g) aumentou significativamente em relação ao GI (7,0 ± 4,71mg/g e 0,12 ± 0,01 mg/g), p<0,05. Conclui-se que a utilização da farinha de casca de maracujá nas concentrações de 50 e 100% da IDR foi efetiva para controle glicêmico e aumento do glicogênio hepático e cardíaco, não sendo efetiva na diminuição de lipídios plasmáticos no período de estudo.

The intake of alimentary fibers is associated to the reduction of the risk of complications with diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by high glucose levels in the blood. Based upon this,the present study aimed to check the effect of supplementation with passion fruit rind flour (Pasiflora edulis) on the glucose plasmatic levels, triglycerides, cholesterol total and fractions, and the hepatic and heart glucogen in diabetic mice. Twenty five mice were used, divided into 5 groups (n=5): control group (GI) and diabetic group (GII) which received commercial ration,two diabetic groups which received ration supplemented with passion fruit flour, 50% (GIII) and100% (GIV) concentrations of the recommended dose of daily fiber intake (RDI), and group(GV) having ration supplemented with 150% of the RDI. After the treatment, blood plasma was collected for the analysis of the biochemical parameters. The content of glucogen in the liver and the heart was quantified. In relation to the lipidic levels no significant difference was found among groups. The glucose level in GIII (137.60 + 10.24 mg/dL) and in GIV (153.60 + 14.99 mg/dL) was reduced when compared to GII (399.20 + 37.21 mg/dL). The level of hepatic and heart glucogen was significantly increased in GIII (22.91 + 7.71 mg/g and 0.65 + 0.09 mg/g) and GVI (28.29 + 7.99 mg/g) when compared to GI (7.0 + 4.71 mg/g and 0.12 + 0.01 mg/g), p<0.05. It was concluded that the use of flour from passion fruit rind in the concentrations of 50% and 100% was effective on the control of blood glucose and the increase of hepatic and heart glucogen, not being effective on the reduction of plasmatic lipids during the period of study.

La ingestión de fibras alimentares está asociada a la reducción del riesgo de complicaciones de la diabetes mellitus, caracterizada por elevados niveles de glucosa en la sangre. Con base en esto, el presente estudio se propuso verificar el efecto de la complementación con harina de cáscara de maracuyá (Pasiflora edulis) sobre los niveles plasmáticos de glucosa, triglicéridos, colesterol total y fracciones, y contenido de glicógeno hepático y cardíaco en ratones diabéticos. Se utilizaron 25 ratones, divididos en 5 grupos (n=5): grupo de controle (GI) y grupo diabético (GII) que recibieron ración comercial, dos grupos diabéticos tratados con ración complementada con harina de maracuyá, en las concentraciones de 50% (GIII) y 100% (IV) de la dosis correspondiente a la ingestión diaria recomendada (IDR) de fibras, y grupo (GV) con ración complementada con 150% de la IDR. Tras el tratamiento se colectó el plasma de la sangre para el análisis de los parámetros bioquímicos. En el hígado y en el corazón se ha dosificado el contenido de glicógeno. Con relación a los niveles lípidos no hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos. La glicemia del GIII (137,60 + 10,24 mg/dL) y GIV (153,60 + 14,99 mg/dL)se ha reducido cuando comparada con GII (399,20 + 37,21 mg/dL). El contenido de glicógenohepático y cardíaco, respectivamente, en GIII (22,91 + 7,78 mg/g y 0,65 + 0,09 mg/g) y GIV(28,29 + 7,99 mg/g y 2,1 + 0,19 mg/g) ha aumentado significativamente con relación al GI (7,0+ 4,71 mg/g), p<0,05. Se ha concluido que la utilización de la harina de cáscara de maracuyá,en las concentraciones de 50% y 100% de la IDR, fue efectiva para el control de la glucosa y del aumento del glicógeno hepático y cardíaco, no resultando efectivo en la reducción de lípidos plasmáticos durante el periodo del estudio.