An eco-friendly extraction method to obtain pectin from passion fruit rinds (Passiflora edulis sp.) using subcritical water and pressurized natural deep eutectic solvents.

This work evaluated the efficiency of Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE) and Pressurized Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (P-NaDESs) under different temperatures (100, 120, 140 and 160 °C) in obtaining pectin from Passion Fruit Rinds (PFR) and its residual biomass (PFR - UAPLE), and compare the results with those of Conventional Extraction (CE). The highest pectin yields, 19.1 and 27.6 %, were achieved using P-NaDES (Citric Acid:Glucose:Water) at 120 °C for PFR and its PFR-UAPLE, respectively. Regarding the Degree of Esterification (DE), pectin obtained with SWE and CE had DE below 50 %, while with P-NaDES (Citric Acid: Glucose:Water), DE was above 50 %. Higher Molecular Weights (MW) (98 and 81 kDa) were obtained with SWE and P-NaDES from PFR compared to PFR-UAPLE and CE. Galacturonic acid was the most abundant (74 to 78 %) monosaccharide obtained by SWE. In terms of morphology, water extraction provided pectin with more uniform textures, whereas extraction with acidified mixtures led to more heterogeneous surfaces. Overall, comparing SWE and P-NaDES, the obtained pectins differed in terms of monomeric composition, MW and DE. These results indicate that pectins obtained by both methods can have different applications depending on their structural characteristics.

Eco-friendly simultaneous extraction of pectins and phenolics from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) peel: Process optimization, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activity.

The objective of this study was to simultaneously extract passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) peel pectins and phenolics using deep eutectic solvents, to evaluate their physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity. By taking L-proline: citric acid (Pro-CA) as the optimal solvent, the effect of extraction parameters on the yields of extracted passion fruit peel pectins (PFPP) and total phenolic content (TPC) was explored by response surfaces methodology (RSM). A maximum pectin yield (22.63%) and the highest TPC (9.68 mg GAE/g DW) were attained under 90 °C, extraction solvent pH = 2, extraction time of 120 min and L/S ratio of 20 mL/g. In addition, Pro-CA-extracted pectins (Pro-CA-PFPP) and HCl-extracted pectins (HCl-PFPP) were subjected to high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogram analysis (TG/DTG) and rheological measurements. Results verified that the Mw and thermal stability of Pro-CA-PFPP were higher than those of HCl-PFPP. The PFPP solutions featured a non-Newtonian behavior, and compared with commercially pectin solution, PFPP solution exhibited a stronger antioxidant activity. Additionally, passion fruit peel extract (PFPE) exhibited stronger antioxidant effects than PFPP. The results of ultra-performance liquid chromatography hybrid triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Qtrap-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that (-)-epigallocatechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, kaempferol-3-O-rutin and myricetin were the main phenolic compounds in PFPE and PFPP. Our results suggest that Pro-CA can be considered as an eco-friendly solvent for high-efficient extraction of high-value compounds from agricultural by-products.

Anti-Alzheimer's Activity of Polyphenolic Stilbene-Rich Acetone Fraction of the Oil-Removed Seeds of Passiflora edulis: in Vivo and in Silico Studies.

The stilbene-rich acetone fraction in high yield (6.6 %, PEAS) of Passiflora edulis Sims was prepared and evaluated for neuroprotective activity in murine Alzheimer's disease model induced by aluminum chloride and D-galactose. The phytochemical and HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of the polyphenolic stilbene-rich acetone fraction showed that it contained different stilbenes including trans-piceatannol, scirpusins A-B and cassigarol E. The total phenolic content (TPC) of PEAS was 413.87±1.71 mg GAE eqv/g. The neuroprotective activity of PEAS is typically presented in the Morris water maze-reference Spatial Memory test, where the Alzheimer's mice treated at 100 mg/kg (Alz-ED1) and 200 mg/kg (Alz-ED2) spent less than 47 % and 66 % of the time, respectively, than the Alzheimer's model mice (Alz). Two simple stilbenes, trans-piceatannol and trans-resveratrol, showed selectively inhibitory activity in silico against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Two stilbene dimers, cassigarol E and scirpusin A, exhibited low nanomolar inhibitory potential against AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), significantly lower than those of the positive control, donepezil and tacrine. These findings suggest that the stilbenes from P. edulis seeds, particularly the stilbene dimers, warrant further investigation as potential neuroprotective candidates in the prevention of cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease.

CaCl2 treatment effectively delays postharvest senescence of passion fruit.

This study aimed to systematically investigate the changes in peel color, physicochemical characteristics, textural properties, and peel ultrastructure between CaCl2-treated and water-soaked passion fruit under short-term storage at room temperature (20 °C) for eight days. The fruit peel was further analyzed and compared for the differences in calmodulin (CaM) gene expression between the two groups. The data were analyzed using principal component analysis. The results confirmed that CaCl2 treatment effectively maintained the appearance and color of passion fruit, inhibited peel browning, and improved fruit quality. The treatment had an effect on maintaining the physiological properties of passion fruit parenchyma, effectively delayed the passion fruit senescence, and kept the structural integrity of the fruit peel. The relative expression of PeCaM gene in the CaCl2-treated fruit peels was higher than that of the control peels. The Ca2+ stimulated the relative expression of the PeCaM gene, which delayed the senescence of passion fruit.

1H NMR-based metabolic profile and chemometric analysis for the discrimination of Passiflora species genotypic variations.

The species of the genus Passiflora (Passifloraceae family) have been used as food, cosmetic and traditional herbal. As a result, the Passiflora species are widely cultivated and has an economic, medicinal and ornamental importance. The popular designation as "passion fruit" and chemical profile of several Passiflora species remains unknown. The lack of chemical information contributes to the erroneous classification and adulteration. In recent years, special attention has been paid to the bioactivity and phytochemical profiles of several Passiflora species extracts. In this research, 1H NMR-based metabolic profiling coupled with chemometric tools was used to characterize and distinguish extracts obtained from different wild Passiflora species (P. alata, P. cincinnata, and P. setacea) and genetic varieties (P. alata var. BRS Pérola do Cerrado, P. cincinnata var. BRS Sertão Forte, and P. setacea var. BRS Pérola do Cerrado). Fourteen metabolites were identified by 1D and 2D NMR experiments, highlighting the presence of fatty acids, carbohydrates, saponins, alkaloids, and mainly C-glycosidic flavones. Principal components analysis (PCA) allowed discrimination of Passiflora extracts, which the quadranguloside, oleanolic acid-3-sophoroside, α-glucose, ß-glucose, and vitexin-2-O"-rhamnoside were relevant in the differentiation of P. alata and P. alata var. BRS Pérola do Cerrado, while the flavones isovitexin and isovitexin-2-O"-xyloside were dominant in the grouping of P. setacea and P. setacea var. BRS Pérola do Cerrado, and finally P. cincinnata and P. cincinnata var. BRS Sertão Forte grouped by the influence of the fatty acids, sucrose, flavones (isoorientin and vitexin-2-O"-xyloside), and trigonelline. The varieties of P. setacea, and P. cincinnata are chemically equivalent to the original Passiflora species. However, the PCA analysis showed that the genetic variety of P. alata occupied a different position in the scores plot provoked mainly by the presence of oleanolic acid-3-sophoroside. The 1H NMR metabolic profile can be efficient for quality control evaluation, and can contribute to the investigation of new alternatives for official Passiflora herbal medicines.

Hypolipidemic potential and safety profile of the ethanolic extract and flour of the peel of Passiflora Cincinnata Mast. (Passifloraceae) in mice.

Passiflora cincinnata Mast. is described as a native Caatinga species, used by nutritional and medicinal purposes, although there are still few studies and pharmacological data related to this species. This paper aims to evaluate the safety profile and hypolipidemic potential of the fruit peel of this species in mice. It was analyzed the chemical composition of ethanolic extract (EtOH-Pc) by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, and the organic and inorganic composition of flour (MF-Pc). Also were evaluated the acute toxicity, the lipid-lowering potential of these samples, through of a pretreatment (oral: 100 and 200 mg/kg), and a single treatment with the same doses, after hyperlipidemic induction with triton WR-1339, using as animal model Swiss Mus musculus mice, besides histopathological analysis. The presence of flavonoids in the extract was confirmed, mainly C-glycosides, and antioxidant minerals and pectin, in flour. No clinical signs of toxicity or death were reported in the study. In the hyperlipidemia study model used, the analyzed substances, at all doses, notably decreased the lipid levels of TC, TG, LDL-c and VLDL-c and increase the HDL-c levels in the induced hyperlipidemic mice (p < 0.05). The results of the histopathological analysis showed that in the group only induced was identified the discrete presence of hepatic steatosis, in 2 animals at the analysis of 24 h, not being visualized in the groups treated with the substances evaluated. The results obtained in the present study suggest a hypolipidemic potential of the extract and flour, obtained from the fruit peel of Passiflora cincinnata Mast.

Healing Potential of Propolis Extract-Passiflora edulis Seed Oil Emulgel Against Excisional Wound: Biochemical, Histopathological, and Cytokines Level Evidence.

Propolis is rich in natural bioactive compounds, and considering its importance for many skin therapies, emulgel was prepared. This study examines how a propolis extract (PE) and Passiflora edulis seed (PS) oil emulgel affect rat deep skin wound healing. Based on preset criteria of maximum drug content and optimum drug permeation through the stratum corneum along with drug retention in the skin layers, an optimized emulgel formula based on Box-Behnken factorial design was prepared and used for subsequent in vitro and in vivo evaluations. In vivo wound-healing activities of emulgel and control treatments were investigated in a rat model. The optimized emulgel formula exhibited superior healing activity compared with plain PE suspension-treated rats on day 14 of wounding. Histopathological investigations of hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's Trichrome-stained skin sections supported this effect. Emulgel promotes cutaneous wound healing through a variety of mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory through modulation of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6 production, and promotion of collagen fiber formation, all of which contribute to tissue remodeling. Furthermore, when compared with propolis suspension, emulgel showed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Emulgel significantly increased the skin's hydroxyproline level, antioxidant potential, wound contraction, increased penetration, and localized propolis deposition across the skin. Incorporation of PS oil into the emulgel accelerates the tissue regeneration process. The findings suggest that 5% propolis emulgel could be used as an alternative to treat wounds.

Comment on Tremmel et al. In Vitro Metabolism of Six C-Glycosidic Flavonoids from Passiflora incarnata L. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, 6566.

In recent years, growing attention has been paid to the chemical composition of aerial parts extracts and the bioavailability of active compounds from different species of Passiflora genus [...].

Cardiovascular Effects Induced by Fruit Peels from Passiflora edulis in Hypertensive Rats and Fingerprint Analysis by HPLC-ESI-MSn spectrometry.

Hypertension is a chronic disease and a global health problem. Due to its high prevalence, it constitutes the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fruit peels from Passiflora edulis fo. flavicarpa are rich in bioactive natural compounds that may have action in hypertension. This study aimed to perform a fingerprinting analysis of Passiflora edulis fruit peel extract and evaluate its actions on the cardiovascular system in an in vivo model. The extract was obtained from the dried and powdered fruit peels of Passiflora edulis. Glycoside flavonoids were identified in the extract by HPLC-ESI-MSn. The extract showed a significant hypotensive effect after 28 days of treatment and improved vascular function in the mesenteric artery. This effect was verified by decreased vascular hypercontractility and increased vasorelaxant in response to sodium nitroprusside and acetylcholine. There was also a decrease in endothelial dysfunction, which can be attributed to nitric oxide's increased bioavailability. Thus, we hypothesize that all these effects contributed to a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, leading to a significant hypotensive effect. These results are novel for fruit peels from P. edulis. Also, there was a decrease in plasma and cardiac malondialdehyde levels and an increase in glutathione, suggesting a reduction in oxidative stress, as well as an increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 in the plasma. This study demonstrated that the extract can be a new source of raw material to be applied as food or medicine adjuvant for treating hypertension.

Constituents of Passiflora incarnata, but Not of Valeriana officinalis, Interact with the Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides (OATP)2B1 and OATP1A2.

Herbal medication used in the treatment of sleep disorders and anxiety often contain extracts of Valeriana officinalis or Passiflora incarnata. Valerenic acid in V. officinalis and apigenin, orientin, and vitexin in P. incarnata are thought to contribute to their therapeutic effect. It was the aim of this study to test whether these constituents of herbal extracts are interacting with the uptake of estrone 3-sulfate, pregnenolone sulfate, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate mediated by the uptake transporters organic anion transporting polypeptide 2B1 (OATP2B1) or organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2 (OATP1A2). Madin-Darby canine kidney cells overexpressing OATP2B1 or OATP1A2 were used to determine the influence of the constituents on the cellular accumulation of the sulfated steroids. Subsequently, competitive counterflow experiments were applied to test whether identified inhibitors are also substrates of the transporters. Valerenic acid only interacted with OATP2B1, whereas apigenin, orientin, and vitexin interacted with OATP2B1 and OATP1A2. Competitive counterflow revealed that orientin is a substrate of both transporters, while apigenin was transported by OATP1A2 and vitexin by OATP2B1. In a next step, commercially available P. incarnata preparations were assessed for their influence on the transporters, revealing inhibition of transporter-mediated estrone 3-sulfate uptake. HPLC-UV-MS analysis confirmed the presence of orientin and vitexin in these preparations, thereby suggesting that these constituents are involved in the interaction. Our data indicate that constituents of P. incarnata may alter the function of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2, which could affect the uptake of other compounds relying on uptake mediated by the transporters.

Flavonoids and saponins from Passiflora edulis f. edulis leaves (purple passion fruit) and its potential anti-inflammatory activity.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract, fractions and major compounds, which are isolated and identified from Passiflora edulis f. edulis (purple passion fruit) leaves extract. METHODS: For the isolation of the major compounds, reversed-phase chromatography and normal phase countercurrent chromatography were used. The separation was followed by thin layer chromatography and HPLC-DAD-ELSD. One-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR and ESI-TOF-MS/MS were used for structural elucidation. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on a TPA multiple dose model of skin chronic inflammation in mice. Additionally, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity assays were performed as possible mechanisms of action studies. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study of the butanolic fraction mainly showed the presence of saponins and flavonoids. Three minor flavonoids were detected; and three known saponins, cyclopassiflosides IX, XI and III were isolated and identified. This is the first unequivocal report of the presence of these compounds in P. edulis f. edulis leaves. The most favourable results of anti-inflammatory activity were obtained for the flavonoid-rich fraction. All the fractions and isolated compounds evaluated, presented high percentages of inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity.

Selective Extraction of Piceatannol from Passiflora edulis by-Products: Application of HSPs Strategy and Inhibition of Neurodegenerative Enzymes.

Passiflora edulis by-products (PFBP) are a rich source of polyphenols, of which piceatannol has gained special attention recently. However, there are few studies involving environmentally safe methods for obtaining extracts rich in piceatannol. This work aimed to concentrate piceatannol from defatted PFBP (d-PFBP) by means of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and conventional extraction, using the bio-based solvents selected with the Hansen solubility parameters approach. The relative energy distance (Ra) between solvent and solute was: Benzyl Alcohol (BnOH) < Ethyl Acetate (EtOAc) < Ethanol (EtOH) < EtOH:H2O. Nonetheless, EtOH presented the best selectivity for piceatannol. Multi-cycle PLE at 110 °C was able to concentrate piceatannol 2.4 times more than conventional extraction. PLE exhibited a dependence on kinetic parameters and temperature, which could be associated with hydrogen bonding forces and the dielectric constant of the solvents. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and lipoxygenase (LOX) IC50 were 29.420 µg/mL and 27.682 µg/mL, respectively. The results reinforce the demand for processes to concentrate natural extracts from food by-products.

Organic cultivation practices enhanced antioxidant activities and secondary metabolites in giant granadilla (Passiflora quadrangularis L.).

Passiflora quadrangularis L. belongs to the family Passifloraceae which bears larger fruit with edible juicy mesocarp and pulp known as a good source of phytochemicals. Cultivation and plant management practices are known to influence the phytochemical compositions of agricultural produce. This study aimed to examine the influence of the cultivation practices on the antioxidant activities and secondary metabolites of the organically and conventionally grown P. quadrangularis. Findings revealed organically treated P. quadrangularis plants showed enhancement in their antioxidant properties and secondary metabolites profiles. Among the plant parts, leaves of P. quadrangularis grown organically possessed higher antioxidant activities compared to the conventional in all assays evaluated. The antioxidant activities in the edible parts of the P. quadrangularis fruit have also been enhanced through organic cultivation with significantly higher total phenolic content and DPPH in mesocarp, and the pulp showed higher total flavonoid content, DPPH and FRAP. This observation is supported by a higher level of vitamins and secondary metabolites in the samples. The secondary metabolites profile showed mesocarps were phenolic rich, the pulps were flavonoids rich while leaves showed good composition of phenolics, flavonoids and terpenoids with outstanding antioxidant activities. The common secondary metabolites for organically produced P. quadrangularis in different plant parts include 2-isopropyl-3-methoxycinnamic acid (mesocarp and pulp), myricetin isomers (pulp and leaves), and malvidin-3-O-arabinoside isomers (pulp and leaves). This study confirmed that organic cultivated P. quadrangularis possessed higher antioxidant activities contributed by its vitamins and secondary metabolites.

Polyphenols from Passiflora ligularis Regulate Inflammatory Markers and Weight Gain.

Weight-related disorders affect more than half of the adult population worldwide; they are also concomitant with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation manifesting in abnormal cytokine production. The present study evaluated the effect of polyphenol and flavonoid extract from Passiflora ligularis (granadilla) on low-grade inflammation and body weight in overweight Wistar rats. To induce weight-gain, rats were fed a chow diet with 30% sucrose water and supplemented with 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 g/L polyphenol extracts (n = 16). The design was a 3 +1 factorial model performed for 42 days (granadilla polyphenols, 3 levels of supplementation, and 1 control group). In addition to total polyphenol and total flavonoid content, the major identified and quantified polyphenol, via UHPLC, was ferulic acid. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were evaluated in serum. A decline in the concentration of TNF-α and in weight-gain was found in P. ligularis (granadilla) groups treated with the 2.5 g/L dose. Consumption of polyphenol extracts from granadilla inhibits interleukin-activity as an indicator of inflammation and aids in body-weight control, considering similar food intake, in overweight Wistar rats.

Anthocyanins from purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulia Sims) rind-An innovative source for nonbleachable pigment production.

Passion fruit rind is a waste product from the beverage industry that is rich in anthocyanins that can be potentially applied as a natural colorant. However, the inherent instability of anthocyanins causes rapid discoloration. In this study, the cyanidin-3-glucoside (C-3-G) in passion fruit rind was extracted using 50% ethanol and converted into nonbleachable pigments by reaction with Oolong tea extracts and acetaldehyde. Reactions over 70 days formed high concentrations of stable nonbleachable pigments (3.07-6.68 absorbance unit [A.U.], in total) such as pyranoanthocyanins, as well as oligomeric and polymeric pigments with ethyl-linked bridges. In C-3-G and acetaldehyde reaction, positive relations were found among acetaldehyde concentration, color density, and nonbleachable pigment concentrations. As for reactions with C-3-G and Oolong tea extract combined with acetaldehyde, greater color density and greater concentrations of nonbleachable pigments (10.80-12.34, 4.25-4.40 A.U., respectively) were formed compared with acetaldehyde alone. In addition, the antioxidant capabilities of the extracts were enhanced after reaction with Oolong tea extracts. The results of this study show a useful method to enhance the stability of anthocyanins from passion fruit rind and also provide greater economic value to this waste product. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Ripened passion fruits contain a high concentration of anthocyanins in their rind. These anthocyanins can be optimally extracted by ultrasonic assisted solvent extraction to provide stable pigments by inducing acetaldehyde (a volatile compound often found in foods and beverages) into the anthocyanins. These stable pigments have a greater reddish hue in solution than the anthocyanin extracted from the rind and are more stable over a greater pH range. In addition, these stable pigments can be potentially used as colorant throughout the food and cosmetic industry to provide high economical values.

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.

Changes in the Content of Organic Acids and Expression Analysis of Citric Acid Accumulation-Related Genes during Fruit Development of Yellow (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) and Purple (Passiflora edulis f. edulis) Passion Fruits.

Organic acids are key components that determine the taste and flavor of fruits and play a vital role in maintaining fruit quality and nutritive value. In this study, the fruits of two cultivars of passion fruit Yellow (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) and purple (Passiflora edulis f. edulis) were harvested at five different developmental stages (i.e., fruitlet, green, veraison, near-mature and mature stage) from an orchard located in subtropical region of Fujian Province, China. The contents of six organic acids were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), activities of citric acid related enzymes were determined, and expression levels of genes involved in citric acid metabolism were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results revealed that citric acid was the predominant organic acid in both cultivars during fruit development. The highest citric acid contents were observed in both cultivars at green stage, which were reduced with fruit maturity. Correlation analysis showed that citrate synthase (CS), cytosolic aconitase (Cyt-ACO) and cytosolic isocitrate dehydrogenase (Cyt-IDH) may be involved in regulating citric acid biosynthesis. Meanwhile, the PeCS2, PeACO4, PeACO5 and PeIDH1 genes may play an important role in regulating the accumulation of citric acid. This study provides new insights for future elucidation of key mechanisms regulating organic acid biosynthesis in passion fruit.

Optimization of Ultrasonic Cellulase-Assisted Extraction and Antioxidant Activity of Natural Polyphenols from Passion Fruit.

In this paper, ultrasonic cellulase extraction (UCE) was applied to extract polyphenols from passion fruit. The extraction conditions for total phenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with a Box-Behnken design (BBD). The results showed that the liquid-to-solid ratio (X2) was the most significant single factor and had a positive effect on all responses. The ANOVA analysis indicated quadratic models fitted well as TPC with R2 = 0.903, DPPH scavenging activity with R2 = 0.979, and ABTS scavenging activity with R2 = 0.981. The optimal extraction parameters of passion fruit were as follows: pH value of 5 at 30 °C for extraction temperature, 50:1 (w/v) liquid-to-solid ratio with extraction time for 47 min, the experimental values were found matched with those predicted. Infrared spectroscopy suggested that the extract contained the structure of polyphenols. Furthermore, three main polyphenols were identified and quantified by HPLC. The results showed the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of the optimized UCE were 1.5~2 times higher than that determined by the single extraction method and the Soxhlet extraction method, which indicates UCE is a competitive and effective extraction technique for natural passion fruit polyphenols.

Phenolic compounds, bioactivity, and bioaccessibility of ethanol extracts from passion fruit peel based on simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

Passion fruit peel, a potential source of bioactive compounds, has been used as food stabilizing agent. However, the phenolic composition and bioactivity of passion fruit peel have rarely been reported. The effects of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the bioactive components, bioactivity and bioaccessibility of passion fruit peel ethanol extracts (PFPE) were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis (quasi-targeted metabolomics). Phenols (178) were identified, of which 25 inhibited alpha-glucosidase activity. The stabilities of PFPE phenols were significantly affected by pH changes and digestive enzymes during simulated digestion. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging capacity and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power were decreased by 32% and 30%, respectively, while 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) free radical scavenging capacity increased by 17%. Alpha-glucosidase inhibition decreased with decreased PFPE phenolic content. Therefore, passion fruit peel could be considered a source of natural antioxidants and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.

Protective effect of flavonoids from Passiflora edulis Sims on diabetic complications in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of flavonoids present in leaves of Passiflora edulis fruit on complications induced by diabetes in rats. METHODS: The extract of P. edulis leaf was obtained by 70% ethanol maceration. From the dry extract, the fractions were obtained by consecutive liquid-liquid partition with hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The content of isoorientin of ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray and triple quadrupole ionization (TQD) analysis in tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Tq-MS). Only Fr-BuOH was used to treat diabetic or not Wistar rats. Biochemical parameters, platelet aggregation and production of reactive species were evaluated. KEY FINDINGS: The UPLC-ESI-Tq-MS analysis revealed the presence of several flavonoids, among which we identified five possible flavonoids c-heterosides (luteolin-7-O-pyranosyl-3-O-glucoside, apigenin-6-8-di-C-glycoside, apigenin-6-C-arabinoside-8-C-glycoside, isoorientin, isovitexin). The diabetic rats (treated intraperitoneally with alloxan, 150 mg/kg) treated with Fr-BuOH (20 mg/kg/day for 90 days) presented improvement in blood glucose, serum levels of fructosamine, lipid profile and urea. Furthermore, the Fr-BuOH reduced both platelet aggregation and the production of oxidant species in diabetic animals. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that flavonoid C-glycosides present in the Fr-BuOH may be beneficial for the diabetic state, preventing complications induced by diabetes.