Passion fruit peel and its zymolyte enhance gut function in Sanhuang broilers by improving antioxidation and short-chain fatty acids and decreasing inflammatory cytokines.

The passion fruit peel (PFP) is the by-product of juice processing and is rich in phenolic compounds and dietary fibers. As the high ADF content in PFP (34.20%), we proceeded to treat PFP with cellulase. The ADF decreased to 16.70% after enzymatic processing, and we supposed that enzymolytic passion fruit peel (EPF) should have a greater growth performance than PFP to broilers. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary PFP or EPF supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, meat quality, and cecal short-chain fatty acids, microbiota, and metabolites in broilers. In Exp. 1, 180 1-day-old Sanhuang broilers (male, 36.17 ± 2.47 g) were randomly allocated into 3 treatments, with 6 replicates in each treatment. The 3 experimental diets included 1 basal diet (control) and 2 PFP-added diets supplemented with 1 and 2% PFP, respectively. The trial lasted for 42 d. In Exp. 2, 144 Sanhuang broilers (male, 112-day-old, 1.62 ± 0.21 kg) were randomly allocated to 3 treatments. Each treatment was distributed among 6 pens, and each pen contained 8 broilers. The 3 treatment diets included: a control diet, a positive control diet supplementing 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline, and the experimental diet supplementing 3% EPF. The trial lasted for 56 d. Results showed that dietary 1 and 2% PFP addition did not affect growth performance in Exp. 1, and the 3% EPF supplementation had a negative effect on ADFI (P < 0.05) in Exp. 2. A decreased serum triglyceride (P < 0.05) in broilers was observed in Exp. 1. Broilers fed EPF had a higher glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (P < 0.05), and lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P < 0.05) and glucose (P < 0.05) in Exp. 2. We also found that broilers from PFP or EPF-treated treatments had an increased butyrate content and higher microbial diversity in the cecum. The effects of antioxidation, anti-inflammatory function, and elevated SCFAs were confirmed after the microbe and untargeted metabolomic analysis. Dietary EPF supplementation significantly increased the SCFA-generating bacteria, anti-inflammatory-related bacteria, the antioxidant-related and anti-inflammatory-related metabolites. Moreover, dietary 3% EPF addition positively affects the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, which strongly correlate with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, the proper addition level did not affect the growth performance, and the PFP and EPF could improve the antioxidation state, anti-inflammatory activity, and intestinal functions of Sanhuang broilers to some extent.

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.

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.

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.

Use of mycorrhizal fungi releases the application of organic fertilizers to increase the production of leaf vitexin in yellow passion fruit.

BACKGROUND: Low-cost organic fertilizers, such as coconut powder and vermicompost, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may benefit the Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa plant. However, it has not been established whether the joint application of these inputs may increase the production of vitexin and other molecules associated with the phytotherapeutic properties of this plant. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the application of AMF and organic fertilizers maximizes the production of bioactive compounds in leaves of P. edulis. RESULTS: The inoculation of Acaulospora longula into P. edulis grown in fertilization-free soil promoted an increase of 86% in the concentration of leaf vitexin, 10.29% in the concentration of total phenols, and 13.78% in the concentration of total tannins in relation to the AMF-free control, rendering soil fertilization superfluous. CONCLUSION: The application of A. longula increases the production of foliar biomolecules, such as vitexin, in yellow passion fruit plants. Thus, the addition of coconut powder and vermicompost to the substrate composition is not necessary, leading to the commercialized production of phytomass in the herbal medicines industry. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Passiflora caerulea L. fruit extract and its metabolites ameliorate epileptic seizure, cognitive deficit and oxidative stress in pilocarpine-induced epileptic mice.

The anticonvulsant potential of aqueous fruit extract of Passiflora caerulea (PCAE) was evaluated in swiss albino mice induced by pilocarpine. The antioxidant activities of PCAE were determined which showed strong antioxidant activity and the polyphenol compounds such as ginsenoside, naringenin, chrysoeriol 8-c-glucoside, luteolin-6-C-glucoside, apigenin-6,8-di-C-ß-D-glucopyranoside were profiled through RP-HPLC and UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Chronic effects of PCAE on pilocarpine (85 mg/kg; i.p)-induced convulsions were evaluated in Swiss adult male albino mice. PCAE at 100 and 200 mg/kg, (p.o.) and diazepam (5 mg/kg, i.p) were administered once daily for 15 days. In Y-maze test, percentage of correct entry by pilocarpine administered animals were significantly lower when compared to control, whereas PCAE at both doses improved the alteration score significantly. Administration of higher dose (200 mg/kg) of PCAE significantly delayed onset of convulsions and decreased duration of clonic convulsions. Association of ROS production during seizure period was further confirmed by histopathological studies revealing loss of normal neuronal cells in hippocampus region. The data obtained showed anticonvulsant activity and improved cognitive function; reduced the oxidative damage and significantly activated the cholinergic neurotransmission in a dose dependent manner similar to diazepam which is evident in the biochemical parameters and histopathological study, suggesting therapeutic potential for epilepsy and neurodegeneration.

Impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of bioactive compounds from Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) leaves and juice extracts.

The fruits consumption is highly associated with a lessening in the risk of the chronic noncommunicable diseases. Despite their content of bioactive compounds, physiological conditions might affect their bioaccessibility and biological potential. Hence, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the bioaccessibility and in vitro antioxidant capacity of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and mono/oligosaccharides) from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) juice and leaves extracts (PJE and PLE, respectively) during an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. PLE exhibited the highest overall bioaccessibility of phenolics and mono/oligosaccharides. Ascorbic acid and kaempferol were the most bioaccessible (up to 12- and 13-fold, respectively) compounds and showed the highest net permeabilities (0.32-34.65 × 10-5 ). Chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and xylose showed the highest correlation with the antioxidant capacity (ABTS/DPPH methods). These results indicated the ability of digestion to improve bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of bioactives compounds from P. edulis extracts. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Several international organizations, World Health Organization (WHO) among them, are actively encouraging an increase in the fruit and vegetable intake worldwide in response to the global rise in noncommunicable diseases, among other actions. Fruits and processed foods are increasingly used in the European food industry. Additionally, exotic and tropical fruits cannot be produced in the European Union, which opens up a variety of opportunities for our Colombian tropical fruits such as mango or exotic fruits such as passion fruit. Evaluating parameters such as bioaccessibility and intestinal permeability of these bioactives derived from both P. edulis juice and leaves extracts contributes with new evidence regarding their stability along the gastrointestinal tract and their consumption as a source of health-promoting compounds. The results of this research are an important achievement on the way to make the transition from basic to applied research. Informing the health benefits of this tropical fruit can stimulate its demand.

Orange and Passion Fruit Wastes Characterization, Substrate Hydrolysis and Cell Growth of Cupriavidus necator, as Proposal to Converting of Residues in High Value Added Product.

Brazil is the world's largest producer of orange and passion fruit, which are destined mainly for industrialization, generating grand volumes of wastes. The solid portion of these residues is a rich source of pectin - composed mainly of galacturonic acid and neutral sugars, which through the hydrolysis process can be used in biological conversion processes, as the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). This way, we characterized these wastes, followed by the extraction and hydrolysis of pectin for employ as a substrate for the cell growth of Cupriavidus necator. The results confirmed the large portion of pectin (almost 40 g.100g-1) and soluble sugars, present in these wastes. The hydrolyzed extract showed as a good source of carbon for the cell growth of C. necator with YX/S 0.56 and 0.44, µMax 0.27 and 0.21 for orange and passion fruit wastes respectively, similar to other carbon sources. This way, the extraction and hydrolysis of orange and passion fruit wastes for the cellular growth of C. necator, can be a good alternative to converting of residues in high value added product.

Pollen Cell Wall Patterns Form from Modulated Phases.

The ornately geometric walls of pollen grains have inspired scientists for decades. We show that the evolved diversity of these patterns is entirely recapitulated by a biophysical model in which an initially uniform polysaccharide layer in the extracellular space, mechanically coupled to the cell membrane, phase separates to a spatially modulated state. Experiments reveal this process occurring in living cells. We observe that in ∼10% of extant species, this phase separation reaches equilibrium during development such that individual pollen grains are identical and perfectly reproducible. About 90% of species undergo an arrest of this process prior to equilibrium such that individual grains are similar but inexact copies. Equilibrium patterns have appeared multiple times during the evolution of seed plants, but selection does not favor these states. This framework for pattern development provides a route to rationalizing the surface textures of other secreted structures, such as cell walls and insect cuticle.

Production of biomolecules of interest to the anxiolytic herbal medicine industry in yellow passionfruit leaves (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) promoted by mycorrhizal inoculation.

BACKGROUND: Our contemporary way of life has led us to consume high amounts of chemically-synthesized allopathic medicinal products and anxiolytics to which a viable alternative is the use of Passiflora-based herbal medicines with composition containing vitexin, a flavonoid with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known for enhancing the production of biomolecules, however, increase production of phytochemistry in Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa has not been reported in the literature. Our aim was to select AMF to benefit the production of vitexin in leaves of P. edulis by inoculating seedlings in the region of roots with Acaulospora longula, Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Gigaspora albida. RESULTS: The inoculation increased the concentration of vitexin in 63.64% and the inoculation with A. longula also increased the content of flavonoids and total saponins in the leaves in relation to the control. CONCLUSION: The increase in the production of vitexin in the leaf in response to the inoculation with AMF, with emphasis to A. longula, interests the pharmaceutical industry and can generate profit to the production of yellow passionfruit-based anxiolytic herbal medicine. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Important issues in plant tissues analyses by HR-MAS NMR.

INTRODUCTION: High-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-MAS NMR) spectroscopy enables the analysis of the metabolic profile of plant and animal tissues under close to natural conditions, as well as of other heterogeneous natural or synthetic materials. Neither sample pretreatment is required after fragmentation nor powdering of the sample before insertion into the rotor. However, the efficiency of the method depends strongly on the sample preparation, rotor insertion procedure, and analysis conditions. OBJECTIVE: To identify some of the variables that affect the spectral data and to propose solutions that minimise their impact on the quality of the analyses and results. METHODS: Dried plant tissues were powdered, weighed, and homogenised in a 50 µL rotor with an optimised volume of deuterated solvent and sample in order to prevent material from escaping during spacer insertion, avoiding variations in magnetic susceptibility. Factors affecting the quality of HR-MAS NMR analysis such as particle size, sample and solvent amounts, solvent polarity, swelling time, rotor manipulation and pulse sequence setting were evaluated. RESULTS: A strong correlation was observed between the signal area and the particle size of the powdered sample. The spectral profile varied depending on the deuterated solvent used. An incubation period was necessary to achieve adequate swelling of the sample and to ensure good data reproducibility. Proper sealing of the rotor, number of cycles and τ time on cpmgpr1d pulse sequence were found to affect the signal areas. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need for standardised sample preparation and instrumental setup protocols in order to achieve high reproducibility and obtain reliable data from HR-MAS NMR analyses.

Passion fruit by-product and fructooligosaccharides stimulate the growth and folate production by starter and probiotic cultures in fermented soymilk.

Two starter cultures (Streptococcus (St.) thermophilus ST-M6 and TA-40) and five probiotic strains (St. thermophilus TH-4, Lactobacillus (Lb.) acidophilus LA-5, Lb. rhamnosus LGG, Lb. fermentum PCC, and Lb. reuteri RC-14) were used to ferment different soymilk formulations supplemented with passion fruit by-product and/or fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) with the aim of increasing folate concentrations. Growth and folate production of individual strains were evaluated and the results used to select co-cultures. Both St. thermophilus ST-M6 and TH-4 were the best folate producers and were able to increase the folate content of all soymilk formulations when used alone or in co-culture with lactobacilli strains, especially in the presence of both passion fruit by-product and FOS. Thus, passion fruit by-product and FOS could be used as dietary ingredients to stimulate the folate production by selected bacterial strains during the fermentation of soymilk. It was also shown that vitamin production by microorganisms is strain-dependent and may also be influenced by nutritional and environmental conditions.

Development of sunscreen products containing passion fruit seed extract

Abstract Application of sunscreen is the most established method of protecting skin from premature aging and photoaging. In this study, the passion fruit seed extract, enriched with biologically beneficial phenolics, was formulated into sun-protective makeup product. The UVB protection of concealer mousse was found have twofold higher sun protection factor (SPF) than the liquid foundation (15.48 ± 1.60 and 5.88 ± 0.30, respectively). The SPF of concealer mousse as well as the liquid foundation containing 0.1% and 0.3% of the passion fruit seed extract were 18.75 ± 0.28, 18.99 ± 0.71 and 9.32 ± 0.88, 9.77 ± 1.37, respectively. Therefore, the concealers with a similar sun-protective efficacy (p>0.05) were included for stability test accordingly. The sun-protective efficacy did not significantly shift (p>0.05) because the 0.1% and 0.3% passion fruit extract concealers had SPF of 18.09 ± 1.48 and 18.60 ± 1.21. The concealers exhibited UVA photoprotection with a boot star rating of 4 and a critical wavelength wider than 370 nm. The safety of 0.1% passion fruit extract concealer mousse was assessed. It did not cause skin irritation when assessed in human volunteers. This sunscreen makeup product provides UVA and UVB protection and is therefore suitable for daily application.

Administration of Piceatannol Complexed with α-Cyclodextrin Improves Its Absorption in Rats.

Piceatannol is polyphenolic antioxidant found in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seeds. The aim of this study was to improve the absorption of piceatannol using α-cyclodextrin (αCD). The solubility of piceatannol in neutral and acidic solutions increased in an αCD concentration-dependent manner. The maximum plasma concentration of intact piceatannol and the time-to-maximum plasma concentration of O-methylated piceatannol metabolites increased in rats administered αCD-piceatannol inclusion complexes (PICs). Administering the αCD inclusion complexes significantly increased the area under the concentration-time curve of total stilbene derivatives (0-3 h) in terms of the total amount of intact piceatannol, O-methylated piceatannol, conjugated piceatannol, and isorhapontigenin. Gastrointestinal ligation experiments demonstrated that substantially higher levels of piceatannol metabolites were present in the lower intestine (the ileum) at 1 h postintragastric αCD-PICs administration as compared to those observed following piceatannol administration only. These results suggested that αCD enhanced piceatannol movement and absorption in the small intestine.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and vermicompost to maximize the production of foliar biomolecules in Passiflora alata Curtis seedlings.

BACKGROUND: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are soil organisms that associate with plant roots and promote plant growth, increasing the concentration of secondary metabolites, which are molecules of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. Passiflora alata is a Brazilian medicinal plant that is used as a raw material for anxiolytic phytotherapeutic agents. The anxiolytic properties are related to the presence of biomolecules in the plant material, principally flavonoids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inoculation with AMF and organic fertilization on the production of soluble carbohydrates and total foliar proteins, phenols and flavonoids in P. alata seedlings. RESULTS: There was an effect of the tested treatments on the analyzed variables. Seedlings inoculated and cultivated in soil to which 0.15 kg vermicompost kg(-1) had been added showed increased growth and production of primary and secondary metabolites compared with treatments with lower levels of manure, which did not differ from those cultivated in soil with 0.2 kg vermicompost kg(-1). CONCLUSION: The inoculation of P. alata seedlings with Gigaspora albida is an alternative to maximize the production of pharmacologically important foliar biomolecules, especially flavonoids, with benefits that vary in accordance with the fertility of the soil.

Efeito hipoglicemiante da farinha do fruto de maracujá-do-mato (Passiflora nitida Kunth) em ratos normais e diabéticos / Hypoglycemic effect of Passiflora nitida Kunth fruit flour on normal and diabetic rats

A região amazônica é detentora de uma vasta biodiversidade de frutos, porém pouco explorada quanto o seu potencial nutricional e econômico. Dentre estes frutos destaca-se o maracujá-do-mato (Passiflora nitida Kunth), espécie silvestre, de fruto comestível, com sabor exótico e de boa aceitabilidade para consumo. No presente estudo objetivou-se analisar as características nutricionais do mesocarpo do fruto da P. nitida e avaliar o potencial hipoglicemiante em ratos normais e diabéticos. A farinha do mesocarpo do fruto foi elaborada e analisada quanto a composição centesimal. A atividade hipoglicemiante foi avaliada por meio de dois modelos experimentais em ratos Wistar. O mesocarpo apresentou baixa concentração de macronutrientes e alto teor de umidade, cinzas e fibras. No experimento agudo, após 15 minutos da administração da sacarose, os níveis glicêmicos foram de 146±12 mg dL-1 no grupo controle e 112±2,5 mg dL-1, no grupo que recebeu 1g kg-1 de peso da farinha. No experimento crônico, após 21 dias, houve redução de 493 mg dL-1 para 302 mg dL-1 (38,7 %) e 195 mg dL-1 (60,4%) na glicemia nos grupos que foram tratados com 20 e 40% de ração enriquecida com a farinha, respectivamente, em relação ao grupo diabético não tratado. Em ambos os modelos experimentais, a farinha do mesocarpo mostrou-se eficaz na redução da glicemia. O fruto de P. nitida mostrou-se um produto natural em potencial para o controle da glicemia no diabetes.

The Amazon region has a vast biodiversity of fruits but is little explored as to its nutritional and economic potential. Among these fruits is "maracuja-do-mato" (Passiflora nitida Kunth), a wild species of edible fruit with exotic flavor and good acceptability for consumption. The aim of the present study was to analyze the nutritional characteristics of P. nitida fruit mesocarp and to evaluate its hypoglycemic potential in normal and diabetic rats. Flour from the fruit mesocarp was prepared and analyzed as to its centesimal composition. Hypoglycemic activity was assessed by means of two experimental models in Wistar rats. The mesocarp showed low concentration of macronutrients and high humidity, ash and fiber content. In the acute experiment, after 15 minutes of sucrose administration, glucose levels were 146 ± 12 mg dL-1 in the control group and 112 ± 2.5 mg dL-1 in the group receiving 1 g kg-1 flour weight. In the chronic experiment, after 21 days, glucose levels reduced from 493 mg dL-1 to 302 mg dL-1 (38.7%) and 195 mg dL-1 (60.4%) in the groups treated with 20 and 40% animal food enriched with the flour, respectively, in relation to the diabetic untreated group. In both experimental models, the mesocarp flour was effective in reducing blood glucose. P. nitida fruit seems to be a potential natural product in the glycemic control of diabetes.

Caracterização de frutos e sementes em acessos de maracujá silvestre (Passiflora foetida L. ) / Characterization of fruits and seeds of wild passion fruit (Passiflora foetida L. )

A espécie Passiflora foetida L.é uma trepadeira exótica cujas folhas e frutos possuem propriedades medicinais. No Brasil, a erva é utilizada na forma de extratos ou emplastros para erisipelas e doenças de pele com inflamação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar cinco acessos de Passiflora foetida L. baseados em 17 descritores morfológicos O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com 15 repetições por genótipo. As variáveis analisadas foram cor da casca do fruto, formato do fruto, comprimento do fruto, diâmetro do fruto, massa fresca do fruto, comprimento do pedicelo, cor da polpa do fruto, espessura da casca, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, potencial hidrogeniônico, razão sólidos solúveis/ acidez titulável, comprimento da semente, diâmetro da semente, espessura da semente, massa fresca das sementes e o número de sementes por fruto. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste de médias pelo teste Tukey a 5 por cento de probabilidade. Houve diferença significativa pelo teste F a 5 por cento de probabilidade, entre os genótipos para quase todas as características com exceção da espessura da casca, massa fresca do fruto, comprimento da semente e massa fresca das sementes. A característica que apresentou maior variação foi o teor de sólidos solúveis. E entre os genótipos, o acesso 5 foi o que apresentou as maiores médias pelo teste de Tukey a 5 por cento de probabilidade, em todas as características analisadas, podendo ser utilizado em programas de melhoramento da espécie.

The species Passiflora foetida L. é an exotic vine, which leaves and fruit have medicinal properties. In Brazil, the herbis used in the form of extracts or poultices for erysipelas and skin diseases with inflammation. The aim of this study was to characterize five Passiflora foetida L. accessions based on 17 morphological descriptors The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design with 15 replicates per genotype. The variables were the fruit skin color, fruit shape, fruit length, fruit diameter, fresh fruit, length of pedicel, flesh color of the fruit, skin thickness, acidity, soluble solids, hydrogen potential ratio soluble solids / acidity, seed length, seed diameter, thickness of seed, fresh seed and seed number per fruit. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared by Tukey test at 5 percent of probability. There was a significant difference by F test at 5 percent,of probability among the genotypes for nearly all traits, except the thickness of the shell, fresh fruit mass, seed length and fresh weight of seed. The variable that most variation was the soluble solids. The genotype 5 had the highest means by Tukey test at 5 percent of probability on all characteristics that can be used in breeding programs of the species.

Metabolitos secundarios en los extractos secos de Passiflora incarnata L., Matricaria recutita L. y Morinda citrifolia L. / Secondary metabolites in Passiflora incarnate L., Matricaria recutita L. and Morinda citrifolia L. dry extracts

INTRODUCCIÓN: resulta de interés establecer una tecnología propia para la elaboración y el establecimiento de especificaciones de calidad en diversas formulaciones sólidas de extractos secos de Passiflora incarnata L. (pasiflora), Matricaria recutita L. (manzanilla) y Morinda citrifolia L. (noni). OBJETIVOS: realizar los estudios fitoquímicos y analizar parámetros de control de calidad de los extractos secos de Passiflora incarnata L., Matricaria recutita L. y Morinda citrifolia L. MÉTODOS: para el estudio fitoquímico por cromatografía en capa delgada se emplearon técnicas simples, rápidas, selectivas y con equipamiento mínimo para determinados compuestos. Para el análisis de los parámetros de calidad, se aplicaron los ensayos descritos en la Norma Ramal del Ministerio de Salud Pública (NRSP 309). RESULTADOS: se comprobó la presencia de flavonoides, aminoácidos, aminas, azúcares y oligosacaridos en los 3 extractos secos estudiados. En el de M. citrifolia se observó además la presencia de compuestos antraquinónicos y terpenos, mientras que en M. recutita se identificó la presencia de coumarinas. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados obtenidos demostraron que los 3 extractos se encuentran dentro de los límites establecidos para su empleo como principio activo de origen natural.

INTRODUCTION: it is interesting to develop our own technology to work out and to set quality specifications for different solid formulations of Passiflora incarnata L. ((passiflora), Maricaria recutita L. (chamomile) and Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) dry extracts. OBJECTIVES: to conduct phytochemical studies on and to examine the quality control parameters of Passiflora incarnata L. Maricaria recutita L. and Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) dry extracts. METHODS: for the phytochemical study based on thin layer chromatography, quick, simple and selective techniques were used, and minimal amount of equipment was employed for certain compounds. The analysis of the quality control parameters included the assays described in the Branch Standard of the Ministry of Public Health known as NRSP 309. RESULTS: flavonoids, aminoacids, amines, sugars and oligosaccharides were found in the three dry extracts under study. Antraquninone compounds and terpens were observed in the M. citrifolia extract whereas coumarins were present in the M. recutita leaf extract. CONCLUSIONS: the results proved that the three extracts are within the set limits for their use as natural active principle.

Metabolitos secundarios en los extractos secos de Passiflora incarnata L., Matricaria recutita L. y Morinda citrifolia L. / Secondary metabolites in Passiflora incarnate L., Matricaria recutita L. and Morinda citrifolia L. dry extracts

INTRODUCCIÓN: resulta de interés establecer una tecnología propia para la elaboración y el establecimiento de especificaciones de calidad en diversas formulaciones sólidas de extractos secos de Passiflora incarnata L. (pasiflora), Matricaria recutita L. (manzanilla) y Morinda citrifolia L. (noni). OBJETIVOS: realizar los estudios fitoquímicos y analizar parámetros de control de calidad de los extractos secos de Passiflora incarnata L., Matricaria recutita L. y Morinda citrifolia L. MÉTODOS: para el estudio fitoquímico por cromatografía en capa delgada se emplearon técnicas simples, rápidas, selectivas y con equipamiento mínimo para determinados compuestos. Para el análisis de los parámetros de calidad, se aplicaron los ensayos descritos en la Norma Ramal del Ministerio de Salud Pública (NRSP 309). RESULTADOS: se comprobó la presencia de flavonoides, aminoácidos, aminas, azúcares y oligosacaridos en los 3 extractos secos estudiados. En el de M. citrifolia se observó además la presencia de compuestos antraquinónicos y terpenos, mientras que en M. recutita se identificó la presencia de coumarinas. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados obtenidos demostraron que los 3 extractos se encuentran dentro de los límites establecidos para su empleo como principio activo de origen natural(AU)

INTRODUCTION: it is interesting to develop our own technology to work out and to set quality specifications for different solid formulations of Passiflora incarnata L. ((passiflora), Maricaria recutita L. (chamomile) and Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) dry extracts. OBJECTIVES: to conduct phytochemical studies on and to examine the quality control parameters of Passiflora incarnata L. Maricaria recutita L. and Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) dry extracts. METHODS: for the phytochemical study based on thin layer chromatography, quick, simple and selective techniques were used, and minimal amount of equipment was employed for certain compounds. The analysis of the quality control parameters included the assays described in the Branch Standard of the Ministry of Public Health known as NRSP 309. RESULTS: flavonoids, aminoacids, amines, sugars and oligosaccharides were found in the three dry extracts under study. Antraquninone compounds and terpens were observed in the M. citrifolia extract whereas coumarins were present in the M. recutita leaf extract. CONCLUSIONS: the results proved that the three extracts are within the set limits for their use as natural active principle(AU)

Pineapple and banana pectins comprise fewer homogalacturonan building blocks with a smaller degree of polymerization as compared with yellow passion fruit and lemon pectins: implication for gelling properties.

Pectins are viewed as multiblock cobiopolymers of different pectic polysaccharides, notably, homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG I). Furthermore, on the basis of HGs isolated from different (pectins from) dicot cell walls, HG is supposed to have an average degree of polymerization (DP) of approximately 100 irrespective of the plant source. To validate or invalidate these suppositions, pectins from both monocot (pineapple and banana) and dicot (yellow passion fruit and lemon) cell walls were examined. The results show that all the extracted pectins comprise HGs as well as type I and II arabinogalactan side chain-containing RGs I, but of significantly (p < 0.05) different relative proportions; lemon pectin being the richest in HGs, followed by yellow passion fruit pectin. The HG building blocks of each pectin are homogeneous with respect to the molecular size but have a significantly (p < 0.05) reduced length in monocot pectins (59-67) compared to dicot ones (93-102). Lemon pectin displayed the highest degree of esterification (DE), viscosity-average molecular weight (M(v)), and gelling ability, whereas with similar DEs and a higher M(v), banana pectin exhibited a lower gelling ability than yellow passion fruit pectin. It is concluded that both the HG amount and DP strongly influence the gelling properties of pectin.