ABSTRACT
At present, there are no data in the scientific literature on studies aimed at characterizing Passiflora caerulea L. growing in Bulgaria. The present study aimed to investigate the metabolic profile and elemental composition of the leaves and pulp of this Passiflora, as well as to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of its leaf and pulp extracts. The results showed that the pulp predominantly contained the essential amino acid histidine (7.81 mg g-1), while it was absent in the leaves, with the highest concentration being tryptophan (8.30 mg g-1). Of the fatty acids, palmitoleic acid predominated both in the pulp and in the leaves. A major sterol component was ß-sitosterol. Fructose (7.50%) was the predominant sugar in the pulp, while for the leaves, it was glucose-1.51%. Seven elements were identified: sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc. The highest concentrations of K and Mg were in the pulp (23,946 mg kg-1 and 1890 mg kg-1) and leaves (36,179 mg kg-1 and 5064 mg kg-1). According to the DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC methods, the highest values for antioxidant activity were found in 70% ethanolic extracts of the leaves, while for the ABTS method, the highest value was found in 50% ethanolic extracts. In the pulp, for all four methods, the highest values were determined at 50% ethanolic extracts. Regarding the antibacterial activity, the 50% ethanolic leaf extracts were more effective against the Gram-positive bacteria. At the same time, the 70% ethanolic leaf extract was more effective against Gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076. The leaf extracts exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity than the extracts prepared from the pulp. The obtained results revealed that P. caerulea is a plant that can be successfully applied as an active ingredient in various nutritional supplements or cosmetic products.
ABSTRACT
Practically all aboveground plants parts of Passiflora vines can be included in the compositions of dietary supplements, medicines, and cosmetics. It has a diverse chemical composition and a wide range of biologically active components that determine its diverse pharmacological properties. Studies related to the chemical composition of the plant are summarized here, and attention has been paid to various medical applications-(1) anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective; (2) anti-depressant; (3) antidiabetic; (4) hepatoprotective; (5) antibacterial and antifungal; and (6) antipyretic and other. This review includes studies on the safety, synergistic effects, and toxicity that may occur with the use of various dietary supplements based on it. Attention has been drawn to its application in cosmetics and to patented products containing passionflower.
ABSTRACT
Arthrospira platensis is a filamentous cyanobacterium of the class Cyanophyceae and is the most cultivated photosynthetic prokaryote. It is used in the pharmaceutical sector, medicine and the food industry. It has a rich micro- and macro-element composition, containing proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals and raw fibers. It is a commonly used ingredient in food products and nutritional supplements. The wide range of biologically active components determines its diverse pharmacological properties (antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antineoplastic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, antiviral, etc.). This review summarizes research related to the taxonomy, distribution and chemical composition of Arthrospira platensis as well as its potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Attention is drawn to its various medical applications as an antidiabetic and antiobesity agent, with hepatoprotective, antitumor, antimicrobial and antiviral effects as well as regulatory effects on neurodegenerative diseases.