Brazilian native passion fruit (Passiflora tenuifila Killip) is a rich source of proanthocyanidins, carotenoids, and dietary fiber

Metabolic Profile of Leaves and Pulp of Passiflora caerulea L. (Bulgaria) and Their Biological Activities

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 β-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.

Tumbo, an Andean fruit: Uses, nutrition, processing, and biomolecules

Tumbo fruit has potential for industrialization due to its nutritional and functional properties, but scientific knowledge of this species is still limited compared to other species of the same genus, Passiflora. This review compiles the latest scientific advances on Tumbo, which cover the food technological aspects of Tumbo fruit, its uses and its potential as a source of bioactives for different industries, especially food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics. The products (nectar, jellies, jams, wines, others) and by-products of the processing of the Tumbo fruit have various nutritional, sensory, and composition attributes for developing new food and non-food products. The potential applications of the fruit and its derivatives are broad, such as cosmetics, drugs, functional foods, and additives; these applications are due to its technological properties and its content of bioactive molecules. The Tumbo biorefinery presents an important perspective, especially for its bioactivity of high biological value for different industries.

A Scoping Review on Carotenoid Profiling in Passiflora spp.: A Vast Avenue for Expanding the Knowledge on the Species

The Passiflora genus is recognised for its ethnopharmacological, sensorial, and nutritional significance. Yet, the screening of its dietary and bioactive molecules has mainly targeted hydrophilic metabolites. Following the PRISMA-P protocol, this review assessed the current knowledge on carotenoid composition and analysis within Passiflora, examining 968 records from seven databases and including 17 studies focusing on carotenoid separation and identification in plant parts. Those publications originated in America and Asia. P. edulis was the most frequently examined species of a total of ten, while pulp was the most studied plant part (16 studies). Carotenoid analysis involved primarily high-performance liquid chromatography separation on C18 columns and detection using diode array detectors (64.71%). Most studies identified the provitamin A β-carotene and xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, with their geometric configuration often neglected. Only one study described carotenoid esters. Besides the methodology's insufficient description, the lack of use of more accurate techniques and practices led to a high risk of bias in the carotenoid assignment in 17.65% of the articles. This review highlights the opportunity to broaden carotenoid studies to other species and parts within the diverse Passiflora genus, especially to wild, locally available fruits, which may have a strategic role in enhancing food diversity and security amidst climatic changes. Additionally, it urges the use of more accurate and efficient analytical methods based on green chemistry to better identify Passiflora carotenoids.

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS characterization of phenolic compounds in Australian native passion fruits and their potential antioxidant activities

Passion fruits, renowned globally for their polyphenolic content and associated health benefits, have enjoyed growing attention from consumers and producers alike. While global cultivar development progresses, Australia has pioneered several native cultivars tailored for its distinct planting conditions. Despite their cultivation, comprehensive studies on the phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacities of these Australian-native passion fruits are notably lacking. This study aims to investigate and compare the polyphenolic content present in the by-products, which are peel (L), and consumable portions, which are the pulp and seeds (P), of four indigenous cultivars: 'Misty Gem' (MG), 'Flamengo' (FG), 'Sweetheart' (SW), and 'Panama' (SH). Employing LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS for profiling, a comprehensive list of polyphenols was curated. Additionally, various antioxidant assays-DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, RPA, FICA, and •OH-RSA-were performed to evaluate their antioxidant potential. A total of 61 polyphenols were identified, categorized into phenolic acid (19), flavonoids (33), and other phenolic substances (9). In the antioxidant assays, the SHP sample exhibited the highest •OH--RSA activity at 98.64 ± 1.45 mg AAE/g, while the FGL sample demonstrated prominent DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS activities with values of 32.47 ± 1.92 mg TE/g, 62.50 ± 3.70 mg TE/g, and 57.84 ± 1.22 mg AAE/g, respectively. Additionally, TPC and several antioxidant assays had a significant positive correlation, including DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. The Australian-native passion fruits revealed distinct polyphenolic profiles and diverse antioxidant capacities, establishing a foundation for deeper health benefit analyses. This study accentuates the significance of understanding region-specific cultivars and their potential nutraceutical applications.

Chemical Compositions, Pharmacological Properties and Medicinal Effects of Genus Passiflora L.: A Review

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.

Mechanism of Salt Tolerance and Plant Growth Promotion in Priestia megaterium ZS-3 Revealed by Cellular Metabolism and Whole-Genome Studies

Approximately one-third of agricultural land worldwide is affected by salinity, which limits the productivity and sustainability of crop ecosystems. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a potential solution to this problem, as PGPR increases crop yield through improving soil fertility and stress resistance. Previous studies have shown that Priestia megaterium ZS-3(ZS-3) can effectively help plants tolerate salinity stress. However, how ZS-3 regulates its metabolic adaptations in saline environments remains unclear. In this study, we monitored the metabolic rearrangement of compatibilisers in ZS-3 and combined the findings with genomic data to reveal how ZS-3 survives in stressful environments, induces plant growth, and tolerates stress. The results showed that ZS-3 tolerated salinity levels up to 9%. In addition, glutamate and trehalose help ZS-3 adapt to osmotic stress under low NaCl stress, whereas proline, K+, and extracellular polysaccharides regulate the osmotic responses of ZS-3 exposed to high salt stress. Potting experiments showed that applying the ZS-3 strain in saline and neutral soils could effectively increase the activities of soil acid phosphatase, urease, and invertase in both soils, thus improving soil fertility and promoting plant growth. In addition, strain ZS-3-GFP colonised the rhizosphere and leaves of Cinnamomum camphora well, as confirmed by confocal microscopy and resistance plate count analysis. Genomic studies and in vitro experiments have shown that ZS-3 exhibits a variety of beneficial traits, including plant-promoting, antagonistic, and other related traits (such as resistance to saline and heavy metal stress/tolerance, amino acid synthesis and transport, volatile compound synthesis, micronutrient utilisation, and phytohormone biosynthesis/regulatory potential). The results support that ZS-3 can induce plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. These data provide important clues to further reveal the interactions between plants and microbiomes, as well as the mechanisms by which micro-organisms control plant health.

Insights into the Isolation, Identification, and Biological Characterization Analysis of and Novel Control Strategies for Diaporthe passiflorae in Postharvest Passion Fruit

Postharvest diseases seriously restrict developments in the passion fruit industry. In this study, we aimed to identify the postharvest pathogen affecting passion fruit, investigate its pathogenicity, and explore relevant control methods. The pathogen was isolated from rotting passion fruit and identified using morphological characteristics, ITS sequences, and phylogenetic tree analyses. Additionally, preliminary studies were conducted to assess the biological characteristics of the pathogen and evaluate the efficacy of various treatments for disease control. The fungus on the passion fruit called B4 was identified as Diaporthe passiflorae. Optimal conditions for mycelial growth were observed at 25-30 °C and pH 5-6, with starch as the carbon source and peptone as the nitrogen source. Infection by D. passiflorae accelerated fruit decay, reduced the h° value of the peel, and increased the peel cell membrane permeability when compared to the control. Notably, treatments with appropriate concentrations of ɛ-poly-l-lysine, salicylic acid, and melatonin showed inhibitory effects on the pathogen's growth in vitro and may thus be potential postharvest treatments for controlling brown rot caused by D. passiflorae in passion fruit. The results provide a scientific basis for the development of strategies to control postharvest decay and extend the storage period of passion fruit.

Phytochemistry, nutritional composition, health benefits and future prospects of Passiflora: A review

Passiflora, also known as "passion fruit", is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It is not only eaten raw but is also widely used in processed foods. Various extracts, juices and isolated compounds show a wide range of health effects and biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and neuroprotective effects. In this review, we not only review the phytochemical properties of Passiflora but also highlight the potential of Passiflora for food applications and the use of all parts as a source of ingredients for medicines and cosmetics that promote health and well-being. This will provide theoretical support for the integrated use of such natural products.

Enrichment of Cookies with Fruits and Their By-Products: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Properties, and Sensory Changes

Cookies made from wheat have become increasingly popular as a snack due to their various advantages, such as their convenience as a ready-to-eat and easily storable food item, wide availability in different types, and affordability. Especially in recent years, there has been a trend towards enriching food with fruit additives, which increase the health-promoting properties of the products. The aim of this study was to examine current trends in fortifying cookies with fruits and their byproducts, with a particular focus on the changes in chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and sensory attributes. As indicated by the results of studies, the incorporation of powdered fruits and fruit byproducts into cookies helps to increase their fiber and mineral content. Most importantly, it significantly enhances the nutraceutical potential of the products by adding phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity. Enriching shortbread cookies is a challenge for both researchers and producers because the type of fruit additive and level of substitution can diversely affect sensory attributes of cookies such as color, texture, flavor, and taste, which have an impact on consumer acceptability.

Elucidation of aroma compounds in passion fruit (Passiflora alata Ait) using a molecular sensory approach

In this experiment, Guangxi passion fruit was used as the raw material for natural aroma extraction using the spinning cone column (Spinning Cone Column, SCC) technique. In combination with the semi-quantitative method, the aroma characteristics of the raw pulp (raw whole-fruit puree, PU) before SCC processing, residue (Residue, RS) and extract (Extract, EX) after SCC processing, and passion fruit juice (Juice, JU) were evaluated for their aroma characteristics using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), electronic nose, and sensory evaluation. As a result, a total of 110 aroma substances were detected in four samples, and 33, 38, 73, and 28 aroma components were detected from PU, RS, EX, and JU, respectively. There are 50 compounds in EX with concentrations greater than 10 μg/kg, and 19 of them had OAV values greater than 1, including β-Ionone and linalool, which contributed significantly to the aroma. The aroma profiles and characteristics were further analyzed for JU and EX using the e-nose sensor, and it was found that both showed similar aroma profiles. The sensory evaluation results were also in general agreement with the results obtained from the electronic nose, with EX having mainly "floral", "fruity," and "sweet" aromas. The results demonstrated that the spinning cone column technique can increase the fresh and natural fruity aroma of passion fruit in the extract, which has the effect of enriching the aroma and improving the aftertaste. This study will make a foundation for passion fruit SCC extract application in drinks. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Compared with traditional extraction technology, spinning cone column technology has the advantages of high mass transfer efficiency, short extraction time, a wide range of temperature control, and the most complete extracted flavor substances, which greatly reduces the damage degree of heat-sensitive flavor substances and condense aroma. It is widely used in beverages, wine, dairy products, fruit and vegetable, spice essential oil, and other industries. Passion fruit flavor prepared by SCC technology has the advantages of high purity and high concentration, which can be used in solid drinks, baked food, convenience food, tobacco, perfume, and other products. Besides, GC-IMS is an efficient and rapid new analytical technique, which has been widely used in the flavor analysis of volatile organic compounds in food and traditional Chinese medicine samples.

Tropical fruits from Australia as potential treatments for metabolic syndrome

Australia has a unique and diverse flora, including indigenous fruits, used by Australian Aboriginals for food and medicines for up to 45,000 years as well as recently introduced fruits for commercial production. However, this range of fruits has not led to the development of functional foods, for example for chronic inflammatory diseases such as metabolic syndrome including obesity, hypertension, fatty liver and diabetes. This review examines the potential of tropical and subtropical fruits from Australia to be used as functional foods for metabolic syndrome, including Davidson's plum, Queen Garnet plum, durian, litchi, breadfruit, jackfruit, mangosteen, papaya, jabuticaba, coffee and seaweed. Preclinical studies have defined potential responses of these functional foods in metabolic syndrome but the usefulness in humans with metabolic syndrome requires clinical studies which are scarce in the relevant literature. Overall, these Australian examples show that tropical fruits can provide functional foods to decrease chronic inflammatory diseases.

Evidences of Colletotrichum fructicola Causing Anthracnose on Passiflora edulis Sims in China

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a tropical and subtropical plant that is widely cultivated in China due to its high nutritional value, unique flavor and medicinal properties. In August 2020, typical anthracnose symptoms with light brown and water-soaked lesions on Passiflora edulis Sims were observed, which result in severe economic losses. The incidence of this disease was approximately 30%. The pathogens from the infected fruit were isolated and purified by the method of tissue isolation. Morphological observations showed that the colony of isolate BXG-2 was gray to celadon and grew in concentric circles. The orange conidia appeared in the center after 14 days of incubation. The pathogenicity was verified by Koch’s postulates. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS), chitin synthase (CHS-1), actin (ACT), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were amplified by relevant PCR programs. The multi-gene (ITS, GAPDH, ACT, CHS-1) phylogeny analysis confirmed that isolate BXG-2 belongs to Colletotrichum fructicola. The inhibitory effect of six synthetic fungicides on the mycelial growth of the pathogen was investigated, among which difenoconazole 10% WG showed the best inhibitory effect against C. fructicola with an EC₅₀ value of 0.5579 mg·L⁻¹. This is the first report of anthracnose on Passiflora edulis Sims caused by Colletotrichum fructicola in China.

Brazilian passion fruit as a new healthy food: from its composition to health properties and mechanisms of action

The Brazilian biodiversity is one of the largest in the world, with about 41 000 species cataloged within two global biodiversity hotspots: Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, the Brazilian savannah. Passiflora, known also as passion flowers, is a genus of which 96% of its species are distributed in the Americas, mainly Brazil and Colombia. Passion fruit extracts have a commercial value on a global scale through the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, self-care, and food and beverage industries. Passiflora are widely studied due to their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antidepressant and vascular and neuronal protective effects, probably owing to their content of polyphenols. Passiflora setacea DC is a species of wild passion fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado, rich in flavonoid C-glycosides, homoorientin, vitexin, isovitexin and orientin. Intake of these plant food bioactives has been associated with protection against chronic non-communicable diseases (CNDCs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we aimed to discuss the varieties of Passiflora, their content in plant food bioactives and their potential molecular mechanisms of action in preventing or reversing CNDCs.