Passion Fruit Peel Extract Research Articles

Preparation of Passion Fruit Peel Extract/Polydopamine/Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Film and Its Application in Banana Preservation

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of blending passion fruit peel extract (PFPE) with polydopamine (PDA) solution and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) to prepare the properties of PFPE/PDA/HPMC composite films for their application in fruit and vegetable packaging. PFPE was extracted by ultrasonic‐assisted extraction method, which is simple, easy to operate and has high extraction efficiency, PFPE and dopamine were subjected to PFPE/PDA solution preparation, which in turn led to the preparation of HPMC, PFPE/PDA/HPMC films at different concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%), and 10% PDA/HPMC and PFPE/HPMC films were prepared with PDA and PFPE solutions, respectively. The interactions between the components in the films were analysed by infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffractometer, and the colour, mechanical properties, barrier properties and antioxidant activity of the films were determined. The results showed that the addition of PFPE/PDA solution had a positive effect on the performance of the films. The tensile strength of the composite films was 8.21 MPa, the elongation at break was 85.02% and the water vapour transmission was 2.62 × 10−14 g·mm/(cm2·h·Pa) when the content of PFPE/PDA was 20% compared to that of HPMC films; the DPPH radical scavenging rate and hydroxyl radical scavenging rate of the films increased with the increase of PFPE/PDA concentration, and the DPPH radical scavenging rate of the film with 20% additive was 28.71% and the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate was 34.77%, which were much higher than that of the HPMC film. The simulated bananas were stored at room temperature together with the films and stored at 25°C and tested every day, and it was found that the bananas without packaging film began to show browning on the third day, while the film with 20% additive still did not show obvious browning on the fifth day, so the addition of PFPE/PDA could effectively delay the browning of bananas and prolong their shelf life. In summary, this study improves the use value of passion fruit peel waste and provides new effective packaging for fresh bananas, while it can also provide a new way for the development of degradable films from plant extracts.

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.

A Novel Approach in Skin Care: By-Product Extracts as Natural UV Filters and an Alternative to Synthetic Ones.

The cosmetic industry has been focusing on replacing synthetic ingredients with natural ones, taking advantage of their bioactive compounds. This work assessed the biological properties of onion peel (OP) and passion fruit peel (PFP) extracts in topical formulations as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants and UV filters. The extracts were characterized regarding their antioxidant capacity, antibacterial capacity and sun protection factor (SPF) value. Results revealed that the OP extract exhibited better results, which can result from the high concentrations of quercetin, as identified and quantified in HPLC analysis. Afterward, nine formulations of O/W creams were produced with minor changes in the quantity of additives: OP and PFP extract (natural antioxidants and UV filters), BHT (synthetic antioxidant) and oxybenzone (synthetic UV filter). The stability of the formulations was determined for 28 days; it was verified that they remained stable throughout the study period. The assays of the formulations' antioxidant capacity and SPF value revealed that OP and PFP extracts have some photoprotective properties and are excellent sources of antioxidants. As a result, they can be incorporated in daily moisturizers with SPF and sunscreens replacing and/or diminishing the quantities of synthetic ingredients, reducing their negative effects on human health and the environment.

FORMULATION AND EVALUVATION OF SKIN CREAM WITH NANO SILVER SYNTHESIZED FROM PASSION FRUIT PEEL

Nano-silver technology for cosmetics preparation is quite popular in recent times because nano-silver is non-toxic and has good antibacterial properties used to create products for skin protection purposes. This studyinvestigated the preparation of a cream product that brings a moisturizing effect with hyaluronic acid and antibacterial effects with nano-silver extracted from natural, environmentally friendly passion fruit peels. The product not only meets the market demand but also brings outstanding efficiency in the application of the antibacterial properties of nano-silver to users. This study investigates the excipient ingredients to preparea complete formula cream containing nano-silver with antibacterial and skin moisturizing properties. The nano-silver lotion formula was developed by evaluating the ability of excipient emulsions including oil phase - water phase excipients, emulsifying excipients, excipients with moisturizing effect, and the ratio of nano-silver.After that, the cream was evaluated for sensory, pH, skin irritation, moisturizing ability, and antibacterial ability on some strains of bacteria. The study was success in preparing a moisturizer containing nano-silver synthesized from passion fruit peel extract, satisfying the properties of a cosmetic product and encouraging further research.

Determination of flavonoid content of ethanol and ethyl acetate extract from purple passion fruit peel

Purple passion fruit is a fruit that is widely cultivated in Indonesia for syrup and juice making. Purple passion fruit has a high nutritional value, such as antioxidants. Passion fruit contains vitamin A, vitamin C, β-carotene, flavonoid, and fiber components. However, passion fruit peel is a waste that can not be appropriately facilitated, so it becomes a waste that can pollute the environment. In addition, the passion fruit peel contains flavonoids that can be used as antidiabetic drugs. This study aimed to determine the difference in flavonoid levels in the peel extract of purple passion fruit by using ethanol and ethyl acetate solvents. The total flavonoid test using the AlCl3 method is then read on a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results showed total flavonoid levels of passion fruit peel extract with ethanol and ethyl acetate solvents of 15.01 mg QE/g samples and 1.27 mg QE/g extract. The highest total flavonoid levels were obtained in ethanol extract of 15.01 mg QE/g extract.

Rheological Behavior of Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) Peel Extract.

In this work, the rheological behavior of passion fruit peel extract was determined at different temperatures (5–40 °C) and peel content in the extract (40–55% w/w). The extract was obtained after blanching the passion fruit peels at 95 °C for 5 min, then they were crushed to reduce their size, water was added, and finally, they were subjected to liquefaction and subsequent filtration. Rheological measurements were made using a rheometer with a plate and plate geometry. Extract samples were adequately described by the power-law model exhibiting pseudoplastic behavior, without the presence of thixotropy. The temperature did not influence the flow behavior index, but the consistency coefficient did. The dynamic study (the temperature sweep test) showed that passion fruit peel extract exhibits a more elastic than viscous behavior, typical of a gel.

Aktivitas Antibakteri Ekstrak Etanol Kulit Markisa Ungu (Passiflora Edulis Sims) Terhadap Bakteri Propionibacterium Acnes

Propionibacterium acnes is a gram-positive bacterium that causes acne. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract of purple passion fruit peel (Passiflora edulis Sims) against Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. The method used to determine the antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract of passion fruit peel was a paper disc (Kirby-Bauer test). Based on the results of phytochemical screening, the purple passion fruit peel simplicia powder contains flavonoid compounds, saponins, tannins, steroids, and triterpenoids that function as antimicrobials. Based on the antibacterial activity test, the purple passion fruit peel ethanol extract at concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20% effectively inhibited the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. This can be proven from the results of the diameter of the inhibition zone that there was an increase in antibacterial effectiveness along with the increase in the concentration of purple passion fruit peel extract in inhibiting the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, namely at a concentration of 5%, the average diameter of the inhibition zone was 14.9 mm, then at a concentration of 10% the average diameter of the inhibition zone is 15.3 mm, then at a concentration of 15% the average diameter of the inhibition zone is 17.2 mm, while at a maximum concentration of 20% the average diameter of the inhibition zone is 20.1 mm. The research results conclude that the purple passion fruit rind ethanol extract effectively inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria at a concentration of 20% with an inhibition zone diameter of 20.1 mm.

MICROWAVE-ASSISTED GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING PASSION FRUIT PEEL EXTRACT FOR CATALYTIC REDUCTION OF ORGANIC DYES

Microwave-assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was investigated using passion fruit peel (PF) extract as a stabilizer and reductant. In synthesis process, the effect of several synthetic factors such as pH, silver nitrate concentration and microwave irradiation time were studied. The obtained AgNPs were well characterized by several analytical techniques including UV-vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM and zeta-potential. The presence of strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak around 400-410 nm indicated the formation of AgNPs. FTIR analysis revealed the biomolecules present in the PF extract was responsible for the reduction of silver ions and stabilization of formed AgNPs. The TEM images presented that the formed AgNPs were dispersed, nearly spherical shape and with average diameter of 12±3 nm. The powder XRD patterns of AgNPs revealed the face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. The catalytic activity of AgNPs was evaluated by NaBH4 mediated reduction of Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) and the kinetic analysis revealed pseudo-first-order nature of these reactions.

Electrostatic Spraying of Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis L.) Peel Extract for Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes on Fresh-Cut Lollo Rossa and Beetroot Leaves

In the present study, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of passion fruit peel extract (PPE) against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. The application of PPE using an electrostatic spraying system for the disinfection of fresh-cut Lollo Rossa and beetroot leaves was also examined and compared with conventional PPE washing. Time-kill assays indicated that PPE had antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes, effectively reducing the populations of the pathogenic bacteria within 3 h following treatment with 6 mg/mL PPE. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that PPE treatment caused bacterial cell death by damaging the cell membrane. PPE treatment produced significant decontamination against the pathogens on fresh-cut vegetables. Electrostatic spraying of 6 mg/mL PPE for 20 s decreased the populations of pathogenic bacteria on Lollo Rossa and beetroot leaves by 2.29–2.86 log CFU/g, regardless of the difference in the contact angle and surface roughness of the vegetables. Our results showed that electrostatic spraying of PPE was more effective than washing with PPE. Electrostatic spraying of PPE did not affect the color and texture of fresh-cut Lollo Rossa leaves during storage, suggesting that it can be used as a novel disinfection method.

Effects of Nutritional Interventions in the Control of Musculoskeletal Pain: An Integrative Review.

Food consumption has significant positive effects on an individual’s health status, including the reduction of symptoms associated with musculoskeletal pain. However, specific food groups indicated for the treatment of pain are not yet determined. Hence, this review aimed to analyze the effects of nutritional interventions with specific diets, oils and/or fatty acids, and foodstuffs in natura in the reduction of musculoskeletal pain. An integrative review was conducted in the following databases: Embase, PubMed, LILACS, and Google Scholar. Clinical trials written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and published between 2000 and March 2020 were included in this review. Seventeen studies were included. Among these, a reduction of musculoskeletal pain with different types of nutritional interventions, such as vegan and Mediterranean diets and the consumption of blueberry, strawberry, passion fruit peel extract, argan oil, fish oil (omega-3), olive oil, and undenatured type II collagen and vitamin D gel capsules, was observed in 14 studies. Eight studies evaluated the profiles of several inflammatory markers, and of these, decreased interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were observed in two studies. This review suggests that different nutritional interventions with specific diets, oils and/or fatty acids, and foodstuffs in natura reduce musculoskeletal pain, specifically in adults with osteoarthritis. Besides pain improvement, nutritional interventions, including the consumption of strawberry and vitamin D gel capsules, decrease the levels of several inflammatory markers.

Antiaging Activity of Gel Preparation Containing Three Varieties of Passion Fruit Peel Ethanolic Extract

BACKGROUND: Antiaging cosmetics are cosmetics that can prevent or correct the signs of premature aging. Passion fruit (Passiflora sp.) peel is an agricultural waste contains polyphenol compounds and flavonoids which are a source of natural antioxidants to prevent premature aging. The passion fruit peel extract formulated into gel preparations which can increase the economic value of the passion fruit peel waste.
 OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to test the antiaging activity of gel preparations containing ethanolic extracts of purple, red, and yellow passion fruit on experimental animal skins with several parameters (wrinkle, melanin, pore, moisture, and elasticity).
 METHODS: Gel was made by adding passion fruit peel extract with several concentrations (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, and 0.25%) in gel base. The blank used is a gel base without extracts. Measurement of wrinkle, black pigment (melanin), pore size, moisture content, and elasticity was performed using a skin analyzer. The use of gel is done 2 times a day for 28 days.
 RESULTS: Gel with purple, red, and yellow passion fruit peel extract can be formulated into gel preparations. The higher concentration of passion fruit peel extract shows a higher antiaging activity. Gel preparations with purple, red, and yellow passion fruit peel extract, respectively, show the recovery of wrinkle 16.16%, 8.73%, and 6.49%; recovery of melanin 20.11%, 10.75%, and 8.06%; recovery of pore 18.78%, 10.15%, and 7.69%; recovery of moisture 32.74%, 17.70%, and 13.04%; and recovery of elasticity 30.08%, 16.13%, and 12.30%.
 CONCLUSIONS: The highest antiaging activity was given by gel preparations containing purple passion fruit peel extract and the lowest antiaging activity was given by gel preparations with yellow passion fruit peel extracts.

Hepatoprotective Activity and Nephroprotective Activity of Peel Extract from Three Varieties of the Passion Fruit (Passiflora Sp.) in the Albino Rat.

BACKGROUND:The Passion Fruit (Passiflora sp.) that grows in the Indonesian region generally has three varieties, namely purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.), red passion fruit (Passiflora ligularis Juss.), and yellow passion fruit (Passiflora verrucifera Lindl.). The passion fruit peel is an economic waste that has not been utilised optimally, but has many efficacious phytochemical contents.AIM:The objectives of this research are to examine scientifically hepatoprotective activity (with paracetamol-induced hepatotoxic) and nephroprotective activity (with gentamicin-induced nephrotoxic) from three varieties of the passion fruit (purple passion fruit peel extract, red passion fruit peel extract and yellow passion fruit peel extract) in the albino rat (Rattus norvegicus).METHODS:Three varieties of passion fruit peels were extracted by maceration method. The experimental animals used were the albino rat (Rattus norvegicus). Hepatoprotective activity was done by the liver biochemical (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) analysis with paracetamol (hepatotoxic compound) induced after 10 days of treatment with extract. Nephroprotective activity was done by the kidney biochemical (urea and creatinine) analysis with gentamicin (nephrotoxic compound) induced after 10 days of treatment with extract.RESULTS:The hepatoprotective activity for positive control was similar to the 250 mg of purple passion fruit peel extract per kg of body weight, 250 mg of red passion fruit peel extract per kg of body weight, and 500 mg of yellow passion fruit peel extract per kg of body weight. The nephroprotective activity for positive control (50 mg of silymarin per kg of body weight) was similar to the 250 mg of purple passion fruit peel extract per kg of body weight, 500 mg of red passion fruit peel extract per kg of body weight, and 500 mg of yellow passion fruit peel extract per kg of body weight.CONCLUSIONS:The extracts were shown hepatoprotective activity and nephroprotective activity with a dose-dependent activity. The hepatoprotective activity and nephroprotective activity of purple passion fruit peel extract were the best compared to red passion fruit peel extract and yellow passion fruit peel extract.

Dietary Supplements for Treating Osteoarthritis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements for patients with osteoarthritis. Design An intervention systematic review with random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Allied and Complementary Medicine and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched from inception to April 2017. Study eligibility criteria Randomised controlled trials comparing oral supplements with placebo for hand, hip or knee osteoarthritis. Results Of 20 supplements investigated in 69 eligible studies, 7 (collagen hydrolysate, passion fruit peel extract, Curcuma longa extract, Boswellia serrata extract, curcumin, pycnogenol and L-carnitine) demonstrated large (effect size >0.80) and clinically important effects for pain reduction at short term. Another six (undenatured type II collagen, avocado soybean unsaponifiables, methylsulfonylmethane, diacerein, glucosamine and chondroitin) revealed statistically significant improvements on pain, but were of unclear clinical importance. Only green-lipped mussel extract and undenatured type II collagen had clinically important effects on pain at medium term. No supplements were identified with clinically important effects on pain reduction at long term. Similar results were found for physical function. Chondroitin demonstrated statistically significant, but not clinically important structural improvement (effect size −0.30, –0.42 to −0.17). There were no differences between supplements and placebo for safety outcomes, except for diacerein. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation suggested a wide range of quality evidence from very low to high. Conclusions The overall analysis including all trials showed that supplements provided moderate and clinically meaningful treatment effects on pain and function in patients with hand, hip or knee osteoarthritis at short term, although the quality of evidence was very low. Some supplements with a limited number of studies and participants suggested large treatment effects, while widely used supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin were either ineffective or showed small and arguably clinically unimportant treatment effects. Supplements had no clinically important effects on pain and function at medium-term and long-term follow-ups.

Influence of extraction conditions on antioxidant properties of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) peel.

As a by-product of tropical fruit juice industry, passion fruit peel is a valuable functional food. It is rich in antioxidants. To determine its potential antioxidant properties of passion fruit peel, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of extraction conditions on total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The extraction conditions were selected from different percentages of ethanol (0-100%, v/v), extraction times (60-300 min), and extraction temperatures (25-60°C) that based on the optimal percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity. The selected extraction condition was applied for further determination of total phenolic content (TPC) of the passion fruit peel extract using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent assay, while the antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging assays, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and β-carotene bleaching (BCB) assay. The best extraction conditions were 40% ethanol, 60 min extraction time, and extraction temperature of 30°C. The chosen extraction conditions have contributed to the high TPC and antioxidant activity of passion fruit peel. The levels of antioxidant activity obtained from the passion fruit peel were also lower compared to BHA and α-tocopherol. Positive correlations were observed between TPC and antioxidant activities as assessed by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and BCB assays. As a waste of passion fruit consumption or by-product of fruit juice industry, its peel could be considered as a potential source of natural antioxidant for possible functional food and industrial applications.

Passion fruit peel extract attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive fatal lung disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition, with no effective treatments. We investigated the efficacy of natural products with high anti-inflammatory activity, such as passion fruit peel extract (PFPE), in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin to induce PF. Daily PFPE treatment significantly reduced loss of body mass and mortality rate in mice compared with those treated with bleomycin. While bleomycin-induced PF resulted in elevated total numbers of inflammatory cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid on both days 7 and 21, PFPE administration significantly attenuated these phenomena compared with bleomycin group. On day 7, the decreased superoxide dismutase and myeloperoxidase activities observed in the bleomycin group were significantly restored with PFPE treatment. On day 21, enhanced hydroxyproline deposition in the bleomycin group was also suppressed by PFPE administration. PFPE treatment significantly attenuated extensive inflammatory cell infiltration and accumulation of collagen in lung tissue sections of bleomycin-induced mice on days 7 and 21, respectively. Our results indicate that administration of PFPE decreased bleomycin-induced PF because of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Efficacy of Purple Passion Fruit Peel Extract in Lowering Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

The clinical efficacy of purple passion fruit peel extract (a flavonoid-rich dietary supplement) in reducing cardiovascular risk factors in adult type 2 diabetic subjects was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-one subjects were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of purple passion fruit (220 mg) or a matched placebo for 16 weeks. Body mass index, blood pressure, fasting and postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile were determined at baseline and at monthly intervals. A significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose was observed following administration of purple passion fruit ( P < .05). Purple passion fruit was well tolerated, and no adverse events were reported. These data suggest that purple passion fruit supplementation for 16 weeks in type 2 diabetics results in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose, indicating that purple passion fruit is safe and well tolerated by diabetics.

Antihypertensive effect of passion fruit peel extract and its major bioactive components following acute supplementation in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Extracts from leaves, peels or flowers of Passiflora are noted for their medicinal effects. Passiflora edulis peel extract (PFPE) has been proposed to lower blood pressure (BP); however, only indirect measurement techniques have been employed. To more accurately measure the effect of PFPE on hemodynamic parameters and determine the minimal effective dose, hemodynamic parameters were directly measured in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) implanted with radiotelemeters. PFPE was given orally at 0, 2.5, 50 or 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) to determine the minimal effective dose. Once this dose was determined, the potential active components, edulilic acid (EA), anthocyanin fraction (AF) or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), were tested to determine which may contribute to the reductions in BP. The 50 mg PFPE/kg BW dose was the lowest dose that significantly reduced all hemodynamic parameters from baseline when compared to control. When the potential actives were provided at equivalent doses to those found in 50 mg PFPE/kg BW, the EA and AF significantly reduced all measured hemodynamic parameters from baseline when compared to control. GABA did not significantly affect any hemodynamic parameters compared to control and significantly increased heart rate. These direct measurements indicate that PFPE can decrease hemodynamic parameters in SHR and indicate that EA and AF are active compounds that contribute to the antihypertensive effects of PFPE supplementation. While these results are encouraging, detailed mechanistic studies are needed to determine the putative value of PFPE for blood pressure control in humans.

Oral intake of purple passion fruit peel extract reduces pain and stiffness and improves physical function in adult patients with knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disorder and a major cause of pain and disability. The hypothesis tested in this study was that the passion fruit peel extract (PFP), a flavonoid-rich dietary supplement, would reduce symptoms due to knee OA. Thirty-three OA patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with parallel-group design. Patients received either placebo or PFP pills (150 mg, daily) in a double-blinded fashion for 2 months. The OA clinical symptoms were evaluated monthly with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index. In the PFP group, there was a significant improvement in total WOMAC score and WOMAC subscale score of physical function after 30 days and pain after 60 days. At 60 days, reductions of 18.6%, 18%, 19.6%, and 19.2% in pain, stiffness, physical function, and composite WOMAC score, respectively, were self-reported in the PFP group. Whereas, in the placebo group, the self-reported WOMAC scores increased in every category. The results of this study show that PFP substantially alleviated osteoarthritis symptoms. This beneficial effect of PFP may be due to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties.

Oral administration of the purple passion fruit peel extract reduces wheeze and cough and improves shortness of breath in adults with asthma

Asthma, affecting as many as 400 million individuals worldwide, is one of the most prevalent chronic health condition in the United States. With an increasing number of patients with asthma and the frequent inability of conventional lifestyle modification and therapy to effectively control the problem, nutritional and dietary therapies are being sought. This study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of the purple passion fruit peel (PFP) extract, a novel mixture of bioflavonoids, on asthma symptoms. Patients with asthma were studied in a 4-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with oral administration of PFP extract (150 mg/d) or placebo pills. The effects of PFP extract were evaluated by assessing the clinical symptoms of asthma and spirometry tests. Most clinical symptoms of asthma of the PFP extract-treated group were moderated significantly compared to the baseline. The prevalence of wheeze, cough, as well as shortness of breath was reduced significantly in group treated with PFP extract (P < .05), whereas the placebo caused no significant improvement. Purple passion fruit peel extract supplementation resulted in a marked increase in forced vital capacity (P < .05) as placebo showed no effect. However, no significant improvement was observed in the forced expiratory volume at 1 second of those supplemented with PFP extract. No adverse effect was reported by any of study participants. The PFP extract may be safely offered to asthmatic subjects as an alternative treatment option to reduce clinical symptoms.

Oral Administration of the Purple Passion Fruit Peel Extract Reduces Asthma Symptoms in Humans

Oral Administration of the Purple Passion Fruit Peel Extract Reduces Asthma Symptoms in Humans