Passiflora edulis: A Bioactive Bounty – A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Passiflora edulis, commonly known as passion fruit, transcends its delightful taste by harbouring many medicinal properties. Rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols, passion fruit displays robust free-radical-scavenging effects, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits. Studies underscore its anti-cancer potential, necessitating further exploration. Passion fruit, especially its leaves, emerges as a potent source of antioxidants, as demonstrated through in vitro and in vivo assessments. Compounds like vitexin and isoorientin contribute to its antioxidative effects. Passion fruit exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, with butanoic fractions and C-glucosyl flavones showing promise in alleviating pain and suppressing inflammation. The fruit peel demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects in inflammatory bowel disease models, reinforcing its potential therapeutic role. Studies unveil passion fruit’s anti-hypertensive prowess, attributed to compounds like luteolin and γ-aminobutyric acid. Yellow passion fruit pulp and peel extract effectively reduce blood pressure, showcasing its vasodilatory effects. Passion fruit emerges as a hypolipidemic agent, countering hyperlipidemia-related risks. Juice, peel flour, and seed extracts exhibit lipid-lowering effects, attributed to compounds like pectin and linoleic acid. In the realm of antidiabetic activities, passion fruit demonstrates glucose-lowering effects in diabetic models. Aqueous leaf extracts mitigate diabetes-related complications, emphasising their potential as a preventive measure. Passion fruit peel flour improves insulin sensitivity and protects against insulin resistance. Remarkably, passion fruit unveils antitumor potential, hindering tumour growth and inducing apoptosis in various cancer cells. Polysaccharide fractions and ethanolic extracts exhibit significant anticancer effects. Finally, passion fruit manifests antidepressant properties, with cyclobutane triterpenoids identified as potential bioactive components. Ethanol extracts reduce immobility time, suggesting a role in modulating dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways. In essence, passion fruit, with its diverse bioactive compounds, holds promise as a multifaceted therapeutic agent, warranting further exploration for its extensive medicinal applications.