Bioactive Compound Extraction and Functional Properties of Passion Fruit
Summary
Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) and related species are rich sources of bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids and vitamins. Extraction technologies have been refined from conventional solvent systems to advanced techniques such as ultrasonic cellulase-assisted extraction, response surface methodology-guided optimisation and aqueous-ethanolic fractionation. These methods enhance yields of key constituents like cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, piceatannol and scirpusin B from seeds, rinds and epicarp. The recovered compounds exhibit potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, neuroprotective effects via inhibition of amyloid-β aggregation and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, as well as anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic properties. Efforts to valorise agricultural by-products align with sustainable bioeconomy goals and support the development of functional foods, natural colourants and nutraceuticals. Variations in solvent polarity, temperature, pH and enzymatic pre-treatment have been shown to impact the phytochemical profile and biological efficacy, highlighting the need for standardised protocols. Globally, passion fruit extracts are gaining traction as complementary therapies and high-value ingredients, reflecting their broad scope from clinical nutrition to food technology.
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Bioactive Compound Extraction and Functional Properties of Passion Fruit publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in bioactive compound extraction and functional properties of passion fruit across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Polyphenols: A class of plant secondary metabolites with multiple phenolic units, known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Anthocyanins: Water-soluble pigments responsible for red, purple and blue colours, exhibiting free radical scavenging activity.
Response Surface Methodology (RSM): A statistical tool for optimising experimental conditions by modelling interactions between multiple variables.
Ultrasonic Cellulase-Assisted Extraction: A technique combining ultrasound and enzyme treatment to disrupt cell walls and enhance compound release.
Neuroprotective Activity: The ability of a substance to preserve neuronal structure and function against injury or degeneration.
References
- Extracts and Scirpusin B from Recycled Seeds and Rinds of Passion Fruits (Passiflora edulis var. Tainung No. 1) Exhibit Improved Functions in Scopolamine-Induced Impaired-Memory ICR Mice. Antioxidants (2023).
- Optimization of Ultrasonic Cellulase-Assisted Extraction and Antioxidant Activity of Natural Polyphenols from Passion Fruit. Molecules (2021).
- Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Passiflora spp. Germplasm Grown in Ecuador. Plants (2022).
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