Search Results (185)

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims), belonging to the Passifloraceae family, is an economically important plant in tropical and subtropical regions. The advances in functional genomics research of passion fruit have been significantly hindered by its recalcitrance to regeneration and stable transformation. This study establishes the first efficient Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy root transformation system for passion fruit. Utilizing the eGFP marker gene, transformation efficiencies of 11.3% were initially achieved with strains K599, MSU440, and C58C1, with K599 proving most effective. Key transformation parameters were systematically optimized to achieve the following: OD₆₀₀ = 0.6, infection duration 30 min, acetosyringone concentration 100 μM, and a dark co-cultivation period of 2 days. The system’s utility was further enhanced by incorporating the red visual marker RUBY, enabling direct, instrument-free identification of transgenic roots via betaxanthin accumulation. Finally, this system was applied for functional analysis using PeMYB123, which may be involved in proanthocyanidin accumulation. Overexpression of PeMYB123 produced a higher content of proanthocyanidin in hairy roots. Additionally, the PeANR gene involved in the proanthocyanidin pathway was strongly activated in the transgenic hairy roots. This rapid and efficient visually simplified hairy root transformation system provides a powerful tool for functional gene studies in passion fruit. Full article

Background: Chronic pain poses a major global health burden, often inadequately managed by conventional analgesics due to limited efficacy and side effects. In this context, plant-based therapies offer a promising alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and analgesic potential of four medicinal plants traditionally used for pain relief: Morus alba, Angelica archangelica, Valeriana officinalis, and Passiflora incarnata. Methods: Phytochemical analyses quantified total phenolic acid, flavonoid, and polyphenolic acid contents in the extracts. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the ABTS radical scavenging assay. Analgesic effects were evaluated in vivo using the hot-plate and tail-flick tests in mice treated for 14 days with plant extracts or paracetamol. Results: Morus alba showed the highest polyphenolic content and strongest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.0695 mg/mL). In analgesic tests, Angelica archangelica demonstrated the most significant effect in the hot-plate test (72.2% increase in latency), while Valeriana officinalis had the highest efficacy in the tail-flick test (41.81%), exceeding paracetamol’s performance in that model. Conclusions: While antioxidant activity correlated with polyphenol content, analgesic effects appeared to involve additional mechanisms. These findings support the potential of Angelica archangelica and Valeriana officinalis as effective natural alternatives for pain relief. Full article

Background/Objectives: Passiflora (passionflower), traditionally used for anxiety and insomnia, is primarily known for GABAergic modulation. However, evidence suggests broader neuropharmacological actions. This review aimed to systematically explore non-GABAergic mechanisms of Passiflora. Methods: We performed a systematic review following PRISMA Guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420251028681). PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for original research on non-GABA neurobiological mechanisms of Passiflora species (P. incarnata, P. edulis, P. caerulea, P. actinia, P. foetida). Studies were screened and assessed for eligibility, and data on design, Passiflora preparation, mechanisms, and main findings were extracted. Results: Thirteen studies revealed diverse non-GABAergic actions. Passiflora modulates opioidergic and nicotinic cholinergic systems (relevant to analgesia), monoaminergic pathways (affecting dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin), and the glutamatergic system (offering neuroprotection via NMDA receptor inhibition). It also exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (reducing cytokines, activating Nrf2) and modulates the HPA axis (reducing stress hormones). Other mechanisms include gut microbiota modulation and metabolic effects. Conclusions: Passiflora’s therapeutic potential extends beyond GABA, involving multiple neurotransmitter systems and neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and HPA axis-regulating activities. This multi-target profile likely contributes to its clinical efficacy in conditions like anxiety, pain, and stress, potentially with a favorable side-effect profile. Further research, including mechanistic studies and clinical trials with relevant biomarkers, is needed to fully elucidate its complex pharmacology. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of reduced glutathione (GSH) application on the production and quality of sour passion fruit irrigated with brackish water in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in drainage lysimeters under greenhouse conditions at the Center of Technology and Natural Resources of the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG). Treatments combined five levels of electrical conductivity of brackish irrigation water (Bw: 0.4, 1.2, 2.0, 2.8, and 3.6 dS m⁻¹) and four GSH concentrations (0, 40, 80, and 120 mg L⁻¹), arranged in a randomized block design with three replicates. Salinity levels above 0.4 dS m⁻¹ negatively affected fruit production and post-harvest quality of ‘BRS GA1’ sour passion fruit. Foliar application of 120 mg L⁻¹ GSH increased fruit yield, while 74 mg L⁻¹ GSH mitigated salt stress effects on production and pulp chemical quality. The ‘BRS GA1’ cultivar was highly sensitive to salinity, showing a 26.9% yield reduction per unit increase in Bw electrical conductivity above 0.4 dS m⁻¹. The results suggest that GSH can alleviate salt stress damage, improving crop productivity and fruit quality under semi-arid conditions. Full article

Passiflora cincinnata (Mast), native to the Brazilian semi-arid region, produces exotic fruits even under low water availability. However, its green coloration at ripening complicates optimal harvesting, impacting post-harvest fruit quality. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of cultivation systems (irrigated and rainfed) and different ripening stages on the physical and post-harvest characteristics of wild passion fruit during the second production cycle. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to two cultivation systems (irrigated and rainfed) and four fruit ripening stages (60, 80, 100, and 120 days after anthesis—DAA), with five replications. The fruit pulps were analyzed for physicochemical characterization and bioactive compounds. The physical and chemical characteristics of wild passion fruit were influenced by ripening stages and the irrigation system. The rainfed system decreased the total fruit mass by 15.50% compared to the irrigated cultivation. Additionally, the rainfed cultivation reduced the fruit color index by 14.82% and altered the respiratory pattern, causing a linear decrease of 73.37% in the respiration rate during ripening, in contrast to the behavior observed in the irrigated system, which reached an estimated minimum rate of 33.74 mg CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 110 days after anthesis. Full article

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) functions as a signaling molecule that triggers physiological and biochemical adjustments that help plants cope with environmental stress. This study evaluated the effects of foliar application of 1.5 mM H₂O₂ on the physiological and biochemical responses of Passiflora incarnata subjected to 14 days of drought stress followed by 5 days of rehydration. Drought reduced Fv/Fm and photochemical efficiency, as well as stomatal conductance and transpiration rates. H₂O₂ treatment under drought further reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration, suggesting enhanced water conservation. Drought-stressed plants treated with H₂O₂ exhibited increased concentrations of glucose, fructose, and mannose along with reduced sucrose levels, indicating osmotic adjustment and energy mobilization. Enzymatic antioxidant activity, particularly that of superoxide dismutase and catalase, increased with H₂O₂ treatment, while peroxidase activity remained low. The content of vitexin, arabinose, and trehalose decreased under drought, likely due to their roles in membrane protection, as MDA levels remained stable. After rehydration, Fv/Fm and ΦPSII recovered, and H₂O₂-treated plants showed higher carbon assimilation and carboxylation efficiency. These results indicate that H₂O₂ promotes drought acclimation and enhances post-stress recovery in P. incarnata. We conclude that H₂O₂ induces signaling pathways, with trehalose, arabinose, and vitexin contributing to the regeneration of the photochemical apparatus, as well as defense and acclimation under drought conditions. Full article

The current study evaluated the anticonvulsant properties of ethanolic extracts from Morus alba, Angelica archangelica, Passiflora incarnata, and Valeriana officinalis using integrated phytochemical, in vivo, biochemical, and computational approaches. Phytochemical analysis by UHPLC-HRMS/MS revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, notably flavonoids such as isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. In an electroshock-induced seizure model, Morus alba extract (MAE, 100 mg/kg) demonstrated significant anticonvulsant effects, reducing both seizure duration and incidence, likely mediated by flavonoid interactions with GABA-A and 5-HT3A receptors, as suggested by target prediction and molecular docking analyses. The extracts of Angelica archangelica (AAE, 100 mg/kg) and Passiflora incarnata (PIE, 50 mg/kg) exhibited moderate, non-significant anticonvulsant activities. At the same time, Valeriana officinalis (VOE, 50 mg/kg) displayed considerable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but limited seizure protection. All extracts significantly reduced brain inflammation markers (TNF-α) and enhanced antioxidant defenses, as indicated by total thiols. Molecular docking further supported the interaction of key phytochemicals, including naringenin and chlorogenic acid, with human and mouse 5-HT3A receptors. Overall, Morus alba extract exhibited promising therapeutic potential for epilepsy management, warranting further investigation into chronic seizure models and optimized dosing strategies. Full article

Passiflora caerulea L., commonly known as the blue passionflower, is traditionally grown as an ornamental plant, but has a diverse chemical composition resulting in a wide range of biological activities that determine its pharmacological properties and use in medicine. Traditional propagation methods, including seed germination and vegetative cuttings, are often inefficient due to low germination rates, susceptibility to pathogens, and slow growth. In particular, P. caerulea presents significant challenges in germination due to its slow development. In this context, in vitro cultivation is used to enable rapid, large-scale plant production while maintaining genetic fidelity. The study of Passiflora tissue cultures began in 1966 and has since attracted increasing attention from researchers around the world. However, despite growing interest, studies specifically focused on the in vitro propagation of P. caerulea remain limited. This review aims to summarize existing knowledge on the main techniques used for in vitro culturing and propagation of P. caerulea, including organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, and callogenesis. Particular attention is paid to the key factors that influence the initiation, growth, and regeneration of cultures, including the type of explant, the composition of the media, and the environmental conditions. Advances in the in vitro cultivation of P. caerulea have greatly improved the understanding and propagation of this species. Although in vitro cultivation offers several advantages, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on the selection of explants, their age, and the appropriate culture media to ensure optimal growth and development. Full article

Passion fruit is an underutilised fruit in Northeastern India, known for its unique flavour and health benefits. This study analysed 15 genotypes (P1 to P15) to explore their morphological and biochemical traits related to fruit quality and yield. P. quadrangularis L. (P15) exhibited maximum flower length, fruit size, weight, juice content, shelf-life, and yield. P. edulis f. flavicarpa (P3, P5, and P2) had the highest seed count per fruit and antioxidant activity, along with greater chlorophyll and anthocyanin levels. Passiflora edulis Sims (P8 and P11) showed superior total soluble solids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. The study found that fruit shelf life positively correlated with seed weight, while the number of fruits per vine negatively correlated with seed traits and peel weight. Additionally, certain traits, such as total carotenoids, had strong positive correlations with reducing sugar and flavonoids. Principal component analysis revealed distinct trait relationships, particularly for genotypes P7 and P10. SDS-PAGE protein profiling indicated a significant distance between P3 and P14, emphasising genetic diversity. In conclusion, this research highlights the diverse morphological and biochemical characteristics of passion fruit genotypes, paving the way for the region’s improved fruit quality, yield, and breeding strategies. Full article

Background: Feeding and Eating Disorders (FEDs) are severe mental health conditions often emerging during childhood or adolescence, with rising prevalence. They are frequently associated with psychiatric and organic comorbidities, including anxiety symptoms and insomnia. Phytotherapy, particularly Passiflora incarnata L. Herba, has been suggested as a potential treatment option for anxiety and insomnia in youth. Methods: this is an observational and retrospective study that includes patients assessed in a third-level Italian Regional Centre for Feeding and Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023. Eligible patients had a confirmed diagnosis of a FED, along with either an anxiety or a sleep disorder. During follow-up, the clinical efficacy of Passiflora incarnata L. Herba was assessed using the Clinical Global Impression–Improvement scale (CGI-I). Comparative analyses were conducted by stratifying the sample based on the target symptoms (sleep disorders/insomnia and anxiety), FED subtype, and whether polytherapy was used. Results: this study includes 94 patients, with most diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (71.3%). Passiflora incarnata L. Herba was administered at a dosage of 200 mg (1–2 tablets for day). It was often combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (56.5%), atypical antipsychotics (27.7%), or benzodiazepines (7.4%). Treatment was initiated for anxiety symptoms (75.5%) or insomnia (28.7%). No side effects were reported. Among patients with specific outcome data, 53.3% reported improvements in anxiety symptoms, and 45.4% reported improvements in insomnia. Conclusions: this is the first study to evaluate the use of Passiflora incarnata L. Herba for anxiety and insomnia in children and adolescents with FEDs. Our findings suggest that Passiflora incarnata L. Herba may serve as a well-tolerated adjunctive treatment, showing symptomatic improvement in up to 53% of the patients with data on treatment outcomes. Notably, 53.3% and 45.4% of participants, with specific outcome data, reported reduced anxiety and insomnia symptoms, respectively. Given its excellent safety profile and preliminary efficacy, Passiflora incarnata L. Herba may represent a promising alternative for patients with mild symptoms or for caregivers hesitant about conventional pharmacotherapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous studies have shown that unformulated extracts of Passiflora ligularis leaves exhibit promising antidiabetic activity. This research aimed to demonstrate that formulating the extract into a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (PLE-SEDDS) enhanced its antidiabetic activity in a high-fat-diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model. Methods: Blood glucose levels (BGLs) of diabetic mice were monitored during 21 days of oral administration of P. ligularis extract (PLE) and PLE-SEDDS. Control groups included metformin (positive control), vehicle, and SEDDS vehicle (negative controls). The animals underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation quantified by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in the kidney, liver, and pancreas, complemented with histopathological analysis. Additionally, plasma lipid profile parameters were evaluated. Results: The PLE-SEDDS formulation demonstrated superior efficacy compared to the PLE extract in improving antidiabetic outcomes. Animals treated with PLE-SEDDS exhibited a minimal increase in blood glucose levels (11.5%) during the OGTT, compared to 27.4% with PLE and over 77% in the vehicle groups. PLE-SEDDS also showed greater enhancement of SOD and CAT activity, along with a more pronounced reduction in MDA levels, indicating stronger protection against oxidative stress. Histological analysis revealed significant preservation of pancreatic islets, and lipid profile analysis showed greater reductions in triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL-C, alongside increased HDL-C levels. Conclusions: Altogether, these findings suggest that PLE-SEDDS exhibits superior antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects compared to the unformulated extract, making this novel formulation a promising option for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. Full article

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is consumed worldwide, and its processing generates a substantial amount of waste, particularly from the seeds and peels. This study investigated the potential of valorizing passion fruit seeds by adding them to high-fiber snack bars. Seed-enriched snack bars were evaluated for their sensory qualities, antioxidant activities, and nutritional compositions. Seed addition markedly increased the dietary fiber content (from 4.17% to 5.66%), fat content (from 15.02% to 19.63%), and antioxidant activity (e.g., 83.38% vs. 82.47% DPPH inhibition at 50 ppm) compared to the control. This was mainly due to the presence of piceatannol, a potent bioactive molecule. The overall phenolic content decreased from 90.11 to 65.37 mg GAE/100 g, suggesting intricate matrix interactions. The control bars exhibited a higher overall acceptability score, whereas the seed bars remained within the acceptable sensory range and required only minor texture adjustments. Microbiological analyses confirmed that both formulations retained their safety for 7 days at +4 °C, with appropriate levels of yeast and total viable count and no mold growth. These results suggest that passion fruit seeds have the potential to be used as a sustainable functional food ingredient. Further research is warranted to improve the sensory qualities and shelf-life stability. Full article

Heat stress severely inhibited the flower bud growth and development of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) in summer, resulting in severe production damage. Protein phosphorylation plays a key role in plant protein regulatory networks in response to abiotic stress, while the mechanism of phosphorylation regulation response to heat stress in passion fruit is still unknown. In this study, 97.62% of passion fruit floral buds withered and fell off after 2 h of heat stress, compared to 3.33% after 0.5 h. A total of 10,614 phosphorylation sites across 2906 proteins were identified by phosphoproteomic analysis. Among them, 1343 differentially regulated phosphoproteins (DRPPs) were mainly located in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and chloroplast. The DRPPs whose phosphorylation sites were induced by heat stress were mainly involved in the ‘ABC transporters’, ‘Plant hormone signal transduction’, and ‘MAPK signaling’ pathways. In addition, the accumulations of ABA and H₂O₂ were induced under heat stress for 0.5 h. Through protein interaction prediction and qRT-PCR analyses, we identified a key protein PePP2C1, in which the levels of gene expression, protein expression, and phosphorylation were induced by heat stress. The transient assays showed that the overexpression of PePP2C1 inhibited the accumulation of H₂O₂. Our results suggested the potential role of phosphoproteins under heat stress in the floral buds of passion fruit. The findings in this study contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of phosphoproteins in response to heat stress. Full article

This study aimed to explore the RNA viruses affecting Passiflora species in Brazil. Our results enhance the understanding of the viruses that infect Passiflora plants by identifying and characterizing three previously unrecognized viruses: Passiflora cytorhabdovirus (PFCV), Passiflora nucleorhabdovirus 1 (PaNV1), and Passiflora nucleorhabdovirus 2 (PaNV2). These rhabdoviruses were identified through high-throughput sequencing and validated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in various Passiflora species. PFCV has a genome organization 3′-N-P-P3-P4-M-G-P7-L-5′ and was classified as a novel member of the Gammacytorhabdovirus genus. A particularly noteworthy feature of PFCV is its glycoprotein, as the genomes of other gammarhabdoviruses do not contain this gene. PFCV has a high incidence across multiple locations and was identified in plants from Northeastern, Central, and Southeastern Brazil. PaNV1 with genome structure 3′-N-P-P3-M-G-L-5′ and PaNV2 with genome organization 3′-N-X-P-Y-M-G-L-5′ are new members of the Alphanucleorhabdovirus genus and have a more restricted occurrence. Importantly, all three viruses were found in mixed infections alongside at least one other virus. In situ observations confirmed mixed infections, with PaNV2 particles co-located in tissues with a potyvirus and a carlavirus. Phylogenetic and glycoprotein sequence similarity network analysis provided insights into their evolutionary placement and potential vector associations. These findings expand the known diversity of rhabdoviruses in Passiflora and contribute to the understanding of their evolution and epidemiology. Full article

Evaluating the genetic variability of germplasms is essential for enhancing and developing superior cultivars. However, there is limited information on cultivated germplasm diversity for Australian passion fruit breeding programs. The genetic diversity of Australian passion fruit (Passiflora spp.), including 94 rootstocks and 95 scions, was evaluated to support breeding programs aimed at enhancing productivity, fruit quality, and overall crop resilience. Rootstocks were genotyped using high-density 24k Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT)-based single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, while genetic characterization of scions was conducted using eight simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The resulting genetic relationships revealed significant variation within rootstock populations. Bayesian cluster analysis in STRUCTURE showed that the rootstock population was divided into six distinct genetic groups, whereas only two subpopulations were identified among the scion accessions. SNP-based genotyping further highlighted the allelic diversity of Australian rootstocks, suggesting a rich reservoir of genetic traits for rootstock improvement. These findings underscore the importance of preserving and utilizing genetic diversity in Australian passion fruit germplasm to drive the development of superior cultivars with enhanced adaptability and performance under diverse environmental conditions. Full article