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Interest in plant pathogens for classical biological control (CBC) of invasive introduced plants has increased steadily since the 1970s. The introduced plant Passiflora foetida sensu lato invades large tracts of land across northern Australia and CBC represents a possible solution to reduce its abundance and spread. Field surveys for foliar fungal pathogens of P. foetida s.l. were performed between 2017 and 2020 in Colombia. Molecular sequencing was used to confirm the identity of plants surveyed at each site and to explore genetic variation between sites. Leaf spots of various sizes and sometime associated with chlorosis as well as necrosis of leaf edges were the main disease symptoms observed. These symptoms were not severe and did not appear to affect plant growth. No disease symptoms caused by obligate biotrophic fungi nor girdling lesions on stems were observed. Of the 125 fungal isolates recovered from the collected diseased material, only 21 were considered as pathogenic on P. foetida s.l. in detached-leaf assays. Morphological examinations and sequencing of the 21 pathogenic isolates revealed that they belong to 11 genera. Based on the low severity of disease symptoms observed in the field, we conclude that these isolates do not warrant further investigations as potential CBC agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflora cincinnata Mast. is described as a native Caatinga species, used by nutritional and medicinal purposes, although there are still few studies and pharmacological data related to this species. This paper aims to evaluate the safety profile and hypolipidemic potential of the fruit peel of this species in mice. It was analyzed the chemical composition of ethanolic extract (EtOH-Pc) by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, and the organic and inorganic composition of flour (MF-Pc). Also were evaluated the acute toxicity, the lipid-lowering potential of these samples, through of a pretreatment (oral: 100 and 200 mg/kg), and a single treatment with the same doses, after hyperlipidemic induction with triton WR-1339, using as animal model Swiss Mus musculus mice, besides histopathological analysis. The presence of flavonoids in the extract was confirmed, mainly C-glycosides, and antioxidant minerals and pectin, in flour. No clinical signs of toxicity or death were reported in the study. In the hyperlipidemia study model used, the analyzed substances, at all doses, notably decreased the lipid levels of TC, TG, LDL-c and VLDL-c and increase the HDL-c levels in the induced hyperlipidemic mice (p < 0.05). The results of the histopathological analysis showed that in the group only induced was identified the discrete presence of hepatic steatosis, in 2 animals at the analysis of 24 h, not being visualized in the groups treated with the substances evaluated. The results obtained in the present study suggest a hypolipidemic potential of the extract and flour, obtained from the fruit peel of Passiflora cincinnata Mast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activities of radionuclides in some medicinal plants in South Africa were determined using gamma-ray spectrometry to assess the radiological health hazards and excess lifetime cancer risks associated with their use. The activity of 238U(eU), 232Th(eTh), and 40K ranged from 20 to 57 Bq kg−1, 15–48 Bq kg−1, and 110–570 Bq kg−1, with the highest of 238U (38–57) Bq kg−1, and 232Th (32–48) Bq kg−1 recorded for the Gunnera perpensa and 40K (390–570) Bq kg−1 for the Passiflora suberosa. The estimated annual committed effective dose (0.009–0.017) mSv y−1 and lifetime cancer risk (0.285–0.536) × 10−4 values are well within worldwide recommended limits of 0.3 mSv y−1 and 2.9 × 10−4 set by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiations for radiological risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop plants have been widely used to discuss several physiological interactions between plant growth regulators (PGRs) and mineral nutrition. However, these physiological effects and their potentiality in non-domesticated species (wild species) are far to be elucidated. In this experiment, it is hypothesized that PGRs and mineral element availability interactions guaranteed improvements in plant development under low availability for the establishment of Passiflora alata Curtis (sweet passion fruit) seedlings. Plant growth and ionic accumulation of macro and micronutrients in leaf and root plant tissues of P. alata were examined. As expected, the ionic accumulation of some elements (N, P, S, B, and Cu) increased in response to a higher nutrient solution (ionic strength, IS) availability. The interactions IS × PGR were significant with respect to almost all the plant growth variables, besides the Zn in leaf and N, Zn, and B in roots. Comparing the treatment means, we verified that the plant growth responses and Zn in leaf were more similar between ISs when PGRs had been applied. Moreover, the use of PGR probably favors an adequate nutritional and hormonal balance, since it has guaranteed improvements even under low availability. It can be concluded that Passiflora alata Curtis that did not receive these phytoregulators are more variable in terms of nutrient content, and are therefore more susceptible to nutritional deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deidamioides, one of the four subgenera proposed for the genus Passiflora, is distributed in South and Central America, with its species, until now having been grouped in five sections: Deidamioides, Mayapathanthus, Tryphostemmatoides, Polyanthea and Tetrastylis. Within the current delimitation, subg. Deidamioides is not clearly defined and has a very controversial taxonomic history. The taxonomic complexity of this subgenus has been discussed by some phylogenetic studies attempting to clarify its monophyletic status and the positioning of species within its sections. The main objective of the present study was to analyze the pollen grains of species of subg. Deidamioides with the aim of finding diagnostic characters that can corroborate the taxonomic positioning of its sections and species. Polliniferous material was acetolyzed, measured and described using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Four pollen types and two subtypes were established for the analyzed species based on apertural characteristics: Pollen Type I (Subtype I.1. Passiflora contracta, P. igrapiunensis and P. timboënsis; Subtype I.2. P. cirrhiflora, P. macdougaliana, P. tryphostemmatoides and P. ovalis); Pollen Type II (P. obovata); Pollen Type III (P. arbelaezii and P. gracillima); and Pollen Type IV (P. deidamioides). The results confirm recent proposals that subg. Deidamioides is polyphyletic, and that it possesses apertural characteristics similar to those of subgenera Astrophea, Decaloba and Passiflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved analytical strategy based on the QuEChERS extraction method combined with high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) was developed and validated for the first time for piceatannol determination in passion fruit seeds. The method showed a limit of quantification of 160 µg kg−1, good linearity (r2 = 0.9957), recoveries in the range of 82–102% with good precision (RSD < 9%) and low matrix effect (+17%). The new method was successfully applied for piceatannol determination in four passion fruit seeds species: Passiflora edulis Sims "Flavicarpa," P. edulis "Sims," Passiflora allata Curtis, and Passiflora ligularis Juss; for the last two species for the first time. Among them, the higher amounts of piceatannol were found in the seeds of P. allata Curtis and P. edulis "Sims": 20.8 ± 0.4 and 14.6 ± 0.2 mg kg−1, respectively. Antioxidant activity was also evaluated and, in general, the antioxidant potential was stronger the higher the piceatannol concentration in the passion fruit seeds extracts. The obtained results highlight that passion fruit seeds are a rich source of piceatannol, boosting new applicability for these by-products, and indicating that the QuEChERS method is a powerful analytical strategy for piceatannol determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oya—colorful handmade borders on headscarves—are still part of the traditional textile jewelry of Turkish women today. In this article, we use a not so common oya pattern to show how ideas of shape and color are implemented. The exact imitation of nature plays a special role, as does a certain degree of abstraction. An important criterion for the color selection is a special abundance of colors, on the one hand, and on the other a strong limitation to a few colors. It is shown how creativity, routine, and careful consideration are the prerequisites of high-quality and attractive craftsmanship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 600 species of Passiflora are described around the world, of which 120 are native to Brazil. In the present work, the phytochemical compounds were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the antioxidant activities (AOX) were measured in the pulp of P. edulis and P. cincinnata species. The P. edulis presented a higher bioactive content and AOX when compared to P. cincinnata. Citric and malic acids were the main organic acids found. The principal component analysis-PCA associated the highest values of quercetin-3-glucoside, hesperidin, trans-caftaric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, trans-resveratrol, rutin, procyanidin-B2, epigallocatechin-gallate and epicatechin-gallate, to P. cincinnata. The P. edulis was associated with higher values of total phenolic, vitamin C, total carotenoids, AOX (DPPH•, ABTS+• and FRAP), cis-resveratrol, naringenin, kaempferol-3-glucoside, myricetin and procyanidin-B1. P. cincinnata, although not a commercial species such as P. edulis, presented phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in acceptable values, including the high values of quercetin 3-glucoside. The present study contributes to the knowledge of the physical-chemical composition of the Passiflora species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

subgenus Passiflora possesses about 236 species divided into six supersections, among which Stipulata with Granadillastrum is one of its sections. The objective of the present study was to analyse the pollen morphology of 19 species subordinate to the section Granadillastrum and to identify attributes important for the taxonomy of the group. Pollen grains were acetolysed, measured, described and illustrated under light and scanning electron microscopy. Two pollen types differing in polarity were found in the section: Pollen Type I with apolar pollen grains and Pollen Type II with isopolar pollen grains. Type I included large, colpate pollen grains (varying from six to nine colpi), while Type II included large, 6-syncolpate or 3-colpate pollens. All of the studied species had a reticulate exine, sinuous muri, continuous with or without perforations, and ornamented lumina. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to interpret the formation of the principal pollen groups based on morphology. Two of the analysed species of section (Passiflora imbeana and P. setulosa) are at risk of extinction. The present study is extremely important for characterising pollen morphology such that taxa can be delimited and knowledge acquired for conservation purposes. Five of the studied species had their pollen characterised for the first time, which will be useful to future taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses. This species have pollen characters, such as the number and type of apertures that are important for delimiting some species, while ornamentation in general is similar among taxa and characterises the section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substrate is essential to ensure suitable conditions for the growth of Passiflora setacea seedlings. Thus, a study was conducted to investigate the effect of alternative substrates formulated with bee nest and termite mound materials on the growth of P. setacea cv. BRS Pérola do Cerrado seedlings. Six substrate combinations formulated from different proportions (v:v) of bee nest material (BNM) and termite mound material (TMM) or commercial substrate were tested considering the randomized block design with four replicates. The following substrates were used: S1 = BNM100%; S2 = BNM75% + TMM25%; S3 = BNM50% + TMM50%; S4 = BNM25% + TMM75%; S5 = TMM100%; and S6 = commercial substrate (Click Mudas®). The plant height, stem diameter, root length, root dry matter (RDM), shoot dry matter (SDM), total dry matter (TDM), and morphological indices were measured. Passiflora setacea seedlings have better development with the use of substrates S1, S2, and S3, with greater emphasis on the substrate S1. The substrate S1 (100% BNM) should be recommended for the production of P. setacea cv. BRS Pérola do Cerrado seedlings, for improving plant development and providing higher quality seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cryoprotectant agents on Passiflora eichleriana, Passiflora crystallina and Passiflora nitida seeds undergoing cryopreservation. The experiment was conducted with non-cryoprotected or non-cryopreserved seeds (control), cryopreserved seeds without cryoprotectant and cryopreserved seeds treated with the following cryoprotectants: 1.73, 2.28, 2.60 or 2.71 mol glycerol; 0.37, 0.46, 0.54 or 0.61 mol sucrose; or 0.37, 0.72, 1.04 or 1.35 mol dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). After treatment, the seeds were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen (LN2) for 7 days and then defrosted in 37°C water for 5 min. The seeds were submitted to germination and vigor tests consisting of four replicates of 50 seeds. Percentage of germination (PE) and germination velocity index, percentage of emergence velocity index, shoot and root length, and shoot and root dry mass were evaluated. After cryopreservation, all of germination and vigor values were higher without the use of cryoprotectants. The cryoprotectant glycerol had a deleterious effect on seed viability and vigor for all Passiflora species. Glycerol inhibit seedling emergence and concentrations higher than 2.60mol seed germination on P. cristalina. Higher concentrations of DMSO decrease seed viability and vigor in P. crystalina and P. nitida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol extracts of different parts of Passiflora cincinnata were obtained by maceration. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated. The antioxidant activities were determined by β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching test, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging. The crude ethanol stem extract showed the highest amount of total polyphenols (45.53 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) while the highest total flavonoid contents (1.42 mg of quercetin equivalent/g) were observed in the leaf extract. The lowest IC50 (25.65 μg/ml) by the DPPH method was observed for the stem extract. The ABTS method showed a significant antioxidant activity for all investigated extracts. The secondary metabolite composition of ethanol extracts was assessed by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis, leading to the identification of fourteen secondary metabolites in P. cincinnata extracts. These results showed the potentiality of this species as a source of phenolic compounds and antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Nicotine, a bioactive component of tobacco, is highly addictive. Numerous therapies have been developed for smoking cessation, and all have met with limited success. Our laboratory has previously shown that an extract of Passiflora incarnata Linn. (Passifloraceae) antagonized the expression of nicotine locomotor sensitization in rats. Objective: This study examined the ability of vitexin, a flavonoid found in P. incarnata, to ameliorate the signs of nicotine sensitization in rats. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were administered 0.4 mg/kg nicotine or vehicle (n = 16–18 per group) once a day for four consecutive days. Nicotine administration produces sensitization of locomotor activity. On the fifth day, locomotor activity was monitored as rats from each treatment group were administered either 30 or 60 mg/kg vitexin or its vehicle (n = 4–6 per group) 30 min before a challenge dose of 0.4 mg/kg nicotine. Results: The challenge dose of nicotine resulted in locomotor activity in rats sensitized to nicotine for 4 days that was approximately twice that measured in rats treated with vehicle during the sensitization phase. Rats sensitized to nicotine and then treated with 60 mg/kg vitexin prior to the nicotine challenge exhibited a level of locomotor activity equivalent to the vehicle-treated controls. Discussion: Vitexin antagonized the expression of nicotine locomotor sensitization in rats as the whole extract did in the previous study. Conclusion: Vitexin should be examined in future studies to evaluate its potential for treating nicotine addiction in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new minute egg parasitoid wasp species belonging to the genus Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), T. chagres sp. nov. and T. soberania sp. nov., were found in a tropical lowland rainforest in Panama, Central America. In this paper, we describe, illustrate and discuss the biology and morphological and molecular characterization of the two new Trichogramma wasp species. Both species were collected from eggs of passion vine butterflies, Agraulis vanillae vanillae (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae) and unidentified Heliconiini species, laid on different Passiflora species (Malpighiales: Passifloraceae). A female T. soberania sp. nov. wasp was observed on the wings of a female Heliconius hecale melicerta butterfly caught in the wild. This suggests that this species may occasionally be phoretic on adult female butterflies to find suitable host eggs. Our study adds two more species identifications to the scarce record of Trichogramma wasps from the widespread Heliconiini butterflies in Central America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflora caerulea is native to brazil. In recent years, the edible, medicinal, and ornamental value of P. caerulea has stimulated its wide cultivation in Southeast Asian countries, especially China. Because the chloroplast genome is rich with information about the species evolution as well as its genetic relationship to other species, the P. caerulea chloroplast genome was sequenced, assembled, and annotated in this study. The P. caerulea chloroplast genome is 151,362 bp in total with an overall GC content of 37.03%. It has a quadripartite structure, includes a large single-copy region (LSC, 85,623 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 13,397 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb, 26,180 bp combined). There are 131 genes in the P. caerulea chloroplast genome, including 79 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 7 pseudogenes. Phylogenetic analysis of 29 Passiflora spp. showed that P. caerulea is most closely related to P. edulis. These results provide a considerable foundation for P. caerulea conservation genetics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was the first report for the complete chloroplast genome of Passiflora serrulata Jacq. (Passifloraceae). The cp genome was 149,683 bp in length contained two inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,470 bp, which were separated by large single-copy (LSC) and small single-copy (SSC) of 86,252 bp and 13,491 bp, respectively. A total of 110 functional genes were encoded, comprised 76 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The GC content was 37.0%. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree indicated that P. serrulata was recovered as the member of subg. Passiflora and most closely related to the clade formed by P. serratodigitata and P. ligularis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete chloroplast genome of Passiflora miniata Vanderpl. was reported in this study. The cp genome was 149,573 bp in length including two inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,012 bp, which were separated by LSC and SSC of 86,070 bp and 13,479 bp, respectively. The GC content was 37.1%. The genome encoded 106 functional genes, including 72 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree indicated that P. miniata was recovered in the clade of subg. Passiflora and most related to P. vitifolia. This newly reported plastid genome will provide essential data for further study on the phylogeny and evolution of the genus and family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passion flower (Passiflora edulia Sims) is an important fruit that is of great economic importance. In this study, we presented the chloroplast genome of a purple passion flower variety 'Pingtang No.1' in China using BGISEQ-500 sequencing. Its chloroplast genome is 152,621 bp in size. It contains a pair of inverted repeat regions of 25,989 bp, each separating a small single copy region of 13,352 bp and a large single copy region of 85,141 bp. Totally, 111 unique genes, including 77 protein coding genes, 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs, were identified and annotated in the chloroplast genome. Phylogenetic maximum likelihood analysis based on chloroplast genomes of 35 plant species, mainly from the genus Passiflora indicated that 'Pingtang No.1' and yellow passion flower 'IAPAR-123' (Passiflora edulis) cluster together. The chloroplast genome can be used for a better understanding of the evolutionary relationships of plant species of the family Passifloraceae, especially the genus Passiflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflora plants are strategic in the context of biodiversity for food and nutrition. We applied the procedures of a systematic review protocol to study the state of the art on identification of phenolic compounds from Passiflora plants. An automated literature search was conducted using six databases and a combination of seven keywords. All the analytical, chromatographic, and spectroscopic methods were included. The studies were classified according to their method of identification, phenolic classes, and method of extraction. In total, 8,592 abstracts were found, from which 122 studies were selected for complete reading and 82 were selected for further analysis. Techniques of extraction, evaluated parts of the plant and methods of identification were systematized. Studies with leaves were most conspicuous (54.4%), 34 species of Passiflora were evaluated and orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, isovitexin were commonly found structures. A High Performance Liquid Chromatography-diode array detector was the technique most applied, with which the same structures were identified all through the studies, although other unknown structures were detected, but not elucidated. The use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectrometry, which are more sensitive techniques, needs to be intensified, to identify other unconventional compounds detected in Passiflora, to enhance the comprehension of the bioactive compounds in these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a comprehensive characterization study of natural cellulosic fiber extracted fromPassiflora foetidavine stem. The chemical composition of the obtainedP. foetidafibers (PFFs) comprised high cellulose (77.9 wt%) and low lignin (10.47 wt%) content and had distinctly higher crystallinity (67.36%) of cellulose, which was determined by an X-ray diffractometer. The PFFs exhibited good tensile strength of 248−942 MPa associated with elongation (1.38−4.67%) during tensile testing. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the PFFs are thermally stable up to 320°C with kinetic activation energy of 85.46 kJ mol−1; hence they ensure their suitability as a reinforcing phase in composites for potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflorais one of the 27 genera of the Passifloraceae family. SomePassifloraspecies are known by their edible fruits, which have a distinct flavor and aroma that favor theirin naturaconsumption and their applicability in the food industry. Also,Passifloraleaves have therapeutical properties, such as the widely known anxiolytic and sedative effects. The quality control and the assessment of the compounds responsible for thePassifloraproperties can be done by several chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques, such as planar chromatography (TLC and HTPLC), liquid chromatography (HPLC and UHPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and capillary electrophoresis (CE). The aim of this article is to review the analytical techniques used for the evaluation of the different compounds present in each part of aPassifloraplant,exploring the leaves, the fruits with their rinds and seeds, and otherPassifloraparts, such as nectar and callus culture compositions, as well as to compare stability tests on severalPassifloraproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflora xishuangbannaensis, Passiflora subgenus Decaloba, is a very rare endemic to the Yunnan, China. Here we report and characterize the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of P. xishuangbannaensis to provide genomic resources useful for promoting its conservation and systematics. The complete genome is 135,742 bp in length and the overall GC content is 37.1%. The cp genome sequence has a typical quadripartite structure, comprising two inverted repeats (IRs: 20,604 bp) regions, which are separated by a small single-copy (SSC: 13,159 bp) region and a large single-copy (LSC: 81,375 bp) region. Moreover, a total of 122 functional genes were annotated, including 77 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis recovered P. xishuangbannaensis as a member of subgenus Decaloba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new super passion fruit, named 'Ziyan,' is an artificial hybrid of Passiflora. edulis Sims × P. edulis f. edulis Sims. In this paper, the complete chloroplast genome of the artificial hybrid 'Ziyan' was characterized using the Illumina sequencing technology. The entire chloroplast genome was 151,316 bp in length with 37% GC content and 131 genes were produced, including 86 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that 'Ziyan' was closely related to yellow passion flower 'IAPAR-123' and belongs to Passifloraceae, especially the genus Passiflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frugivorous seed-dispersers play an important role in the maintenance or regeneration of plant populations and communities. Greater Rheas are potentially one of the most import dispersers of seeds in South American grassland biomes owing to their capacity to swallow large seeds and their habitat of walking long distances each day. We studied the potential role of Greater Rheas in the dispersion of seeds of plants of the cerrado and caatinga grassland biomes through germination experiments. We evaluated the rate of seed germination and the mean time of germination of passage through the gut (seeds that passed through the digestive system of Rheas) compared with a control (seeds extracted directly from fruits). Nine species of plant from cerrado grasslands and three plant species from caatinga grasslands were tested. All three caatinga plant species germinated at a lower rate and took longer to germinate after passage through the gut, whereas two of nine cerrado plant species germinated at a higher rate and in less time after passage through the gut. Greater Rheas are probably good dispersers of some of the plant species we examined and may therefore be important in maintenance and regeneration of habitat. Future experiments will investigate the factors causing the variation in germination of seeds seen in this experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species ofPassifloraare widely used in folk medicine as mild sedatives and tranquilizers.P. alataandP. quadrangularisare distributed throughout South America, with widespread occurrence in Brazil and Colombia. Due to the difficulty in making a botanical distinction between these species, especially in the absence of flowers and fruits, the use of chemical markers for these plants offer an alternative method of identification. This work describes the isolation and identification of the major flavonoids and saponins from the leaves ofP. alataandP. quadrangularis, as well as rapid and efficient HPLC-DAD methods for comparison of these compounds in both species. Vitexin derivatives are proposed as chemical markers in the identification ofP. alataandP. quadrangularisand the detection of adulterations in raw material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work several different natural products from the Amazon forest were analyzed by means of Raman spectroscopy, using the 1064-nm laser line as a way to obtain the spectra. All the oil samples from handmade produced buriti, babaçu, and pequi, as well as the refined andiroba, cold-pressed passion flower, and palm oils, were acquired in the local market in Brazil. Some products present in all the spectra of the ν(C˭C) vibration, observed in the 1525 cm−1region, the ν(C-C) mode near 1158 cm−1, and the ρ(C-CH3) mode near 1008 cm−1, can be seen; all these bands are assigned generally to the presence of a C9 carotenoid and can be more precisely attributed to the ν1, ν2, and δ modes of β-carotene. Also, the characteristic Raman scattering bands common to all the oils arising from vibrations of the hydrocarbon chains can be observed, namely, aromatic ring C˭C stretching at 1658 cm−1(ν(C˭C)); CH2scissoring deformation at 1439 cm−1(δ(CH2); vibrations of in-phase methylene twisting at 1301 cm−1, and symmetric CH rocking in unconjugatedcis-double bonds at 1270 cm−1(δ(C–H)), as well as C˭O stretching from the ester groups at 1747 cm−1[ν(C˭O)]. It is noteworthy that most natural oils have a major contribution of components of some of the main fatty acids: palmitic (C16), oleic (C18:1), and linoleic (C18:2), and no carotenoid was detected in the Raman spectra of the white babaçu oil or in the pale yellow andiroba oil. As a major conclusion, direct Raman spectroscopic measurements using a near-infrared wavelength as the excitation source can be used as a primary test to monitor the quality control of natural oils extracted from the Amazon forest, namely, andiroba, burity, babaçu, and pequi oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Nicotine, a bioactive component of tobacco, is highly addictive. Numerous therapies have been developed or are currently under investigation for smoking cessation, and all have met with limited success and/or side effects, indicating the need for additional therapies. Objective: This study examines the ability of a commerically-available aqueous extract of Passiflora incarnata Linn. ( Passifloraceae) to ameliorate the signs of nicotine sensitization using a rat model. Materials and methods: Rats were administered 0.4 mg/kg nicotine or vehicle once a day for four consecutive days. Nicotine adminstration produces sensitization of locomotor activity, a phenomenon implicated in the development of nicotine dependence. On the fifth day, locomotor activity of the subjects was monitored as rats from each treatment group were administered 800 mg/kg of Passiflora incarnata extract (or its vehicle) followed by a challenge dose of 0.4 mg/kg nicotine. Results: When given to rats sensitized to nicotine for 4 days, the challenge dose of nicotine increased locomotor activity by more than 2-fold over activity following nicotine challenge in rats treated with vehicle during the sensitization phase. The difference was significant from 15-40 min after nicotine administration. Rats sensitized to nicotine then treated with Passiflora incarnata extract prior to the nicotine challenge exhibited a level of locomotor activity the same as the vehicle-treated controls. Discussion: Passiflora incarnata extract did antagonize the expression of nicotine locomotor sensitization. Conclusion: Passiflora incarnata extract should be examined in future studies to evaluate its potential for treating nicotine addiction in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In South America, lance flies (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) are key pests of cultivated Passiflora spp. (passionfruit; Violales: Passifloraceae), but little is known about how to control these pests in Passiflora orchards. Here, we relate agro-ecological knowledge and pest management of Colombian Passiflora producers to local Lonchaeid infestation levels and farm surroundings. For this purpose, we carried out a nationwide survey of producers of purple, sweet and yellow passionfruit. Approximately 60% farmers (n = 124) reported Diptera as herbivores, with 4-43% explicitly referring to Lonchaeidae, while 90.5% of all farmers relied on calendar-based insecticide sprays for their control. Supplementary management options included use of baited traps for lonchaeid control and sanitary practices. Farmers experimented to a high extent with different products as bait in McPhail traps. In all, 15 potential baits were used, of which sugarcane molasses and protein hydrolysate proved popular. Farm surroundings and crop type affected farmers' use of baited traps, with traps commonly used in purple passionfruit orchards and employed in 100% farms surrounded by coffee plantations. Insecticide application frequency was positively correlated with lonchaeid infestation in fruits, but not in floral buds or flowers. For certain Passiflora crops, use of baited traps and trap density were related to infestation pressure. In conclusion, lonchaeid infestation pressure and farm surroundings affect Passiflora growers' pest management, respectively by creating a direct need for pest management intervention or by exposing farmers to distinct sets of pest management alternatives. This study sheds light on Passiflora farmers' agro-ecological knowledge, and it identifies low-cost, locality-specific pest management options. Hence, our findings may be valuable for future design and implementation of IPM programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to perform a stability testing of spray- and spouted bed-dried extracts of Passiflora alata Dryander (Passion flower) under stress storage conditions. Spouted bed- and spray-dried extracts were characterized by determination of the average particle diameter (dP), apparent moisture content (XP), total flavonoid content (TF), and vitexin content. Smaller and more irregular particles were generated by the spouted bed system due to a higher attrition rate (surface erosion) inside the dryer. The SB dryer resulted in an end product with higher concentration of flavonoids (≈10%) and lower moisture content (1.6%, dry basis) than the spray dryer, even with both dryers working at similar inlet drying air temperature and ratio between the extract feed flow rate to drying air flow rate (Ws/Wg). Samples of the spouted bed- and spray-dried extracts were stored at two different temperatures (34 and 45°C) and two different relative humidities (52 and 63% RH for 34°C; 52 and 60% RH for 45°C) in order to perform the stability testing. The dried extracts were stored for 28 days and were analyzed every 4 days. The flavonoid vitexin served as the marker compound, which was assayed during the storage period. Results revealed shelf lives ranging from 9 to 184 days, depending on the drying process and storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species belonging to the genus Ooencyrtus Ashmead is described. Ooencyrtus marcelloi sp. nov. has been reared from eggs of Heliconiini (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae) collected in Panama on Passiflora spp. The new species is compared with its closest Ooencyrtus species, i.e. O. caligo Noyes, O. neustriae Mercet, O. flavipes (Timberlake), O. camerounensis (Risbec), O. endymion Huang and Noyes and Ooencyrtus sp. “undet. C.” (from India). This represents the second record of Ooencyrtus from Heliconinae and the first record of this genus from Panama. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluates the influence of storage and scarification in the germination of Passiflora caerulea L., in order to acquire the necessary knowledge to cultivate this economically important species. Seeds stored one month under different conditions (no storage, fermentation, desiccation) were submitted to various pre-treatments (aril removal, mechanical and chemical scarification or combinations of these). Emergence was recorded periodically for 11 months in a greenhouse. Germination time, germination percentage and germination speed were calculated. Histochemical tests were applied to seeds maintained under the three storage conditions, for observing possible changes in the integument and storage tissue. Viability was maintained at least for the storage period tested, as germination occurred after that time. Because the seeds stored under desiccation germinated, the species is orthodox. Chemical scarification prevented germination in most cases. Although germination levels were low, they were higher in stored seeds (fermented and desiccated) than in fresh ones. Fermented seeds (which exhibited no storage tissue and less lignin in the integument) devoid of the aril germinated earlier, faster and in greater quantity. The type of dormancy of this species is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical and chemical properties of seeds and seed oil from 'Tainung No. 1' passion fruit in China have been analyzed in order to evaluate their nutritional value. Proximate analysis shows that the seeds have a high amount of protein (10.8±0.60%) and are rich in oil (23.40±2.50%). The seeds are found to be a good source of minerals. They contain considerable amounts of sodium (2.980±0.002 mg/g), magnesium (1.540±0.001 mg/g), potassium (0.850±0.001 mg/g), and calcium (0.540±0.002 mg/g). The passion fruit seeds contain the 17 amino acids that are found naturally in plant protein (tryptophan is not analyzed). The essential amino acids account for 34% of the 17 amino acids. The amino acid score of passion fruit seeds protein is 74 and the first limiting amino acid is methionine and cystine. The oil extracted by solvent and supercritical dioxide carbon is liquid at room temperature and the color is golden-orange. The specific gravity of the oil is about 0.917. Comparing the chemical properties of the oil extracted by solvent with that by supercritical dioxide carbon, the latter may be suitable as edible oil directly, while the former will be edible after it must be refined to improve on clarity. Fatty acid composition of the seed oil indicates that the oil contains two essential fatty acids (linoleic acid and linolenic acid), but the content of linoleic acid (72.69±0.32%) is by far greater than that of linolenic acid (0.26±0.00%). The present analytical results show the passion fruit seed to be a potentially valuable non-conventional source for high-quality oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the evidence-based systematic review of passion flower, or Passiflora Incarnata L., conducted by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. It informs that the dried aerial parts of passion flower have historically been used as a sedative and hypnotic and for nervous gastrointestinal complaints. A limited evidence suggests that passion flower may exhibit a benzodiazepine-like calming action that may help treat anxiety. It is also indicated that the evidence for significant adverse effects is equally inconclusive, and it is complicated by the variety of poorly classified, potentially active constituents in different Passiflora species.

Growing sweet pepper (C. chinense) under shade has increased in the region south of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. We studied the effects of different shade conditions on the dynamics of flowering and fruit production of C. chinense. Two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, weekly measurements of flowering and fruit production in plants shaded by passion-fruit (Passiflora edulis) vines and in those in full sunlight were made in replicated field plots. In the second experiment, with a similar design and three replications, the same variables were measured for three shade levels (60%, 40% and full sunlight). In the first experiment there were no significant differences in total number of flowers (TNF), total number of fruits (TNFr) or in total production (TP)(p < 0.05). However, total production of shade-grown plants was slightly higher, and the average fruit weight of shade-grown plants was significantly greater (p < 0.05). In the second experiment different shade conditions showed no significant differences for either TNF or fruit weight. Highest production was obtained for plants with 40% shade, but this was not significantly different from those in full sunlight. However, both were significantly different from plants with 60% shade (p < 0.05). Although plants in full sunlight and those with 40% shade showed no significant differences, the results indicate that producers can grow C. chinense in partial shade provided by other plants, thereby increasing efficiency of field space usage. For small producers this strategy could provide greater economic returns from the same area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several Passiflora species, known in Brazil as maracujás , are used as flavour and as juice in food industries, whereas passionflower extract has an ancient tradition in folk medicine as a sedative. Due to few phytochemical and pharmacological studies, there are no quality criteria for these Passiflora species as raw material. In this work, we present unique fingerprints of fourteen samples of Passiflora species relating to the presence of flavonoids and saponins. These chemical characterisations can provide, for example, authentication of samples, detection of adulterations, and differentiation between closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflora incarnata Linn. has been used for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and various other disorders of the CNS since antiquity. Despite a very long history of use, the healing potential and the mode of action of this plant was never described clearly, perhaps due to the controversial identity of P. incarnata with Passiflora edulis Sims. In many references, both these plants were reported and considered to be synonyms of each other and were named passion flower, maracuja or maypops. The key differential parameters reported by the authors enable the selection of the authentic plant, i.e., P. incarnata for the purpose of systematic biological studies. In the present investigations, the methanol extract of leaves of P. incarnata was evaluated for various CNS effects m experimental animals The methanol extract of leaves of P. incarnata exhibited significant sedative, anticonvulsant and CNS-depressant activities at a dose of 200 mg/kg in mice. The extract also exhibited analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities against acetic acid-induced pain and carrrageenan-induced edema, respectively, when evaluated m experimental animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the presence of harman alkaloids in the genus Passiflora has been established in a few species, their presence in the medicinally significant P. incarnata (passion flower) is still debatable. Powdered samples from 91 Passiflora species were subjected to accelerated speed extraction and analyzed for their content of five harman alkaloids by reversed-phase HPLC with photodiode array detection. The utilized analytical method was capable of detecting harman alkaloids in more than 50% of the analyzed samples at ppm levels. A library of HPLC chromatograms has also bees generated as a tool for fingerprinting and authentication of the studied Passiflora species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the use of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in reversing the development of dependence and tolerance of morphine in mice. A fraction (BZF) derived from the methanol extract of P. incarnata that had exhibited good anxiolytic activity, delayed the development of tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine when administered at 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses along with 10 mg/kg dose of morphine for 9 days. A single dose of P. incarnata bioactive fraction (BZF) also decreased the naloxoneprecipitated withdrawal jumps in mice that had already been rendered tolerant due to chronic treatment with 10 mg/kg of morphine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the high-speed extraction and HPLC fingerprinting of medicinal plants. Samples of different species of genus Passiflora; Availability of unique fingerprints; Generation of characteristics chromatographic profiles.

A high performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous analysis of two flavonoids (iso-vitexin and vitexin), and three indole alkaloids (harmane, harmine, and harmol) was developed. This method was then utilised to quantitate levels of these five constituents in methanolic extracts of Australian Passiflora incarnata. HPLC analysis was performed using a Waters™ Novapak C18 (150 × 4 mm, 4 μm) column, with a gradient solvent system of methanol-water-acetic acid. Detection was achieved by PDA UV (254 nm) and fluorescence (excitation 254 nm, emission 414 nm), utilising the external standard method to obtain quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflora edulis (passionflower) is a plant widely used in the Brazilian popular medicine and phytopharmaceutical industry for its sedative activity. This work refers to the development of spray-dried powders (SDPs) from the 40% ethanolic extractive solution of P. edulis aerial parts. The SDPs were prepared with a Büchi 190 Mini-spray dryer using as drying adjuvants Aerosil 200® alone (SDP1), an Aerosil 200:Gelita-Sol-P® (1:1) mixture (SDP2) and an Aerosil 200:Gelita-Sol-P (1:3) mixture (SDP3). All the powders were obtained using 40 parts adjuvant and 60 parts extract dried residue. The comparison criteria applied were particle size distribution, hygroscopicity at 95%, 60%, and 35% relative humidity (RH), as well as the flavonoid process recovery. The particle size distributions were analyzed by way of (a) normal distribution parameters, (b) the RRSB grid and (c) considering diameter values in terms of an equivalent sphere. All the powders presented nonnormal distribution, and the RRSB analysis appeared to be, therefore, the analysis method of choice. The total flavonoid recovery was around 80%, and it was practically not affected by the SDP1, SDP2, and SDP3 compositions. At the 60% and 90% RH atmospheres, the SDP3 and SDP2 moisture uptakes were higher than that of the SDP1. All the formulations were, on the contrary, stable at 35% RH, showing a slight moisture loss tendency. The results showed in sum that the SDP prepared using Aerosil 200 as the drying adjuvant alone presented the best technological characteristics of all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the case of a 34-year-old female who developed cardiovascular and gastrointestinal toxicity following self-administration of therapeutic doses of a herbal medication which contains a Passiflora incarnata L. extract. Properties and therapeutic applications of Passiflora; Results of physical and laboratory examinations; Factor attributed to the toxicity of the herbal medication.

The development of the passion fruit production industry in Uganda has been seriously hindered by the outbreak of collar rot disease. Until now, no appropriate control measures have been developed. Therefore, a study was initiated to develop a sustainable, environment-friendly collar rot control package. The potential of chemical control was assessed. Chemical control was found to be economical only in the case ofcopperoxychloride applied as a drench at a rate of 60 g/20 l of water. Other fungicides tested were Rovral 70 WP (iprodione) and Cercobin 50 L (thiophanate methyl). To address the environmental issue, use of resistant species was investigated. Two species, Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa and P. maliformis were found to be partially resistant to collar rot, and can be recommended for use as rootstocks to susceptible P. edulis f. edulis and hybrid clones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]