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Introduction: Chronic and inappropriate benzodiazepine (BDZ) prescription and intake represent an important health and social concern worldwide. The aim of our study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of P. incarnata L., herba in reducing BDZ misuse in a real-world population of depressed and anxious patients in a long-term treatment with BDZs. Methods: Over an 18-month period (from July 2021 to December 2022), we previously conducted a retrospective and naturalistic study on euthymic outpatients with a diagnosis of anxiety or depression and chronically taking BDZs. In this study we contacted patients 12 months after their enrollment in the previous study to assess their disease status and their BDZs and P. incarnata intake. Results: Our findings support the effectiveness of a dry extract of P. incarnata L., herba, as an add-on treatment during BDZ tapering in patients with anxiety or depression. We confirmed this effect to be sustained over time, and P. incarnata showed to be easily discontinued with no rebound, withdrawal or psychological dependence effect. The absence of side effects and adverse events confirmed the safety of P. incarnata in a real-world population. Personality disorders confirmed to be a relevant risk factor for maintaining addictive behavior, even when symptoms associated to withdrawal seem to be not particularly relevant. Discussion: We confirmed the possible effectiveness of P. incarnata as an add-on treatment in BDZ reduction. Further studies may be helpful to better investigate the promising properties of P. incarnata in the management of relevant clinical issues, such as anxiety disorders and addiction, that are classically known to benefit from GABAergic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive genetic diversity analysis of 87 Passiflora germplasm accessions domesticated and cultivated for several years in the karst region of Guizhou, China, was conducted utilizing simple sequence repeat (SSR) fluorescent markers. These Passiflora species, renowned for their culinary and medicinal value, could bring significant economic and ecological benefits to the region. This study aimed to assess the genetic resources of these species and facilitate the selection of superior cultivars adapted to the karst environment. Our analysis revealed an abundance of SSR loci within the Passiflora transcriptome, with single-base repeats being the most prevalent type. Through rigorous primer screening and amplification, we successfully identified 27 SSR primer pairs exhibiting robust polymorphisms. Further interrogation at eight microsatellite loci revealed 68 alleles, underscoring the high level of genetic diversity present in the cultivated accessions. The average expected heterozygosity was 0.202, with the ssr18 locus exhibiting the highest value of 0.768, indicating significant genetic variation. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.657 indicates the informativeness of these SSR markers. Comparative analyses of the cultivated and potential wild progenitors revealed distinct genetic variations among the different Passiflora types. Genetic structure and clustering analyses of the 87 accessions revealed seven distinct groups, suggesting gene flow and similarities among the resources. Notably, a DNA fingerprinting system was established using eight SSR primer pairs, effectively distinguishing the selected cultivars that had adapted to the karst mountainous region. This study not only deepens our understanding of Passiflora genetic resources in the karst environment but also provides a valuable reference for conservation, genetic improvement, and cultivar selection. The rich genetic diversity of the Passiflora germplasm underscores their potential for sustainable utilization in breeding programs aimed at enhancing the economic and ecological viability of these valuable plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yellow (Passiflora edulis) and sweet (Passiflora alata) passion fruit plants hold significant economic importance in tropical fruit cultivation, valued not only for the quality of their fruit but also for their medicinal properties. Conventional propagation through seeds faces challenges due to irregular and slow germination, affecting the time required for seedling formation and the viability and uniformity of plantations. The use of plant growth regulators has been explored as a strategy to overcome these barriers, improving both the rate and uniformity of seed germination. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of seed imbibition with plant growth regulators on the germination and subsequent growth of yellow and sweet passion fruit seedlings. Gibberellic acid (GA3) and GA4+7 combined with 6-benzyladenine (GA4+7+6BA) were applied in five different concentrations (0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg L−1 a.i.). The experiments were conducted in both laboratory and greenhouse conditions, following a completely randomized design with a 2 × 5 factorial scheme. The varieties tested were 'BRS Mel do Cerrado' for sweet passion fruit and 'IAC-275' for yellow passion fruit. Quantitative parameters, such as germination percentage, germination speed index, fresh and dry biomass of roots and shoots, and enzymatic activity, were assessed. The results indicated that GA3, at higher concentrations, significantly enhanced both germination percentage and speed index in both Passiflora alata and Passiflora edulis when compared to the control. Additionally, seedlings treated with GA3 showed a marked increase in shoot and root biomass, particularly at concentrations of 500 and 750 mg L−1. Enzymatic assays revealed heightened catalase and peroxidase activities in treated seedlings, indicating improved stress tolerance. In contrast, the GA4+7+6BA treatment showed less pronounced effects on seedling growth. Overall, GA3 was more effective in enhancing germination and seedling growth in both species, suggesting its potential application in improving the propagation of passion fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some species of the genus Passiflora have leaf morphological adaptations that grow to influence the development of the plant in producing areas. Hence, the objective of this work is to quantify and characterize the leaf anatomy of passion fruit species distributed in the South American region, which can become an important strategy in the selection of species more adapted to the environment where they will be grown. This work evaluates the abaxial and adaxial cuticle thickness (ABCT and ADCT), abaxial and adaxial epidermis thickness (ABET and ADET), xylem diameter (XD), phloem diameter (PD), and thickness of the palisade parenchyma (TPP), of the species Passiflora quadrangularis L., Passiflora foetida L., Passiflora edulis Sims, Passiflora gibertii N.E Brown, Passiflora coccinea Aubl, Passiflora alata Curtis, Passiflora tenuifila Killip, Passiflora caerulea L., and Passiflora cincinnata Mast. Passion fruit species present differences in leaf anatomy, which may influence the plant's development. The species Passiflora quadrangularis L. showed a greater thickness of cuticles, epidermis, conducting vessels, and palisade parenchyma. The species Passiflora edulis has higher density and stomatal functionality. All Passiflora species formed druses on their leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflora foeitda Linn commonly known as rakhi plant is widely used in ayurveda and folk lore India traditional medicine. The various part of the plant is extensively used in the treatment of several disease and disorders of the human. The present review highlighted the phyto-chemistry, medicinal uses and some recent research done in the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflora spp. or passion fruit is a tropical plant that is often used as a food source. The large morphological variations of Passiflora cause difficulties in identifying the species. The objectives of the study are to identify the specific morphological and anatomical characters of Passiflora spp. in Yogyakarta and to determine their phenetic relationship for identification. A total of 15 samples of Passiflora were taken by purposive sampling technique from Bantul, Sleman, Kulon Progo, and Yogyakarta City, and then carried through the morphological and anatomical characterization. The morphological characters observed stems, leaves, and flowers, while the anatomical characters observed leaves. The results show that the observed samples are identified as four species, P. foetida, P. vitifolia, P. edulis, and P. quadrangularis. The P. edulis species consists of two forms, P. edulis f. flavicarpa and P. edulis f. edulis. The variation of morphological character lie in young stem shape, leaf shape, the texture of stem and leaf surface, bract shape and color, sepal and petal color, and the presence of a purple corona ring. While the variation of anatomical characters lie in the pattern of the vascular bundles, the shape of the upper and lower sides of the leaf veins, the shape and size of the palisade cells, as well as the type and density of stomata. Based on the phenetic analysis on the 0.8 phenon line, four main clusters were formed, P. foetida, P. vitifolia, P. edulis, and P. quadrangularis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record of the pepper fruit fly, Atherigona orientalis Schiner, 1868, in mainland France is reported in this paper. Larvae were found in 2022 in fruits of Capsicum annuum and adults were reared in 2023 from Passiflora caerulea fruits in two localities of southern France. This species has pantropical distribution and is characterized by sarco‐saprophagous habits, but in some conditions can act as a primary pest of Solanaceae crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

East Asian Passiflora virus (EAPV) causes passionfruit woodiness disease, a major threat limiting passionfruit production in eastern Asia, including Taiwan and Vietnam. In this study, an infectious cDNA clone of a Taiwanese severe isolate EAPV-TW was tagged with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter to monitor the virus in plants. Nicotiana benthamiana and yellow passionfruit plants inoculated with the construct showed typical symptoms of EAPV-TW. Based on our previous studies on pathogenicity determinants of potyviral HC-Pros, a deletion of six amino acids (d6) alone and its association with a point mutation (F8I, simplified as I8) were conducted in the N-terminal region of the HC-Pro gene of EAPV-TW to generate mutants of EAPV-d6 and EAPV-d6I8, respectively. The mutant EAPV-d6I8 caused infection without conspicuous symptoms in N. benthamiana and yellow passionfruit plants, while EAPV-d6 still induced slight leaf mottling. EAPV-d6I8 was stable after six passages under greenhouse conditions and displayed a zigzag pattern of virus accumulation, typical of a beneficial protective virus. The cross-protection effectiveness of EAPV-d6I8 was evaluated in both N. benthamiana and yellow passionfruit plants under greenhouse conditions. EAPV-d6I8 conferred complete cross-protection (100%) against the wild-type EAPV-TW-GFP in both N. benthamiana and yellow passionfruit plants, as verified by no severe symptoms, no fluorescent signals, and PCR-negative status for GFP. Furthermore, EAPV-d6I8 also provided complete protection against Vietnam's severe strain EAPV-GL1 in yellow passionfruit plants. Our results indicate that the attenuated mutant EAPV-d6I8 has great potential to control EAPV in Taiwan and Vietnam via cross-protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 a native tree from the Brazilian Caatinga biome, popularly known as "maracujá do mato" and "maracujá da Caatinga". This species has been used in folk medicine as a sedative and antihypertensive. This study presents the chemical characterization of P. cincinnata using a HPLC-DAD-MSn approach. Due to their nutraceutical and pharmaceutical interest, we also describe the validation of a simple and efficient HPLC-DAD method for the quantification of flavonoids. The ethanolic extract was submitted to centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) for the isolation of flavonoids. HPLC-DAD-MSn analysis allowed the annotation of nine chemical constituents with chemotaxonomic importance, including orientin, isoorientin, vitexin and isovitexin, which are considered as analytical markers of Passifloraceae species. Thereafter, we developed and validated an HPLC-DAD method for the quantification of the flavonoids orientin, vitexin and isovitexin in order to contribute to the quality control assessment of P. cincinnata samples. The analytical method has proven to be linear, accurate, robust, reproducible and sensitive to all investigated flavonoids. Two flavonoids (isoorientin and isovitexin) were isolated in a single and fast CPC run followed by preparative HPLC, and their structures were confirmed by NMR analysis. This is the first report of a validated method for flavonoid quantification in this species, as well as the isolation of flavonoids using CPC; it may also be useful for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries in the development of new Passiflora products. [Display omitted] • Nine phytochemicals with chemotaxonomic importance were annotated by HPLC-DAD-MSn analysis. • A new method by HPLC-DAD was developed and validated to quantify vitexin, isovitexin and orientin. • This is the first report of isolation of flavonoids from P. cincinnata using CPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out with the objective of evaluating Trichoderma asperellum in the control of Fusarium sp. in genotypes of Passifloras, to reduce the wilt in the neck of the stem in Santo Domingo. A Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was implemented for this purpose, with three treatments, T1: Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa), T2: Cholupa (Passiflora maliformis L.) and T3: Granadilla (Passiflora ligularis), evaluating the variables: mortality percentage %, tolerance to fusarium %, days to affectation (days), number of diseased plants per week (plt/wk), incubation period of the fungus (days), disease severity (%). The results show that the passion fruit genotype (T2) showed total tolerance to the disease (100%), that is, all passion fruit plants treated with T. asperellum resisted infection by Fusarium sp. The severity of the Passifloras genotypes treated with T. asperellum to control Fusarium sp. was significant (p<0.05), and at the end of the trial (week 6), severe wilt was observed in the Granadilla, while in the Maracuya a significant improvement was obtained, almost returning to the absence of symptoms, with respect to the Cholupa an improvement in symptoms was obtained, returning to moderate wilt. The genotype Granadilla (T1), presented the highest percentage of mortality, reaching 5%, followed by Cholupa (T3), with an intermediate percentage of mortality, around 3.33% and finally, Maracuya (T2), which did not register mortality in this treatment, therefore, the best treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin-like (CML) proteins play regulatory roles in plant growth and development, responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and other biological processes. As a popular fruit and ornamental crop, it is important to explore the regulatory mechanism of flower and fruit development of passion fruit. Results: In this study, 32 PeCaM/PeCML genes were identified from passion fruit genome and were divided into 9 groups based on phylogenetic analysis. The structural analysis, including conserved motifs, gene structure and homologous modeling, illustrates that the PeCaM/PeCML in the same subgroup have relative conserved structural features. Collinearity analysis suggested that the expansion of the CaM/CML gene family likely took place mainly by segmental duplication, and the whole genome replication events were closely related with the rapid expansion of the gene group. PeCaM/PeCMLs were potentially required for different floral tissues development. Significantly, PeCML26 had extremely high expression levels during ovule and fruit development compared with other PeCML genes, suggesting that PeCML26 had potential functions involved in the development of passion fruit flowers and fruits. The co-presence of various cis-elements associated with growth and development, hormone responsiveness, and stress responsiveness in the promoter regions of these PeCaM/PeCMLs might contribute to their diverse regulatory roles. Furthermore, PeCaM/PeCMLs were also induced by various abiotic stresses. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the CaM/CML gene family and valuable clues for future studies on the function and evolution of CaM/CML genes in passion fruit. Conclusion: A total of 32 PeCaM/PeCML genes were divided into 9 groups. The PeCaM/PeCML genes showed differential expression patterns in floral tissues at different development stages. It is worth noting that PeCML26, which is highly homologous to AtCaM2, not only interacts with multiple BBR-BPC TFs, but also has high expression levels during ovule and fruit development, suggesting that PeCML26 had potential functions involved in the development of passion fruit flowers and fruits. This research lays the foundation for future investigations and validation of the potential function of PeCaM/PeCML genes in the growth and development of passion fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rich in antioxidants with a variety of flavones and anthocyanins, passionflower/fruit has been extensively used in food, beverage, medicinal, and natural dyes industries. The individual components present in passionflower are identified by extracting them in methanol, partitioning them between ethyl acetate and aqueous layers, and recording their ESI mass spectrometric data. The steady‐state absorption and fluorescence spectra of the extract in methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide are recorded and the lifetime of the fluorescing species is reported. The pH dependence of the absorption spectrum confirms the presence of the anthocyanins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polyphasic approach was applied to characterize taxonomically a novel endophytic bacterial strain, designated as EP178T, which was previously isolated from Passiflora incarnata leaves and characterized as plant-growth promoter. The strain EP178T forms Gram stain-negative and rod-shaped cells, and circular and yellow-pigmented colonies. Its growth occurs at 10–37 °C, at pH 6.0–8.0, and tolerates up to 7% (w/v) NaCl. The major cellular fatty acids found were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c), summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c /C16:1 ω7c), and C16:0, and the predominant ubiquinone was Q-9. The phylogenetic and nucleotide-similarity analysis with 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain EP178T belongs to Pseudomonas genus. The genomic-based G + C content was 65.5%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strains EP178T and the closest type strain, P. oryzihabitans DSM 6835T, were 92.6% and 52.2%, respectively. Various genes associated with plant-growth promoting mechanisms were annotated from genome sequences. Based on the phenotypic, genomic, phylogeny and chemotaxonomic data, strain EP178T represents a new species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas flavocrustae sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain is EP178T (= CBMAI 2609T = ICMP 24844T = MUM 23.01T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Within tropical fruits, the Passifloraceae family is distinguished; Colombia is recognised as the most diverse country in this family. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential use of by‐products (shell‐seeds + pulp) of Passiflora maliformis L. and Passiflora edulis Sims as dietary fibre and prebiotic activity, through tests of water, oil and swelling retention capacity and dietary fibre, its potential application was evident in products that require hydration, viscosity development and freshness conservation. Toxicity test, extracts can be classified as 'safe' when ingested, as cell viability is equal to or greater than 90%. Probiotic potential is evident for a growth of Latilactobacillus sakei BAP110‐FSC111 ranging from 15% to 100%, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT220 ranging from 10% to 75%, acid digestibility test, hydrolysis percentage varied from 20% to 100%, values according to the by‐product, extract and study species. Highlighting its use as a source of prebiotics, because it increases the proliferation of probiotics from the Lactobacillus family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passionfruit severe leaf distortion virus (PSLDV) is a begomovirus transmitted by Bemisia tabaci Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), associated with severe disease in passion flowers. This study aimed to evaluate the reaction of plants of different species of Passiflora to infection with PSLDV, expand the known host range of the virus and determine the minimum virus acquisition and inoculation access periods and the time of virus retention by B. tabaci MEAM1. Plants of Passiflora cincinnata, P. mucronata and P. malacophylla were not infected with PSLDV through transmission with B. tabaci MEAM1. When healthy plants of these species were fork grafted onto PSLDV‐infected plants of P. edulis, only plants of P. malacophylla remained uninfected and the virus was not detected by PCR, suggesting immunity to this begomovirus. Plants of Datura stramonium, Nicotiana benthamiana, N. clevelandii, N. tabacum 'Xanthi', Solanum lycopersicum (tomato cv. Compack) and several varieties of Manihot esculenta (cassava cvs IAC 118‐96, IAC 6‐01, Paranavaí, IAC 576, IAC 90 and IAC 14) were susceptible to infection with PSLDV through transmission with B. tabaci MEAM1. Adults of B. tabaci MEAM1 acquired PSLDV after 1 h of feeding on PSLDV‐infected plants of D. stramonium. They transmitted the virus to healthy plants after feeding on these plants for 1 h, although with low transmission rates. The retention time of PSLDV in the vector was 14 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionChronic and inappropriate benzodiazepine (BDZ) prescription and intake represent an important health and social concern worldwide. The aim of our study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of P. incarnata L., herba in reducing BDZ misuse in a real-world population of depressed and anxious patients in a long-term treatment with BDZs.MethodsOver an 18-month period (from July 2021 to December 2022), we previously conducted a retrospective and naturalistic study on euthymic outpatients with a diagnosis of anxiety or depression and chronically taking BDZs. In this study we contacted patients 12 months after their enrollment in the previous study to assess their disease status and their BDZs and P. incarnata intake.ResultsOur findings support the effectiveness of a dry extract of P. incarnata L., herba, as an add-on treatment during BDZ tapering in patients with anxiety or depression. We confirmed this effect to be sustained over time, and P. incarnata showed to be easily discontinued with no rebound, withdrawal or psychological dependence effect. The absence of side effects and adverse events confirmed the safety of P. incarnata in a real-world population. Personality disorders confirmed to be a relevant risk factor for maintaining addictive behavior, even when symptoms associated to withdrawal seem to be not particularly relevant.DiscussionWe confirmed the possible effectiveness of P. incarnata as an add-on treatment in BDZ reduction. Further studies may be helpful to better investigate the promising properties of P. incarnata in the management of relevant clinical issues, such as anxiety disorders and addiction, that are classically known to benefit from GABAergic treatments.

Abiotic resource limitation presents organisms with a dilemma about how to use resources when they become available. Characterizing how resource allocation affects investment in growth or defensive traits that affect organismal survival strategies allows us to understand the environmental contexts in which species interact. Our goal was to measure how macronutrient availability drives nitrogen and phosphorus allocation towards functional growth and defensive chemical traits of the Neotropical passion vine, Passiflora biflora.We investigated this question with a paired field study in La Selva, Costa Rica and a full factorial greenhouse experiment to determine whether the concentration of a key secondary chemical defence is driven by nitrogen availability. We correlated defensive chemical concentration with soil nitrogen availability in naturally occurring plants, measured the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus availability on growth and secondary chemical defence traits in the greenhouse and characterized the P. biflora leaf metabolome to assess how nutrient availability affected shifts in metabolism related to plant fitness.We found that nutrient allocation increased the magnitude of both growth and defence traits. Increased nitrogen availability resulted in higher concentrations of toxic leaf secondary chemicals, longer vines, greater biomass and more leaves with a superior ability to capture sunlight. In addition, plants from high nitrogen environments had metabolomes with significantly greater secondary metabolite richness and biochemical pathway diversity, as well as increases in the number of metabolites from several chemical classes related to basic cell function and defence. Nutrient availability had no significant effect on the richness and diversity of primary metabolites involved in basic cell functions. A direct comparison of the relative strength of quantitative growth and secondary defence traits indicated that P. biflora favours nutrient allocation to growth at low nitrogen levels but invests in both strategies more evenly as nitrogen availability increases.These findings lead us to predict that passion vines are better prepared to tolerate and resist herbivory when nutrients are plentiful and experience a trade‐off between growth and chemical defence against natural enemies when they are scarce. These findings are consistent with both the 'escape' and 'defend' syndromes that are often used to describe tropical plant survival strategies. This is one of the only studies to measure nutrient allocation in vines, a group comprising a significant percentage of global plant diversity. Moreover, this work demonstrated the power of leveraging untargeted metabolomics to characterize how nutrient addition affects plant growth and defence, highlighting its potential for understanding functional trait variation. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Summary: Fruit seeds often have interesting nutritional characteristics as well as antinutrients, which may be inactivated by thermal processes. The aim of this work was to study the characteristics of flours obtained from raw, roasted or autoclaved (121 °C, 10 min) seeds of Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita ficifolia, Passiflora ligularis, Annona cherimola and Annona muricata by analysing their chemical composition, protein in vitro digestibility, content of antinutrients (tannins, phytates and oxalates) and functional properties. All the flours presented high protein (15.3–36.7 g/100 g) and fat (22.7–41.8 g/100 g) contents. Roasting and autoclaving increased in vitro protein digestibility (from 45.6% to 57.8% and 72.1%, respectively) and decreased antinutrient content (from 100.3 to 75.6 and 82.0 mg tannins/100 g; from 158.1 to 137.8 and 104.0 mg phytates/100 g; from 19.6 to 12.8 and 13.3 mg oxalates/100 g, respectively). Water and oil absorption capacities increased, while emulsion and foaming capacities as well as bulk density decreased during thermal processing. The flours from autoclaved seeds showed improved nutritional and functional characteristics and could be considered as functional food ingredients for direct human consumption and/or in food mixtures. Future studies should be performed to evaluate the presence of allergens and other possible risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Passiflora genus is recognised for its ethnopharmacological, sensorial, and nutritional significance. Yet, the screening of its dietary and bioactive molecules has mainly targeted hydrophilic metabolites. Following the PRISMA-P protocol, this review assessed the current knowledge on carotenoid composition and analysis within Passiflora, examining 968 records from seven databases and including 17 studies focusing on carotenoid separation and identification in plant parts. Those publications originated in America and Asia. P. edulis was the most frequently examined species of a total of ten, while pulp was the most studied plant part (16 studies). Carotenoid analysis involved primarily high-performance liquid chromatography separation on C18 columns and detection using diode array detectors (64.71%). Most studies identified the provitamin A β-carotene and xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, with their geometric configuration often neglected. Only one study described carotenoid esters. Besides the methodology's insufficient description, the lack of use of more accurate techniques and practices led to a high risk of bias in the carotenoid assignment in 17.65% of the articles. This review highlights the opportunity to broaden carotenoid studies to other species and parts within the diverse Passiflora genus, especially to wild, locally available fruits, which may have a strategic role in enhancing food diversity and security amidst climatic changes. Additionally, it urges the use of more accurate and efficient analytical methods based on green chemistry to better identify Passiflora carotenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fear of fireworks is one of the most common behavioural problems in dogs worldwide. From more static fearful behaviours such as freezing, hiding, and trembling to more active reactions such as aggression, running, barking, and even self-mutilation, many dogs suffer from firework fear but only a small proportion of their owners seek help from a specialist. As many owners prefer to use more natural products instead of medication for their dogs, we tested the efficacy of a supplement made of tryptophan, valerian, and passiflora on 44 dogs fearful of fireworks. Each of them received either the supplement or a placebo, plus environmental and behavioural recommendations to carry out during 2020 Christmas and 2021 New Year's Eve when their behavioural (rated by the owners) and stress (measured via salivary cortisol dosages) reactions were evaluated. Improvement was significantly greater in dogs that received the supplement both in their behaviours and in their physiological responses. The studied supplement, in conjunction with simple behavioural advice, showed to be a good strategy for controlling firework fear in dogs. Canine fear of fireworks is a common problem worldwide, with serious implications for the welfare of both dogs and their owners. Therapies for the problem are available, and herbal and nutraceutical agents are increasingly suggested by professionals; nonetheless, studies on their real efficacy in reducing firework fear are lacking. In a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 44 dogs (25 in the "supplement" group and 19 in the "placebo" group) completed a long-term continuous treatment with either a supplement made of tryptophan, valerian, and passiflora or a placebo, including two real exposures to fireworks (on 2020 Christmas and 2021 New Years' Eve, after 42 and 48 days of treatment, respectively). Owners of both groups received the same general environmental management and food/toy offering recommendations for trying with their dogs on those nights. Behavioural (measured by LSSS—Lincoln Sound Sensitivity Scale and PANAS—Positive and Negative Activation scale, as rated by the owners) and stress (measured via salivary cortisol measures) reactions were evaluated. Significantly greater fear decrease (LSSS) was recorded in the "supplement" dogs, as compared to the "placebo" group. Cortisol dosages on New Year's Eve ("noisy" night) were in line with behavioural results; "supplement" dogs showed a smaller increase in the stress response from 22:30 to 00:30 h on New Year's Eve and a greater decrease in their stress response from 02:30 h to 10:30 h on New Year's Day compared to "placebo" dogs. Smaller cortisol levels were also shown by "supplement" dogs than "placebo" dogs on a controlled "quiet night" (27th December). Owners' rates on PANAS remained stable during the whole period of therapy for both groups. The evaluated supplement, a combination of tryptophan, valerian, and passiflora, showed satisfactory results and rare side effects when treating dogs fearful of fireworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species Passiflora alata, P. cincinnata, and P. edulis have great economic value due to the use of their fruits for human consumption. In this study, we compared the repetitive genome fractions of these three species. The compositions of the repetitive DNA of these three species' genomes were analyzed using clustering and identification of the repetitive sequences with RepeatExplorer. It was found that repetitive DNA content represents 74.70%, 66.86%, and 62.24% of the genome of P. alata, P. edulis, and P. cincinnata, respectively. LTR Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposons represent the highest genome proportions in P. alata and P. edulis, while Ty1/Copia comprises the largest proportion of P. cincinnata genome. Chromosomal mapping by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) showed that LTR retrotransposons have a dispersed distribution along chromosomes. The subtelomeric region of chromosomes is where 145 bp satellite DNA is located, suggesting that these elements may play important roles in genome structure and organization in these species. In this work, we obtained the first global characterization of the composition of repetitive DNA in Passiflora, showing that an increase in genome size is related to an increase in repetitive DNA, which represents an important evolutionary route for these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study involved the design and synthesis of a series of novel 4-chromanone-derived compounds. Their in vivo anti-cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) activity in field trials against CMV disease in Passiflora spp. was then assessed. Bioassay results demonstrated that compounds 7c and 7g exhibited remarkable curative effects and protection against CMV, with inhibition rates of 57.69% and 51.73% and 56.13% and 52.39%, respectively, surpassing those of dufulin and comparable to ningnanmycin. Field trials results indicated that compound 7c displayed significant efficacy against CMV disease in Passiflora spp. (passion fruit) after the third spraying at a concentration of 200 mg/L, with a relative control efficiency of 47.49%, surpassing that of dufulin and comparable to ningnanmycin. Meanwhile, nutritional quality test results revealed that compound 7c effectively enhanced the disease resistance of Passiflora spp., as evidenced by significant increases in soluble protein, soluble sugar, total phenol, and chlorophyll contents in Passiflora spp. leaves as well as improved the flavor and taste of Passiflora spp. fruits, as demonstrated by notable increases in soluble protein, soluble sugar, soluble solid, and vitamin C contents in Passiflora spp. fruits. Additionally, a transcriptome analysis revealed that compound 7c primarily targeted the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway, a crucial plant hormone signal transduction pathway, thereby augmenting resistance against CMV disease in Passiflora spp. Therefore, this study demonstrates the potential application of these novel 4-chromanone-derived compounds as effective inducers of plant immunity for controlling CMV disease in Passiflora spp. in the coming decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterologia is the property of Sociedad Hispano-Luso-Americana de Lepidopterologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cirugía y Cirujanos is the property of Publicidad Permanyer SLU and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Pain is one of the most common complaints of patients after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aromatherapy massage with passion flower and sesame essential oils on postoperative pain intensity among patients with CABG surgery.Methods: This double-blind randomized parallel trial was conducted from November 2019 to April 2020. Sixty candidates for CABG were conveniently selected from Chamran hospital, Isfahan, Iran, and randomly allocated to group A (aromatherapy massage with passion flower essential oil) and group B (aromatherapy massage with sesame essential oil). Aromatherapy massage for all participants was provided in four twenty-minute sessions on four consecutive days. Pain intensity was assessed before and thirty minutes after aromatherapy massage using a visual analogue scale. The Chi-square, independent-samples t, were used to analyze the data.Results: The mean score of pain intensity in groups A and B was respectively 8.03±.08 and 7.23±1.38 on the first day, and 4.43±1.19 and 5.4±1.1 on the fourth day. A significant difference between the two groups was observed respecting the mean score of pain in the first, third, and fourth days (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Aromatherapy massage with passion flower essential oil is more effective than aromatherapy massage with sesame essential oil in significantly reducing pain intensity among patients with CABG surgery.

A comprehensive genetic diversity analysis of 87 Passiflora germplasm accessions domesticated and cultivated for several years in the karst region of Guizhou, China, was conducted utilizing simple sequence repeat (SSR) fluorescent markers. These Passiflora species, renowned for their culinary and medicinal value, could bring significant economic and ecological benefits to the region. This study aimed to assess the genetic resources of these species and facilitate the selection of superior cultivars adapted to the karst environment. Our analysis revealed an abundance of SSR loci within the Passiflora transcriptome, with single-base repeats being the most prevalent type. Through rigorous primer screening and amplification, we successfully identified 27 SSR primer pairs exhibiting robust polymorphisms. Further interrogation at eight microsatellite loci revealed 68 alleles, underscoring the high level of genetic diversity present in the cultivated accessions. The average expected heterozygosity was 0.202, with the ssr18 locus exhibiting the highest value of 0.768, indicating significant genetic variation. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.657 indicates the informativeness of these SSR markers. Comparative analyses of the cultivated and potential wild progenitors revealed distinct genetic variations among the different Passiflora types. Genetic structure and clustering analyses of the 87 accessions revealed seven distinct groups, suggesting gene flow and similarities among the resources. Notably, a DNA fingerprinting system was established using eight SSR primer pairs, effectively distinguishing the selected cultivars that had adapted to the karst mountainous region. This study not only deepens our understanding of Passiflora genetic resources in the karst environment but also provides a valuable reference for conservation, genetic improvement, and cultivar selection. The rich genetic diversity of the Passiflora germplasm underscores their potential for sustainable utilization in breeding programs aimed at enhancing the economic and ecological viability of these valuable plant species.

Callogenesis is one of the most powerful biotechnological approaches for in vitro secondary metabolite production and indirect organogenesis in Passiflora caerulea. Comprehensive knowledge of callogenesis and optimized protocol can be obtained by the application of a combination of machine learning (ML) and optimization algorithms. In the present investigation, the callogenesis responses (i.e., callogenesis rate and callus fresh weight) of P. caerulea were predicted based on different types and concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) (i.e., 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA)) as well as explant types (i.e., leaf, node, and internode) using multilayer perceptron (MLP). Moreover, the developed models were integrated into the genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the concentration of PGRs and explant types for maximizing callogenesis responses. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the importance of each input variable on the callogenesis responses. The results showed that MLP had high predictive accuracy (R2 > 0.81) in both training and testing sets for modeling all studied parameters. Based on the results of the optimization process, the highest callogenesis rate (100%) would be obtained from the leaf explant cultured in the medium supplemented with 0.52 mg/L IBA plus 0.43 mg/L NAA plus 1.4 mg/L 2,4-D plus 0.2 mg/L BAP. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed the explant-dependent impact of the exogenous application of PGRs on callogenesis. Generally, the results showed that a combination of MLP and GA can display a forward-thinking aid to optimize and predict in vitro culture systems and consequentially cope with several challenges faced currently in Passiflora tissue culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practically all aboveground plants parts of Passiflora vines can be included in the compositions of dietary supplements, medicines, and cosmetics. It has a diverse chemical composition and a wide range of biologically active components that determine its diverse pharmacological properties. Studies related to the chemical composition of the plant are summarized here, and attention has been paid to various medical applications—(1) anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective; (2) anti-depressant; (3) antidiabetic; (4) hepatoprotective; (5) antibacterial and antifungal; and (6) antipyretic and other. This review includes studies on the safety, synergistic effects, and toxicity that may occur with the use of various dietary supplements based on it. Attention has been drawn to its application in cosmetics and to patented products containing passionflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports valuable information regarding the presence and concentration of a series of photoactive β‐carboline (βCs) alkaloids (norharmane, harmane, harmine, harmol, harmaline, and harmalol) and their distribution across the floral age and organs of Passiflora caerulea. UHPLC–MS/MS data reported herein reveal that the βCs' content ranged from 1 to 110 μg kg−1, depending on the floral organ and age. In certain physiologically relevant organs, such as anthers, βCs' content was one order of magnitude higher than in other organs, suggesting a special role for βCs in this specific organ. βCs' content also varied in a structure‐dependent manner. Alkaloids bearing a hydroxyl group at position C(7) of the main βC ring were present at concentrations one order of magnitude higher than other βC derivatives investigated. UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy of the flower extracts provided complementary information regarding other biologically relevant groups of chromophores (phenolic/indolic derivatives, flavonoids/carotenes, and chlorophylls). Since flowers are constantly exposed to solar radiation, the presence of photoactive βCs in floral organs may have several (photo)biological implications that are further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to characterize the chemical composition and investigate the antinociceptive effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora cincinnata leaves (HEPCL) in different animal models of nociception. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of compounds such as orientin, rutin, vitexin, quercetin, apigenin, epicatechin, catechin, and gallic acid in the chemical of the chemical composition of the extract. The oral administration of HEPCL induced significant analgesia in different nociception models, including acetic acid-induced abdominal contortions, licking response induced by formalin, capsaicin, and glutamate, hot-plate test, tail-flick test, and mechanical nociception, which suggests that the extract components might act through multiple antinociceptive mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida L.) is generally regarded as a weed, although its tender fruits are consumed by a few; while the plant is mostly regarded for its medicinal properties. Cucumber mosaic virus is known not just to cause significant losses among crops, but also present in many weeds species. The objective of this study was to identify the causal agent of the disease symptoms observed from P. foetida in Adim, Cross River State, Nigeria. Leaves of P. foetida with virus symptoms were collected from various locations in Adim. Antigen-coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACP-ELISA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) were used for virus detection and characterisation. The symptomatic leaves reacted positively with the CMV antisera in ACP-ELISA and sequences from RT-PCR products showed the highest identity (98.5%) with a CMV isolate from Xanthosoma sp. (MG021460) in Uganda. Phylogenetic reconstruction aggregated the isolates with other Nigerian CMV sequences in a separate uncharacterised subgroup, closest to MH798809 (Nigeria), MW655577 (Nigeria) and HQ874434 (Austria). The tree also revealed the isolates as members of subgroup IB. This study provides the first molecular evidence of CMV infection on P. foetida in Nigeria and adds to the list of possible natural host for the virus in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objective. The genus Passiflora incarnata L. is used in traditional medicine for its analgesic, anxiolytic and sedative purposes, and its flavoursome fruits have long been consumed, especially in North America. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of extract of P. incarnata L. on the motor activity of rats. Materials and Method. Behavioural testing was performed in rats previously exposed to P. incarnata L. extract (30, 100, 300 mg/kg b.w). To explain the neurobiochemical background of behavioural changes, the concentration of neurotransmitters after extract consumption were assayed in CNS structures responsible for motor function using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results. The study demonstrated that exposure to the extract resulted in dose dependent modulation of rats behaviour, and altered neurotransmission in major elements of the CNS locomotor system. The changes concerned primarily the cerebellar and spinal dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems. Conclusions. Inhibitory effect of P. incarnata L. extract on the GABAergic pathway has potential as a sedative agent and may be promising alternative to benzodiazepines in controlling anxiety and hyperactivity. The significant increase in the level of spinal dopamine may be potentially useful in disorders related to a deficit in dopaminergic neurotransmission. These findings could lead to the development of specific supportive therapies for anxiety and symptoms of gradual loss or impairment of motor behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of BIOAGRO is the property of Revista BIOAGRO and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Chile and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research investigated the antibacterial activities of AgFe2O4 and Fe3O4 ferrite nanoparticles compared to AgFe2O4/SiO2/Passiflora Caerulea and Fe3O4/SiO2/Passiflora Caerulea nanocomposites. To synthesize ferrite nanocomposites, Passiflora Caerulea plant extract was doped onto ferrite nanoparticles with the assistance of silica (SiO2). The degree of crystallinity, phase composition, microstructure, and the compositions of the samples were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), respectively. Furthermore, the broth microdilution method was employed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to assess the antimicrobial activity. The method was also applied to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to examine the antimicrobial activity. The results of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of silver and iron nanocomposites indicated that these nanocomposites exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to silver and iron ferrite nanoparticles. Thus, silver and iron ferrite nanocomposites could serve as a novel antibacterial agent against infectious bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflora is a plant genus known for its extremely distinctive and colorful flowers and a wide range of genome size variation. However, how genome characteristics are related to flower traits among Passiflora species remains poorly understood. Here, we assembled a chromosome-scale genome of P. foetida, which belongs to the same subgenus as the commercial passionfruit P. edulis. The genome of P. foetida is smaller (424.16 Mb) and contains fewer copies of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs). The disparity in LTR-RTs is one of the main contributors to the differences in genome sizes between these two species and possibly in floral traits. Additionally, we observed variation in insertion times and copy numbers of LTR-RTs across different transposable element (TE) lineages. Then, by integrating transcriptomic data from 33 samples (eight floral organs and flower buds at three developmental stages) with phylogenomic and metabolomic data, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the expression, phylogeny, and copy number of MIKC-type MADS-box genes and identified essential biosynthetic genes responsible for flower color and scent from glandular bracts and other floral organs. Our study pinpoints LRT-RTs as an important player in genome size variation in Passiflora species and provides insights into future genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pseudo-fruits of Dog Rose are a rich source of L-ascorbic acid and several other active substances, which means their high supportive therapeutic potential. The study aimed to examine the impact of the chosen technological procedure for the preparation of tablets containing rosehip powder on the amount of L-ascorbic acid in the final pharmaceutical form. Drying of the plant drug was performed at room temperature to avoid possible thermal degradation of this heat-sensitive compound. Similarly, drying of the granules after wet granulation in the oven was replaced by natural drying at room temperature. The composition of two types of prepared granule formulations differed in the filler – lactose (LAC) or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Apart from the disintegration test, they meet the technological requirements for granules or tablets. Lactose was confirmed as a more suitable filler, which despite the unsuccessful disintegration of the granules, ensures the disintegration of tablets within 15 minutes even without the addition of a special excipient acting as a disintegrant. The content of L-ascorbic acid detected using isotachophoresis – capillary zone electrophoresis was 87.16 ± 5.06 µg in LAC tablets and 63.33 ± 2.83 µg in MCC tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery / Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis [Sims]) is an important economic fruit crop in Kenya, grown for domestic, regional and international markets. However, passion fruit production is constrained by both biotic and abiotic stresses. Passion fruit woodiness disease (PWD) complex is the most injurious viral disease responsible for yield losses of up to 100%. In East Africa, it is caused by potyviruses. The most effective way to manage PWD is by using resistant cultivars. The objectives of this study were to determine the occurrence of passion fruit woodiness disease in selected counties at the Coastal lowlands of Kenya and screen farmer preferred passion fruit genotypes for resistance to PWD. Results In the present study, it was established that all surveyed farms in Kwale and Kilifi counties displayed passion fruit woodiness virus disease symptoms. The highest disease incidence of 59.16% and 51.43% was observed at Kilifi and Kwale counties, respectively. A significant difference (p

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Passiflora incarnata L for the control of anxiety during third mandibular molar extraction and compare it to midazolam, the most used benzodiazepine in dentistry. Method and materials: The investigators implemented a prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study. The degree of anxiety of the patients was assessed before the surgical procedure. The surgeries took place in two sessions: one on each side of the hemi-mandible and, on each of them, the patient received one of the drugs, crosswise. Anxiety control was measured through physical parameters, at the following periods during the surgery: (1) immediately administration of anxiolytic medication, (2) 30minutes after anxiolytic medication, (3) after extraoral antisepsis, (4) after local anesthesia, (5) during incision, (6) during osteotomy, (7) between osteotomy and odontosection, (8) during odontosection, (9) during surgical store curettage, (10) during suture, and (11) immediately after postoperative care guidelines. Lastly, the volunteers received a self-assessment form in order to report their experience. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. Results: The final sample was composed of 20 patients, with a mean age of 22.5 years. The results of the physical parameters showed statistically significant differences (P < .05) for certain times and physical parameters, especially heart rate (P = .036), which showed the highest control for Passiflora at time point (3). The undesirable effects reported by patients such as drowsiness, muscle relaxation, and dizziness were greater with benzodiazepine. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that Passiflora may be considered as an alternative to midazolam in controlling anxiety in dentistry. Future studies will focus on other benzodiazepines and herbal medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professor Georges Bernier, a renowned researcher in the field of flowering, passed away at the age of 89. He dedicated his career to understanding the physiological signals that control the reprogramming of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) during the flowering process. His research focused on plants such as Sinapis alba, Lolium temulentum, Xanthium strumarium, and Arabidopsis. He also edited the Flowering Newsletter and made significant contributions to the field of plant physiology. Professor Bernier was a respected teacher and mentor to many students. [Extracted from the article]

Experimental autism in rodents can be caused by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure. Some diseases, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), insomnia, opiate withdrawal, and generalized anxiety disorder can be treated by consuming Passiflora incarnata, due to the possession of bioactive compounds like alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids.The present study aims to investigate the role of the hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora incarnata in behavioral and oxidative stress aberrations induced by VPA.On the gestational day (GD), 12.5, pregnant Wistar rats received VPA (600 mg/kg subcutaneously). Male pups were treated with the extract (30,100, and 300 mg/kg) from postnatal day 35 to the end of the experiment, and underwent behavioral testing to evaluate locomotion, repetitive, and stereotyped movements, anxiety, and social and cognitive behaviors. After behavioral testing, the blood sample was taken from the left ventricle to determine serum catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Then the animals were euthanized and their brains were taken out for histological assays of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and CA1 hippocampus with hematoxylin/eosin. The total phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of the extract were also measured. A significant improvement was observed in behavioral disturbances, particularly with 300 mg/kg of Passiflora. Moreover, the formation of oxidative stress markers significantly decreased at this dose. The extract also reduced the percentage of damaged cells in the CA1 and PFC. The results indicated that Passiflora extract could ameliorate VPA-induced behavioral aberrations possibly due to the antioxidant actions of its bioactive compounds.

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 genus Passiflora accounts for 17% of global flavonoid production, and several strategies have been explored to increase their production in these plants, given the growing demand for these metabolites. The aim of this study is to examine the published literature on the correlation between flavonoid concentrations in Passiflora genus leaves and factors such as microorganism presence, soil fertility, fertilizer use, soil conditioners, agronomic practices, weather patterns, and plant phenology. The search was conducted across nine databases. Web of Science, Nature, Agris, Dialnet, SciELO, Science Database-ProQuest, Scopus (Elsevier), Springer, and EBSCOhost and two search engines: Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar, obtaining 19 indexed articles. The results indicate that treatments incorporating a single biotic or abiotic factor in the crop lead to a 380% increase in the production of flavonoids at the leaf level, while the combination of different biotic and abiotic factors leads to a 491% increase in the production of this group of metabolites at the leaf level. It is essential to assess the integrated agronomic management of Passiflora sp. to increase the concentration of these metabolites in the leaves of productive branches with fully ripened fruits ready for harvest (BBCH code 89), without losing the possibility of using the current main product of the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]