Various species of the genus Passif

Various species of the genus Passiflora have been extensively used in traditional medicine as sedatives, anxiolytics,
diuretics and analgesics. In the present study, after the identification and quantification of phytochemical compounds
from yellow passion fruit pulp by liquid chromatography-photodiode array-mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS),
its antihypertensive effect was investigated on spontaneously hypertensive rats. Additionally, the renal function,
evaluated by kidney/body weight, serum creatinine, proteinuria, urinary flow, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels
and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and mutagenicity in bone marrow cells were assessed to
evaluate the safety of passion fruit consumption. Yellow passion fruit pulp (5, 6 or 8 g/kg b.w.) was administered
by gavage once a day for 5 consecutive days. HLPC-PDA-MS/MS analysis revealed that yellow passion fruit pulp
contains phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and flavonoids. The highest dose of passion fruit pulp
significantly reduced the systolic blood pressure, increased the GSH levels and decreased TBARS. There were
no changes in renal function parameters or the frequency of micronuclei in bone marrow cells. In conclusion,
the antihypertensive effect of yellow passion fruit pulp, at least in part, might be due to the enhancement of the
antioxidant status. The exact mechanisms responsible by this effect need further investigation. Copyright ©
2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.