Extracts of passion fruit and uses thereof
View Patent ↗An extract of passion fruit is prepared. The extract has the effect of lowering blood pressure and serum nitric oxide levels in mammals. The extract also provides a hepatoprotective effect, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in mammals. A novel compound was identified in the extract and given the name edulilic acid.
1. An extract of passion fruit containing edulilic acid prepared by a method comprising the steps of:
(a) contacting passion fruit skin with water to provide an aqueous extract and a solid residue;
(b) passing the aqueous extract through a column of non-ionic polymeric resin to adsorb phenolic compounds, including at least edulilic acid, from the aqueous extract;
(c) removing sugars and other polar compounds from the column by passing an aqueous solution through the column;
(d) eluting the phenolic compounds from the resin using an organic solvent; and
(e) drying the eluent to produce a product having greater than 1% edulic acid by weight.
2. An extract of passion fruit as defined in claim 1 , wherein the edulilic acid has the structure:
and/or the cis isomer thereof.
3. An extract according to claim 1 , wherein the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, 1-propanol, acetone, and combinations thereof.