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. A method of lowering blood pressure in a mammal, comprising administering to a mammal an effective amount of an extract prepared by the 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 components, including at least edulilic acid, from the aqueous extract;
(c) passing an aqueous solution through the column to remove at least sugars; and
(d) eluting the at least edlulilic acid from the column using an organic solvent.
2. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the mammal is human.
3. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the organic solvent is selected from the list consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, 1-propanol, acetone, and combinations thereof.
4. A method as defined in claim 3 wherein the mammal is human.
5. A method of lowering serum nitric oxide levels in a mammal, comprising administering to a mammal an effective amount of an extract prepared by the 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 nonionic polymeric resin to adsorb phenolic components, including at least edulilic acid, from the aqucous extract;
(c) passing an aqueous solution through the column to remove at least sugars; and
(d) eluting the at least edulilic acid from the column using an organic solvent.
6. A method as defined in claim 5 wherein the mammal is human.
7. A method as defined in claim 5 wherein the organic solvent is selected from the list consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, 1-propanol, acetone, and combinations thereof.
8. A method as defined in claim 7 wherein the mammal is human.