Passion Fruit (Krishnabija): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects by Dr. Smita Barode
By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
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By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
Table of Contents
The past few decades have witnessed an increased interest in using passion fruit for human consumption because of its juiciness, nutritional value and health benefits. The scientific name of passion fruit is Passiflora edulis, which belongs to the family Passifloraceae. There are nearly 500 species in this family, and more than 50 are edible. However, only two varieties P. edulis (purple passion fruit) and P.flavicarpa (yellow passion fruit) are commercially grown. P.edulis is juicy, has a rich flavour and is less acidic than P.flavicarpa. Passion fruit is also known as “love fruit”, “the king of fruits”, “fruit lover” and “maracuja”. Passion fruit makes cakes, jams, jellies, tea, vine and other beverages. Used as a traditional medicine to help treat constipation, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, cough and insomnia, there are a variety of passion fruit benefits. Let us know more about the benefits that one can reap from the purple variety of passion fruit (P.edulis).1
Passion fruit contains various nutritional components that are given as follows. They are rich in a variety of compounds including vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and antioxidants.
Nutritional components | Value per 100 g |
Total fat | 0.7 g |
Total sugars | 11 g |
Total protein | 2.2 g |
Dietary fibre | 10 g |
Calories | 97 kcal |
Iron | 1.6 mg |
Calcium | 12 mg |
Potassium | 348 mg |
Table 1 shows nutritional value of passion fruit2
Scientific literature has found that passion fruit shows numerous properties as those mentioned below:3
Some of the potential benefits of passion fruit are described as follows:
Passion fruit is rich in piceatannol, a molecule with promising anticarcinogenic properties. Yamamoto et al. conducted a study in 2019 to assess the effect of piceatannol-rich passion fruit seed extract on cancer cell growth. The study was conducted on human cell lines, where results showed passion fruit seed extract had a positive impact on cancer treatment. This may indicate that the consumption of passion fruit may help against cancers. However, more human studies to support these claims are needed.4
Passion fruit (Krishnabija) is a folk medicine for managing high blood pressure. Sherma et al. conducted a study in 2007 to assess the effects of purple passion fruit on high blood pressure. The study was conducted on female hypertensive rats, who were supplemented with passion fruit peel extract at 50 mg/kg. In addition, this study was extended to humans who received passion fruit peel extract at 400 mg/d. This study’s results suggested that the consumption of passion fruit peel extract showed a reduction in blood pressure which was attributed due to a decrease in serum nitric oxide. This may indicate that consuming passion fruit may help manage blood pressure. However, more human studies are required to ascertain these claims.5
Vitamin A produces rhodopsin, which helps the eyes adjust to dark light and improves dim light vision. Passion fruit, rich in Vitamin A, may help improve vision. However, no human studies have been conducted yet to support these claims.6
Fungal infections include skin diseases like ringworm, candidiasis, athlete’s foot, etc. caused by various fungi. Passion fruit contains passiflin (Pe-AFP1), a dimeric protein with antifungal properties. This protein shows antifungal action against many filamentous fungi. Therefore, there is a possibility that the consumption of passion fruit can help manage fungal infections. Even so, we need more human studies to support these claims.6
A diet rich in fibre can help aid the digestion process and can relieve constipation. Passion fruit is rich in soluble and insoluble fibre. Insoluble dietary fibre is known to improve bowel motility and prevent constipation. Thus, it may indicate that consuming passion fruit may help manage constipation. However, there is a lack of studies that support these claims.6
Asthma is characterised by the inflammation and narrowing of airways which can impair the normal breathing process. Passion fruit may help provide symptomatic relief for cough, shortness of breath and wheezing in asthma. Watson et al. conducted a study in 2008 to assess the effect of oral administration of 150mg/d of purple passion fruit peel extract in asthma patients for four weeks. The results of this study showed that the patients’ consumption of passion fruit improved the forced vital capacity and reduced cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. This indicates that the consumption of passion fruit may help in managing asthma. However, more studies are needed to support these claims and assess the safety and efficacy of passion fruit.7
Though there are studies that show the benefits of passion fruit in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of Passion fruit on human health.
Based on some studies, I found something pretty cool. Piceatannol from passion fruit may have some cool health benefits for overweight men. It might improve their insulin levels, sensitivity, blood pressure, and even heart rate. However, more research is needed to find its effects on others.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Passion fruit can be used in the following ways:
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
I believe that passion fruit is not only delicious but takes care of your beauty concerns too. It has polyphenols that may be great for your skin. Based on research, it was seen that the seed extract has the highest concentration of polyphenols and antioxidant activity. It might help reduce melanin production and increase collagen, making your skin healthier.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
A few passion fruit side effects related to its consumption include:
However, if you experience any adverse reactions to passion fruit, immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.
I’ve got a recommendation if you’re looking for a tasty way to boost your immune system and possibly fight inflammation. Yes, Passion fruit. This amazing fruit is packed with vitamin C, which might do wonders for your immune health. Plus, it’s delicious!
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Also Read: Longan: Research on Its Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
Eating passion fruit is okay if taken in moderate amounts. However, general precautions must be followed in the following conditions:
No significant interaction has been reported with passion fruit, but you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of passion fruit with other drugs, and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking.
The scientific name of Passion fruit is Passiflora edulis, which belongs to the family Passifloraceae.1
Human cell line studies support the use of the seed extract of passion fruit for preventing cancers. However, more studies are needed to claim these effects. Thus, it is recommended to consult a doctor for proper treatment.4
Passion fruit is also known as the “love fruit”.1
Yes. As passion fruit is rich in dietary fibres which aid in digestion, and therefore can improve bowel defecation. However, it is advised to consult a doctor for proper treatment and not consider the consumption of passion fruit as an alternative to modern medicine.
Consumption of passion fruit in excess can cause short-term gastrointestinal disorders and allergies in sensitive individuals.8
References:
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