There are approximately 500 species of Passionflowers, but this species (aka. Passionfruit, Maracujá, Granadillo, Passionflower; Passiflora edulis) is the one responsible for the commercial Passionfruit.
Passiflora edulis is native to South America, from the southern portion of Brazil down to northern Argentina. The fruit is a type of berry (in the botanical sense) and contains many seeds on the inside surrounded by a juicy sweet-tart pulp, and normally available in two main varieties: a purple or yellow-fruited version.
Passionfruits are enjoyed raw or added to other juices, as well as used in yogurts & desserts. The commercial processing of Passionfruits yields about 36% juice, 51% rinds, and 11% seeds. The rinds are sometimes used for the extraction of pectin, which helps with the disposal problem of this wastestream, as well as the extraction of protein used for animal feed, of which it contains about 5-6%.
The seeds, on the other hand are sometimes used to extract an oil (23%) that is edible and similar to sunflower and soybean oil.
Though this is not the main medicinal Passionflower species, it does contain some of the same active components, and has been used as a source of extraction (from the leaves).
Passionfruit juice is used in Madeira as a digestive stimulant. Elsewhere Passionfruit is used for a variety of traditional uses, including, of course, increasing libido. It does contain chrysin, which has been theorized as one component that can increase sex drive through promoting testosterone production.
The extract of the Passionfruit seed has also been reported to have a wide variety of beneficial effects on the skin, including melanin synthesis, increased collagen production, increased glutathione production and reduction of reactive oxygen species.
In one recent randomized clinical trial, the ingestion by women with dry skin of passionfruit seed extract (with 5 mg piceantannol) resulted in significant increase in the moisture content of the skin after 4 to 8 weeks, as well as a reduction in fatigue.
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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
The Fruit to Ignite Passions
