Title : Chemical characterization and functional potential of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seed by-products
Abstract:
Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seed defatted flour (PFsDF) is rich in dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, including piceatannol, which has been associated with beneficial effects on plasma glucose reduction and central adiposity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PFsDF and its phenolic extract on metabolic responses related to obesity, in vivo. The study was conducted in two stages: (1) production and chemical characterization of the defatted flour and its phenolic extract, and (2) an experimental assay using C57BL/6 mice with high-fat diet (HF)-induced obesity. In the second stage, animals were distributed into four experimental groups (n = 12): AIN control; HF control; HF+ PFsDF (replacing 100% of the dietary fiber in the diet); and HF+extract (0.67 g/kg body weight). PFsDF exhibited low moisture (6.16 g/100 g) and lipid content (0.06 g/100 g), moderate protein content (15.37 g/100 g), and high total dietary fiber (74.23 g/100 g), composed exclusively of insoluble fiber. Phytic acid (1.59 g/100 g) and resistant starch (0.93 g/100 g) were also determined, along with low caloric density (72.68 kcal/100 g). Regarding bioactive compounds, PFsDF contained 113.54 mg GAE/g of total phenolics and 211.25 mg CE/g of total flavonoids, with significant antioxidant capacity, measured by DPPH (1990.73 µmol Trolox/g), TEAC (56.99 µmol Trolox/g), and FRAP (301.25 µmol Trolox/g) assays. The phenolic extract showed higher concentrations of total phenolics (521.39 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (623.50 mg CE/g), as well as greater antioxidant activity in all assays (DPPH: 3220.47; TEAC: 444.36; FRAP: 3055.88 µmol Trolox/g). Although no differences in food intake were observed, both PFsDF and its extract reduced body weight and adiposity compared with the HF group. The extract also reduced the Lee index. PFsDF improved the metabolic profile, increasing HDL-cholesterol and reducing glycemia compared with HF, likely due to the type of dietary fiber present in this by-product. No differences were observed among groups for the TyG index or atherogenic index. In conclusion, both PFsDF and its phenolic extract improved body composition by reducing body weight and adiposity; however, PFsDF demonstrated more favorable effects on biochemical parameters associated with obesity, particularly by increasing HDL-cholesterol and reducing glycemia. This study validates the potential of passion fruit seeds, by-product from the passion fruit industry, in the development of healthy foods.
Research financed by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) - Grant No. 444442/2024-3, and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) - Finance code 001
