Maracuja Extract
Also known as: Maracuja extract, passion fruit extract, passionflower extract, Passiflora incarnata, Passiflora edulis
Overview
Maracuja extract is derived primarily from the fruit, peel, seeds, or leaves of Passiflora edulis, commonly known as passion fruit. This botanical supplement contains a rich array of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, piceatannol, and other polyphenols. It is investigated for its potential antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anxiolytic, and skin health-promoting properties. While research on Passiflora edulis is emerging with promising preclinical (in vitro and animal) studies, human clinical trials are limited. Much of the human evidence, particularly for anxiolytic effects, comes from studies on a related species, Passiflora incarnata. The quality of evidence varies, with preclinical studies revealing potential mechanisms, but robust human randomized controlled trial (RCT) data for Passiflora edulis specifically are still needed.
Benefits
Maracuja extract and related Passiflora species offer several potential benefits: - **Anti-diabetic effects:** Preclinical animal studies indicate that maracuja peel and seed extracts can lower blood glucose levels, enhance insulin secretion and sensitivity, and reduce oxidative stress markers in diabetic models. While promising, these findings require confirmation in human clinical trials. - **Anti-cancer potential:** In vitro and animal studies suggest that passion fruit peel extracts may induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. This effect is attributed to specific bioactive compounds within the peel, but human clinical evidence is currently lacking. - **Anxiolytic effects:** A clinical randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing Passiflora incarnata extract with midazolam (a benzodiazepine) found similar anxiety reduction in dental surgery patients. Notably, the passionflower group experienced fewer side effects, such as somnolence (50% vs. 82.5%) and no amnesia, demonstrating comparable efficacy with a better safety profile for acute anxiety. - **Skin health:** Extracts rich in piceatannol, particularly from passion fruit seeds, have shown in vitro potential to inhibit melanogenesis (pigment production) and promote collagen synthesis. These properties suggest possible applications in cosmetic formulations for skin brightening and anti-aging.
How it works
Maracuja extract exerts its effects through several mechanisms. Its rich polyphenol content contributes to significant antioxidant activity, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are underlying factors in conditions like diabetes and cancer. In cancer cells, specific compounds in the peel induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle. The anxiolytic effects, primarily observed with *Passiflora incarnata*, are believed to be mediated by modulating GABAergic neurotransmission, similar to benzodiazepines, but with a more favorable side effect profile. For skin health, piceatannol inhibits melanogenesis by interfering with tyrosinase activity and promotes collagen synthesis. While flavonoids and piceatannol have moderate oral bioavailability, further pharmacokinetic studies are needed to fully understand their absorption and distribution in the body.
Side effects
Maracuja extracts are generally considered safe, with mild side effects reported primarily in clinical use of *Passiflora incarnata*. The most commonly reported side effect is somnolence, observed in about 50% of participants in clinical trials, but notably, no amnesia or severe adverse events have been reported. While no significant drug interactions or contraindications are well-documented for *Passiflora edulis*, caution is advised when combining any *Passiflora* extract with central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as sedatives, alcohol, or anxiolytics, due to the potential for additive sedative effects. Preclinical studies have not indicated toxicity at typical doses; however, comprehensive human safety data for *Passiflora edulis* specifically are limited, and long-term safety profiles are not yet fully established. Individuals with known allergies to passion fruit or related plants should avoid its use.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosing for *Passiflora edulis* maracuja extract in humans, as most human clinical research on anxiolytic effects has focused on *Passiflora incarnata*. For anxiolytic purposes, a clinical study used 260 mg of oral *Passiflora incarnata* extract administered 30 minutes before a procedure. For *Passiflora edulis*, preclinical studies utilize variable doses, and optimal dosing for anti-diabetic or anti-cancer effects in humans has not been established. The timing and specific formulation (e.g., seed, peel, or whole fruit extract) are crucial, as they influence the concentration of bioactive compounds. For instance, seed extracts rich in piceatannol may be preferred for skin health applications. Due to the lack of human clinical data for *Passiflora edulis*, it is difficult to specify upper limits or safety thresholds, and caution is advised.
FAQs
Is maracuja extract effective for anxiety?
Evidence from *Passiflora incarnata*, a related species, suggests anxiolytic effects comparable to midazolam, a prescription sedative, but with fewer side effects like amnesia and severe somnolence. Clinical data for *Passiflora edulis* specifically for anxiety is limited.
Is maracuja extract safe?
Generally, *Passiflora* extracts are well tolerated. Mild somnolence is the most common side effect reported in clinical trials, but no serious adverse effects have been observed. Caution is advised when combining with other CNS depressants.
Does maracuja extract help with diabetes or cancer?
Preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) show promising anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effects for *Passiflora edulis* extracts. However, these findings have not yet been confirmed in human clinical trials, so more research is needed.
How long does it take to see effects from maracuja extract?
Anxiolytic effects, as observed with *Passiflora incarnata*, can be acute, appearing within 30 minutes of administration. For other potential benefits like anti-diabetic or skin health effects, longer-term and consistent use would likely be required, but specific timelines are not established.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11187344/ – This review summarizes preclinical studies on passion fruit peel and seed extracts, highlighting their anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties. It details mechanisms such as apoptosis induction and glucose regulation, emphasizing the need for human clinical trials to validate these findings.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7766837/ – This randomized controlled trial compared *Passiflora incarnata* extract (260 mg) with midazolam for anxiety reduction in dental surgery patients. It found that *Passiflora incarnata* was similarly effective in reducing anxiety but caused significantly less somnolence and no amnesia, demonstrating a favorable safety profile.
- https://jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/2773 – This experimental in vitro study investigated passion fruit seed extract, rich in piceatannol, for its effects on skin health. It found that the extract inhibited melanogenesis and promoted collagen synthesis, suggesting potential cosmetic applications for skin brightening and anti-aging.